TITLE: "POSSUM"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: None.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "A CUNNING PLAN".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: None. All Firefly stories archived at Fireflyfans.net

SUMMARY: "The messenger finds Serenity gone. Monty

discovers that his friend did not abandon him and Simon pulls

out all the stops to undo what Petrie did to the Captain."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"POSSUM"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"I have to stay."

Simon shook his head. "River, I need to stop the Captain's heart."

"His body will be asleep but his mind will be awake."

"The Captain may actually die, River. He won't be sleeping."

The girl nodded to show she understood what her brother was saying, her eyes wide round pools too deep to fathom. Did Simon actually not think she knew the risk? "Body, yes. Brain takes minutes to die. He'll panic, Simon. No one able to hear him, reach him, manage the fear. Instinct - ancient, primodial and desperate will take over."

He tried a different tack. "We still don't know if this will work, *mei mei*."

"Have to try or he'll be lost forever."

Simon nodded reluctantly, she was right. To take no action at all would leave the Captain locked in his own body and powerless to stop whatever evil machinations his tormenter had planned for him. If they did not act, Malcolm Reynolds might never regain consciousness again. "You should still wait outside."

"Needs me, Simon. I will be his compass."

He looked to his right where Zoe stood like some silent sentinel, her back ramrod straight. "If we're gonna do this best we make a start."

"Right, *dang ran*."

The doctor scrubbed up then checked hi