TITLE: "PICKING UP THE PIECES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: None.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "COLLATERAL DAMAGE".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "In the aftermath of events on Cheverell, the

Captain and crew start to pick up the pieces realising pretty

damn quick that not all of them fit."

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.

"PICKING UP THE PIECES"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Monty was concerned. Mal didn't look so good and as for the Preacher, what in nine hells was going on there? Zoe looked ready to take the man apart. Him being unconscious was probably the only thing staying her hand. He had known Zoe a long time but never had he see her this *fafeng* before. Made a man shudder to see that look in her eyes and all manner of grateful he wasn't the one in her sights. Right now Jayne Cobb was trying to shield the fallen man as much as possible without making things worse. Old Man Ellis took a seat next to Serenity's Captain. They had met up in a clearing big enough for the Firefly to land and while they waited for Wash to bring her down he had a word or two he needed to get off his chest.

"You Kaylee's Cap'n?"

Despite the pain Mal cracked his eyes open enough to look Ellis in the eye. He fought to speak without throwing up. "*Qu*, but you already know that."

Ellis nodded slowly, choosing his words with care while appearing all casual-like, "Never seen a girl more in tune with workin's in my life. Has a rare gift."

The Captain said nothing. Sometimes you just had to wait a man out.

"Not sure I like the way trouble seems to follow ya around, Cap'n Reynolds." He pause