TITLE: "HOMEWARD BOUND"

CHAPTER: 41. Sequel to "NEITHER HEAVEN NOR HELL"

SERIES: HANDFUL OF STARS Series

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Simon/Kaylee Mal/Inara

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "Mal is surprised to find himself face to face

with the last person he expected to see. Zoe is reunited

with the crew but mad as hell at Marcus for losing 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.

"HOMEWARD BOUND"

A "Firefly" Story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Where're we goin'?"

"You'll find out, all in good time."

Mal glanced across at his companion. "You got nothin' to say, doc?"

He got an odd look back but the man quickly recovered his equillibrium. "It doesn't look as if they're goin' to kill us."

"An' you know this how?"

"We haven't been shot yet."

"Good to know."

"An' I don't see anyone buildin' a gallows for us."

The Captain tried to hide a shudder. Didn't need images like that in his brain pan.

"And," his companion added with some satisfaction "they did let you take a shower for which I reckon to be eternally grateful."

"Fancy yourself some kind'a funny man, *dui*?"

He got a little smile back. "No, Cap'n, just happy to be alive an' in one piece."

Mal couldn't really argue with that though bits of his anatomy were complaining loudly at his treatment at the hands of those *tamade hundan* scientists at Blue Sun. Might only be aches and bruises but they still caused some pain and discomfort not helped by the almighty headache raging behind his eyes. He thought of mentioning it to Dr Mathias then again the man didn't have any of his medical supplies with him so he held his peace. Time enough to see about getting some relief if he ever got out of this pile of *goushi* and back to Serenity. Serenity, now t