TITLE: "DAMAGED GOODS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "SUSPICIONS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://carlajane.50megs.com/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "Serenity rejoins the Crazy Goose. River tells everybody what happened and they contemplate what they are going to do with

the people they have saved."

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.

"DAMAGED GOODS"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Nobody knew quite what to make of Inara's assertion but it was plain to see that her words had hurt Michael Tollan albeit he had readily forgiven her. Grief bound him like a cloak. Simon looked at the Companion, worried for her state of mind. What had she been thinking? True, an overdose of medication could have hastened Thomas McCardy's end but it would be impossible to prove. So why had the normally sensible and level headed woman opted for the least likely scenario and accused the one person on the ship who had nothing to gain from the man's death? It made no sense.

Now that everything was calming down again he felt his concern for his sister mounting. Jayne was cleaning and sharpening his knife while everyone else was trying to relax and wait without making it obvious they were incapable of either. Rafe Connor turned his head and found himself looking into the doctor's clear bright eyes. "We should have heard something by now."

Simon did not know what to tell him. Hearing the rancher voice his own thoughts was disconcerting. Just as he opened his mouth to speak the com interrupted him. Wash's voice sounded excited, happy and relieved all in one. "We have just had communication from Serenity. They will be docking a little und