TITLE: "GILDED CAGE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"/"ENTERPRISE"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "FAITH".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The crews of Enterprise and Serenity finally

meet. Something that is lost is found. But at a cost."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

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

'Enterprise' and its' characters are the property of 'Paramount'.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"GILDED CAGE"

A "Firefly"/"Enterprise" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

ENTERPRISE

Captain Archer could hear the plaintive tones of Commander Trip Tucker arguing with Dr Phlox. It brought a smile to his lips as he approached sickbay. The heated exchange paused as both men turned to see who had entered the infirmary. Commander Tucker was sitting on a biobed, his face flushed from yelling. The bruises on his face muted. Dr Phlox finishing up treating the injury to the side of his head that he himself had inadvertently caused. The Captain saw the funny side of it but decided to put on his diplomatic hat and keep the grin on the inside.

"Commander. Dr Phlox. How's he doing?"

"Fortunately it was only a hairline fracture Captain and I have managed to reduce the contusion considerably. I recommend the Commander remains in sickbay for the next 24 hours under observation. If no other symptoms occur I will be ready to release him back to active duty."

"Captain, I feel fine! There's no way bein' couped up in this menagerie of the doc's - no offense doc - is gonna make me feel any better. In fact I'll just feel worse and ya know how cranky I get when that happens."

"I agree."

Surprised, both men stared at him for a moment. Seeing the doctor about to launch into lecture mode