TITLE: "ANGELS AMONG US"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"/"ENTERPRISE"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "RESPITE".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Grief pushed to one side the two crews work

together to find a way back to the Delphic Expanse."

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.

"ANGELS AMONG US"

A "Firefly"/"Enterprise" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

The man's sparse frame seemed swallowed up by the whiteness of the sheet. Eyelids fluttering in a slowing dance as he fought to remain conscious. His breathing was shallow, his eyes fever bright but dullng even as Captain Reynolds hurried over to him. Simon looked on sadly but did not crowd them. At the foot of the bed Shepherd Book stood grim faced but silent. No one else was in Serenity's infirmary. Biv stirred when he heard Mal's voice. "What happened, Biv? You took sick?"

Biv looked more sorry than anything else. Reached out a trembling hand and was relieved when the Captain took it gently, wrapping his fingers around his. Simon quietly moved a chair next to the bed. Mal gave a nod of thanks and sat down, his eyes on the gaunt figure hanging on to him with such a weak grip it terrified him. "Not sick, *pengyou*, dying."

Alarm swallowed up his face. "*Shenme*? How can that be? You been eatin' right? Got no bullet holes in you or..." He could not continue. Did not want to think about all the cuts across his back or to speculate on what other things Atherton Wing might have done to this man over the nine years he had held him captive.

The man looked at him gently, squeezed his hand. Actuall