TITLE: "COLLECTING THE PIECES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "OPEN WOUNDS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "When Mal and Monty return to Shadow they

find the last thing either of them expect."

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.

"COLLECTING THE PIECES"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It felt strange landing back on that hell-hole of a planet again. A place that had once been home, so full of good and happy things it almost felt sinful for anything to be that gorram perfect. Now all he saw was the externalised wasteland of his own heart. Hopes and dreams ripped right out of still beating flesh then stripped of everything that had once made life so rich and vibrant. The mess that was left devastating him with a grief that could not be put into words. Monty knew. Understood. His heart crying out with the injustice of it and synchronised in silent accord with the painful beat of Malcolm Reynold's own aching and beleagured heart.

Monty had wanted to tell Mal not to do it. Not to go but his friend meant too much to him for a lie to sit well between them. He couldn't do it to the man. Respected him too gorram much. The only good thing about going back was the heavy snowfall that now left the ugly scars hidden under a deep blanket of white. Perhaps his friend would change his mind? See the way the harsh clime had reclaimed the now ruined world and would let it rest in peace. But no. Whatever else Malcolm Reynolds was he was no coward.

"Don't know what ya hope to find, Mal." Monty ventured quietly.

The man in question showed no sign of having heard him, eyes st