TITLE: "THE HOLLOW MAN"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "MEAN OLD MEN"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Serenity's crew watch the Captain leave with Monty.

Hours later Zoe carefully outlines her plan to the crew."

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.

"THE HOLLOW MAN"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Wash had to admit he didn't think she'd be able do it. Watching the Captain leave with Monty had been more stressful than he could have imagined. Seeing his dearly beloved all tied up in knots didn't help a good gorram either but the expected confrontation never materialised. Zoe had just stared, silent and stoic, as the Captain made his decision. Kaylee cried quietly while Simon comforted her with an arm around her waist. Shepherd Book told them to take care and not to assume that just because Shadow was a wasteland that no one was watching. Jayne seemed more irritated than upset but did not offer to go with them, not that it looked as if the Captain would have taken him up on it anyway. Inara watched in silence, her eyes flicking over to where Sarah stood next to Mrs Frye.

It was a solemn little leave taking. The others watched as Monty and Mal carried Ty onto the Kingfisher. Zack hovering by the ship's ramp as if anxious to be lifting off. Whether to get it over with or because he itched to be back in the Black no one was sure. Frank hesitated then approached the ramp as Zack was about to close up for lift off. The pilot raised a questioning brow but something in Frank's expression must have stayed his hand. The pilot leant back into the ship and yelled something.