TITLE: "BLOOD OF INNOCENTS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "THE HOLLOW MAN"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The Captain falls into a coma. Simon is torn

between shock and horror when he realises the truth. Before

he has an opportunity to warn the others things get even worse."

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.

"BLOOD OF INNOCENTS"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

At first Simon thought it must be his imagination but once he had started to watch Frank Reynolds he began to suspect all was not as it should be. Kaylee noticed he was distracted and called him on it. "Simon? *Shenme shi*?"

He tore his gaze away from the man leaning against the woodpile, not sure exactly what it was about him that rang alarm bells. "*Wo bu zhidao."

Kaylee noticed where he was looking and began to frown. "I can tell when somethin's wrong, Simon."

He gave her a little smile and dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. "It's probably nothin', *bao bei*."

"Instinct has more roots in truth than the mask we wear for appearances."

Both of them turned to look at River, neither having heard her approach on her bare feet. Still cool at least it was warmer than it had been. No snow, ice or frost just a lingering coolness to the air as if turning from Winter to Spring. They could almost smell the new season turning, her sombre colours lifting the stringy clouds of grey. A watery sun shining through.

"Pain is more than skin deep, Simon."

Simon blinked at his sister. "What do you mean, *mei mei*?"

She tilted her head at him as if he were a specimen under glass. But one w