TITLE: "THE LONGEST JOURNEY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Mal/Sarah.

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "NO WAY BACK"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The news about the baby upsets everybody and

Mal becomes frantic looking for Sarah. Zoe picks up on something

Simon lets slip and goes on a hunt of her own."

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 LONGEST JOURNEY"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Frank Reynolds hardly felt a twinge at all in his shoulder. The wound had healed and the effects of the virus were completely gone thanks to Serenity's shiny young doctor. Despite his own feelings of guilt and loss he had much to be grateful for and he wanted to thank Simon while there was still time. When Monty left he planned on going with him, not wanting to make things any more strained between himself and Mal than could be avoided. Stepping into the infirmary in the early hours of the morning before the rest of the ship was astir he was stunned to see the Captain sitting with his head bowed in grief. Simon turned from a counter to see who it was, River stepping away from the Captain without looking behind her. She knew who it was, didn't have to turn round. Feeling River's eyes on him the Captain looked up and in doing so caught sight of his uncle. His eyes were bleak hollowed out pits of dispair. So full of empty it was painful for Frank to meet his gaze.

Alarmed, Frank Reynolds hurried forward. "Mal, what the good gorram's wrong?"

The Captain couldn't speak, too numb with emotion. Frank was even more concerned up close because he had seldom seen Mal cry yet now here he was with tears streaming down his face. More