TITLE: "MAKE AND MEND"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: G.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "VISIONS OF HELL"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Inara heads back to Serenity. The crew has

more than a fire to put out. When Inara returns she faces

a further shock and a revelation."

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.

"MAKE AND MEND"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Inara Serra had never felt so weary, so full of pain. But pride was a wonderful thing, it gave you strength where you had none. Propped you up when there was nothing to hold on to. Drove sagging limbs onwards when all you wanted to do was find a hole to crawl into and curl up and die. Pride. Oh yes. They say it came before a fall, well that was alright so long as she did not fall until she got on board her shuttle. Once off Paul's estate and bound for Serenity let the Black take her. She just wanted to be home. To be free. Not once did she consider that the price she had paid might not be worth the paying.

* * * * *

The lanky man unwound graceless limbs from his hiding place and straightened behind the tree. He kicked Briny in the ankle getting an angry growl and a glare back.

"What the gorram was that for?"

"Have to stay sharp."

"Like I'd forget. Kick me again and you better have a gun drawn."

Ricky stared at him, more frustrated than angry. "Hey, don't go all prima-donna on me, *dong ma*? We got a job to do and I ain't likin' this either. Specially with that *hundan* hanging around her everywhere she goes. Can't get near enough to grab her."

"Then we grab 'em both."

He stared at Briny as if the man had lost his se