TITLE: "MANIPULATION"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Simon. Book. Mal/Inara.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "HEALING"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Simon knows something is happening but not

what. Mal and Inara get closer while Shepherd Book is content

to bide his time."

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.

"MANIPULATION"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Simon could not explain it even to himself. For the third time in as many minutes he noticed his sister and the Captain exchanging a brief meaningful look across the breakfast table. Nothing long and lingering, just quick almost furtive. As if they were engaging in some non verbal communication that he would never be privy to. That in itself alarmed him more than he could put into words. He took to watching more closely hoping to pick up clues. Noticed River would glance at the Captain a certain way and when she did, no matter what he was doing, who he was talking to, the man would cast a look her way and their eyes would meet for the briefest moment. It made his skin crawl, a deep gutteral fear building inside him that he could not explain. Book noticed the young man was tense but said nothing.

When the meal was over the crew broke up but Simon lingered, wanting to have a word with his sister but thwarted by Kaylee grabbing the girl's hand and tugging her. The loud clatter as they darted out of the commons area left a dull echo inside him. With a start he realised only he and Book were left. Before he could excuse himself and follow the Shepherd spoke. "Couldn't help noticin' you seem a mite jumpy."

"Um, yes, no. I mean..."

"Something on you