TITLE: "TRUE THINGS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "RESPITE"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The Captain returns to Serenity and finds

himself face to face with a tormented Simon."

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.

"TRUE THINGS"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Simon Tam could not stop River's words from circling round and round inside his head. The litany coupling guilt with a myriad of emotions he had been trying hard not to confront let alone identify. It was typical of his sister that he would not be allowed to escape dealing with what had happened. The Captain had given no indication he suspected a thing but River had been adamant and her insistence had blackmailed the doctor into doing the last thing he wanted to do. Sometimes having a genius for a sister was a burden but not one he would exchange for anything in the 'verse. All he had to do was wait for the right moment.

Shepherd Book returned first, Wash fussing and restless as he watched Book secure the mule back in its' place in the cargo bay. Calmly the Preacher let the man babble and expend his anxiety while speaking in a soothing tone that slowly brought calm and order back to the pilot's frantic mind. Kaylee rustled up something to eat but Wash wanted to wait until the others got back so they could all eat together. River looked at Simon and he inwardly sighed. Kaylee poked the distracted doctor in the ribs. He glanced at her in surprise. "*Shenme*?"

Kaylee gave him a sharp look. "You alright?"

"*Qu*. I'll just be glad when everyone's back and we can take off."

Kaylee bit her