TITLE: "ILLUMINATION"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "THE LOST ONES"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The crew go back for Mal and River. Badger

gets more than he bargained for. Simon discovers something

disturbing."

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.

"ILLUMINATION"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Everyone was on the bridge when Wash brought Serenity in to land as close to St. Thomas's as possible, the palpable tension in Simon leaving each of them on edge. Jayne still thought it was a bad idea but as everyone was ignoring him he watched and listened in sullen silence, purposely avoiding looking at the Preacher. Not wanting to see any hint of censure in the man's eyes. Book was the closest thing Jayne had to an actual friend. Almost a father confessor though he never completely opened up to the man. Always held something back as if giving himself an escape route should it all get too messy. Never was much of a one for discussing feelings or motivations. He left all that kind of introspection to them as didn't have jobs to do. It was weird the way things had snuck up on him. Hadn't meant to stay so rutting long. It was all their *shenjingbing* Captain's fault. If the man hadn't impressed him so much with the way he had handled the attempt to riddle him and his second with bullets and steal their boat he would not have gone along with him. Wouldn't be standing here now staring out at a place he in no way wanted to return to but couldn't seem to leave.

No one seemed to notice the mercenary's lapse into deep thinking, all of them too taken up with formulatin