TITLE: "THE LEAVING"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: FIRST in the GENIUS SERIES.

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Simon decides it is time for himself and River

to make a new life. One without the thieving, shooting and

flying under Alliance radar."

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 LEAVING"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

He knew the day would come, they all did. The day when Simon would find a place he considered safer than Serenity for him and his sister. The Captain had never figured it would be this hard to simply let go. Not that he was holding on exactly. Just Simon and River had been with them so long. Crew now. Family even. Not that he would ever tell the doc that. Some things a man had a mind to keep private and he was not one for baring his gorram soul.

Simon made a point of saying goodbye to everyone individually not wanting some big showy send off with everyone staring at him and River as they stood waiting to disembark on Serenity's ramp though it hadn't quite worked out that way. He had wanted to avoid emotional displays as much as the discomfort and sadness that would surely follow. Kaylee had been predictably very tearful but eventually accepted that this was a decision they had to let the siblings make though part of her would never understand how anyone could possibly want to be anywhere but on Serenity. Zoe had been calm, accepting but sad. Wash had wanted to know if Simon was sure this was what he really wanted then had wished them both well. Inara had understood and hugged first Simon then River close, the words whispered as if that co