TITLE: "BLAME"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "THE LEAVING"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Kaylee cannot come to terms with Simon and

River leaving Serenity. Meanwhile the siblings are taking a

very different journey."

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.

"BLAME"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Kaylee was so upset she couldn't put into words how she was feeling. Seeing Simon walk away like that was more than she could bear. And saying goodbye to River, her best friend, had torn another great chunk out of a heart already grieving. Everyone had tried to talk the siblings out of leaving. At least everyone except the Captain. Her eyes narrowed. 'Course she knew him and Simon had some private talk before the final decision was made. Figured it had been one push too many and that just raised her dander to a whole new level of not happy.

The ship was quieter these days as if it too was in mourning although nobody had died. That might change if her temper grew any worse. Everyone steered clear of the mechanic's fuge, the rarity of it not lost on them. The only one who seemed happy was Jayne though even that was muted some. Meal times were strained affairs with folk eating by rote, pretty much all of them annoyed with the Captain figuring that somehow this had to be his fault. As for the Captain he ate without speaking, took his leave and let the empty silence hang behind him like a silent accusation.

When Kaylee could stand it no more she sought him out. Found the Captain in his bunk sitting at that desk of his with paperwork in front of him. Stomping down