TITLE: "NOT ASKING"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "THE HAND THAT FEEDS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Simon and River lay low. Serenity's crew find

themselves having to make a run for it while the Captain has

to accept something he hates."

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.

"NOT ASKING"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It was the flowers that captivated her most. Their vibrant dancing colours making her feet tap eager to dance. Simon glanced at his sister and smiled, his look indulgent. River's mind was a jumble but the slow slide into madness had brakes on it now, the journey still moving through uncharted territory but no longer a head-long crash into insanity. Always supposing that the real world was sane.

"I knew you'd like it here, *mei mei*."

"The flowers." Her smile broadened. She spun herself round like cotton candy, her thin dress a whirl blending the colours of the fabric with the landscape. "They paint me 'til I'm dizzy, Simon."

An old women stepped out onto a sun drenched porch. Her weathered face turned towards them, her old rheumy eyes missing little. Where sight faltered instinct filled in the gaps. She knew they were in trouble. Hiding. But no clue in the 'verse to say from what and neither Simon nor River were talking. What they did say seemed like harmless gibberish. The woman thought River was touched, even felt a brush of sorrow for her. Sad that one so young could be so ruined. The work in progress spoilt before the greater work could begin. How fortunate that they had come here to Ruth Carlisle's homestead. Whatever t