TITLE: "HOMING INSTINCT"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "SECRETS AND LIES"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "While Regan Tam discovers some disturbing

news, Kaylee and Wash fret. Gabriel Tam runs out of patience

and River forces Simon into making an unhappy decision."

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.

"REVELATIONS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Regan Tam was still a handsome woman. Regal in a kind of old fashioned Imperial way that spoke of inherited money and good genes not piracy and political finagaling. No, she was bred for this. Serenity's crew were not. Yet even through the stunned shock upon her face, Zoe could see the calculation set in. Jayne wanted to barge in guns blazing but Zoe and the Shepherd kept his enthusiasm in check. Both knowing that it was best to walk soft until you got the lay of the land before wasting your fire. Mrs Tam blinked slowly, an action that Inara admired knowing that its' purpose was two-fold. Firstly it was intended to project an air of calm and control, secondly to allow her time to organise her thoughts. "*Shenme*? My husband isn't here."

Before Zoe could push passed her Book intervened. Trying to keep things civilised. "Forgive our unseemly impatience, Mrs Tam, but we believe time is of the essence."

She frowned not noticing how her bruised face caught the light as she turned away from Zoe to look at the Preacher. "Perhaps you should explain yourselves before I summon the authorities."

Oh, she was good, thought Inara. Poise as well as control. Shepherd Book folded his hands in front of him. "It concerns you