TITLE: "DO NO HARM"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: River. Mal. The whole gorram crew.

RATING: PG-13. 2/3

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "SAFE AND SOUND"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Mal wonders what he is going to do about

River. As they get closer to Argon, Inara tries to remember

why the place sounds so familiar."

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.

"DO NO HARM"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

By the time they got to Argon the Captain had given up on trying to keep River out of his bunk. Truth to tell she was no real nuisance which had surprised him. All she did was go to sleep. That she only seemed to settle if he was there was something he did not want to think too hard about. Oddly enough the nights she appeared he slept without nightmares. Maybe it was just knowing someone else was there? Didn't have to mean no more than that. He had also convinced her to wear pajamas. Amused she had readily acquiessed if it meant he would not send her away.

Now they were within hours of Argon. The ship was a bustle of activity. Captain Reynolds checked with Wash. Four hours. He stepped off the bridge and out on to the catwalk to find Inara Serra waiting for him. "What can I do for you, Inara?"

She looked worried. He frowned. "Argon. I thought the name of planet sounded familiar."

Zoe stepped up behind Mal and listened. Inara seemed to be choosing her next words with care. "You mustn't go there, Mal."

The Captain was so surprised it took him a moment to form words. "Care to explain, Inara? We're just shy of landin' and we took half pay up front."

She nodded. "I know Mal and I'm sorry it took so long for me to remem