TITLE: "GODS AND MONSTERS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Kaylee/Simon. Inara/Mal.

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "CUTTING THE STRINGS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Serenity and her crew take a well earned break

as they lay low. Meanwhile an increasingly malevolent Gabriel

Tam becomes more and more unglued."

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.

"GODS AND MONSTERS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Groggy and all manner of pained, it took him a long time to realise just where he was and what the good gorram had happened. Memories fractured from the bits of his mind trying so chaotically to make sense of the fireworks going off behind his rutting eyes and the little sparks of agony playing chicken with his synapses. Gorrammit, what in the nine hells had happened? Had he hugged a landmine or what? Drifting off he was unaware of River Tam leaning over him looking intently into his battered and bruised face. Simon was scrubbing his hands clean, his instruments carefully put in the drum for cleaning and sterilisation. The surgery had gone well and the round of transfusions were finally stabilising his most frequent customer.

"Harsh and bitter on the outside. Sweet and full of care on the inside."

Simon frowned, finished drying off his hands and stepped up beside his sister. A frown forming on his face as he noticed her comments appeared to be aimed at the unconscious Captain. "Are you sure you're talking about the Captain? Because I'm pretty sure he's harsh and bitter all the way through."

His sister did not look at him but her thoughtful expression appeared to sadden. "He was a Prince among men now he's a foun