Least Said, Soonest Ended by inalasahl (PG-13)

[lyr]

Fandom: FIREFLY
Pairing: Gen
Length: 5,158 words
Author on LJ: inalasahl
Author's website: Troublesome Little Nook
Why this must be read: This is set in that fraught, little-documented time between the end of the series and the BDM when many important things happened that we never actually saw. Inara leaving must have quite an event, emotionally and narratively speaking, though canon didn't give it to us --- but inalasahl really does. And it's a thing of complication and pain and necessity, just as it should be. Inara is well-rendered here in all her ambivalence and strength and self-respect; I feel that I know and love her better for having read this story. Added to that, there's exciting plot, good 'verse-voices and dialogue, strong character moments for Simon and Mal, and nicely textured detail-work.

Mal cleared his throat. "Wash figures we'll be touching down on Persephone right on schedule tomorrow. Kaylee, I want you and Wash to check around for good deals on spare parts. Zoe, you and Jayne take Badger his cut."

"You're not coming, sir?"

Mal looked hard into his plate. "I've got to stay here, got someone interested in renting out Inara's shuttle."

Inara dropped her cup. Tea splashed across the table.

Zoe stood up. "Wash, why don't you and I finish dinner in our bunk?"

Least Said, Soonest Ended