This is good. I've never thought about the effects of Niksa on Mal - but of course they're there - one can't be tortured and killed and rescued like that without being, you know, rattled. Another thing to think about when I watch!

I like explorations of things like that. It's like how it seriously irritates me when fics set after the film are just like, so, life goes on as normal, and I'm like, hmm, I don't think so.

What do you personally think Mal is trying to prove to Inara here?

I really enjoy Zoe's pov. and you do it so freakin well!

So... Once I looked it up and remembered the details, I understood this fic much better. Good!

Good use of dialect and voice here for Zoe, she does indeed know Mal better than anyone else on the ship and I think this is a good representation of how she would see things after the Niska incident in War Stories/right before the Saffron incident in Trash. I love Mal and Zoe friendship stories because I think the bond between best friends is one that our society overlooks and that isn't right because it is just as valid and important as other bonds.

Riona

This is great. I love the way you've linked together these aspects of canon (Niska being the cause of Mal not looking for serious work) and the reflections of Mal after his torture. I hadn't stopped to think about the longer term effects that may have had on him. I also love the idea of Zoe being the only one to notice 'the old twitchiness'.

I can't get enough of your Firefly stories (or you other ones, for that matter) and this one doesn't disappoint! You are definitely into the heads of the characters and you know how to make them speak. Bravo!

I'll catch up on your other stories soon... honest, I will!

Excellent. :D As usual - short, but awesome. You always manage to capture the perfect characterization in so few words! Awesome job - you nailed Zoe's voice.

~Red