Fateful Hours by Hawkmoth is a marvellous Mal and Book story which explores the concept of faith. Hawk shows excellent insight into Mal, and particularly the prickly relationship the captain has with the preacher, due to Mal's relationship with Book's "boss." Chock full of plot (which, as we all know, makes everything better!) which I won't spoil here, excellent characterisation and dialogue, this just fits right in with the series.
In the Dark (Conclusions) by dirty diana wraps up this series which explores the tangled web of relationships--romantic and otherwise--aboard Serenity with a deft hand.
Ties That Bind by Harri Vane is a sweeping epic (and I do mean epic--it's almost as long as your average Stephen King novel!) of families. Harri paints a very detailed picture of Kaylee's family as well as Simon's, and the importance of being a part of a family--whether you were born into it, chose it, or it chose you.
Every Friday, a new challenge goes up at ff_friday, a livejournal community for posting 100-1000 word vignettes on that week's theme. Here are some of my favourites from the first batch of challenges...
The Player by Riotnerd is a fascinating look at a moment in Saffron's life which defines her.
Before He Had a Name by Hils is a lovely Book story full of charm and vivid images.
In Principle, In Practice by Bruce is a stunningly graceful look at how Inara handles the shades of grey in what she once believed was black and white.
Learning to Shoot by Puffgirl Two is just a perfect moment between Zoe and Simon set after "Objects In Space." The dialogue is excellent, and the whole tone of the piece is just tight and perfect.
Life Lessons by Trisana McGraw is a lovely flashback to Mal's youth on Shadow which shows exactly what kind of boy grows up into what kind of man Mal Reynolds is. His relationship with his mother is particularly touching.
Maybe by dafnap is a bittersweet Mal/Inara snippet that just nail's Mal's voice, and the complications of that particular coupling.
The Difference by scrunchy is a nifty keen look at the crew through Wash's eyes.
New Feelings by Trisana McGraw is a wonderful little Mal/Inara piece.
Perspective by Maystone is a wonderful juxtaposition on Simon and Mal's homes, both then and now, which does an excellent job of developing both characters in a very sMall space.
Never Home by igeria is a haunting look at what Inara's choices mean to her, and what she has lost.
Runaway by Harri Vane is a chilling little look at the Blue Hand Group's hold on River.
