Margaret receives a letter from Mr Bell that throws her into despair. She is forced make a choice that wasn't meant to be hers, but the consequences are not hers alone to deal with.

This is NOT AU. This is a story about what SHOULD be happening on General Hospital following the conclusion of several stories. It picks up after Oscar's death, the conclusion of the cult storyline and Jonah's return to Michael. Drew's memory recovery, a messy Carly/Sonny/Margeux triangle, a mob story, Jason & Sam's relationship issues. THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS GUYS!

Before the Unification War tore the 'Verse apart, it first pulled two people together. 19-year-old Malcolm Reynolds, aspiring Independent fighter, and Inara Serra, 20, Companion-in-training. Fate binds them to each other. Duty divides them. And by the time they realize what's worth fighting for, it might be too late to save it. Pre-series AU, Mal/Inara.

A continuation of North and South Book by Elizabeth Gaskell picking up in the back parlor after the agreement between Margaret and John. Lots of fluff and smut mixed with historical probability and accuracy (as best as possible).