TITLE: "DEATH OR GLORY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "ENIGMA"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Zoe explains the facts of life to Wash. Inara bides her time. Malcolm decides to confront her. River tries to warn them but for once nobody is listening."

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.

"DEATH OR GLORY"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It was late. Zoe was more than tired, she was bone weary. Worn out. Not only had the past finally caught up with her but it was compressing the present into a box so tiny she could hardly stretch her limbs let alone breathe properly. Then there was Wash. What in the nine hells was she going to say to him? Sighing softly she stepped down into their bunk and turned only to be confronted by his tear stained face. One look told her that he knew. Gorrammit. He *knew*. "Wash? What is it, *bao bei*?"

"Don't you *bao bei* me you harlot!"

Shocked she stood rooted to the spot and stared at him.

"How could you?" He spat at her. Words so filled with pain that she flinched. "I trusted you, loved you more than life itself."

"Wash, it isn't what you think."

"Oh and what is it I think, *qizi*?"

"I should have told you but I didn't know how."

He tried but failed to fight back the tears, so crazy-mad and full of grief that he could hardly function. She touched his arm but he recoiled from her. Eyes flattening with betrayal and disgust. "Don't touch me."

"Listen to me, *xin gan*."

"*Weishenme*? So you can tell me more lies?"

"Not lies just the truth. *Qing*."

"Why? Why should I listen to you now, Zoe? Isn't breaking my hea