TITLE: "HIDDEN"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "PUZZLE PIECES"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Book makes a decision while Inara tries to avoid

one. Malcolm and Davy have an intensive heart to heart the

outcome of which will have a profound effect on them all."

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.

"HIDDEN"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Inara Serra kept her thoughts shuttered long after Book had gone. Knew her own role in this was far from over and was disturbed by the way in which she had interpreted what should have been a straightforward mission. She could fool the Shepherd but it would be a different thing entirely when the time came to face the Inner Council. Time to send a wave and face the music but first she needed to buy a little time. Diamond Harry kept watch outside her rented rooms while she considered her options. She was strangely fond of the ugly squat man knowing he would die for her and thank her for the privilege. It was an odd relationship. Usually sacrifice did not affect her. Suffering was always someone else's weakness coming back to haunt them. As her guide had once instructed her, 'Compassion is something a Companion must learn to project as naturally as breathing but something they cannot afford to feel." The core of her credo was artifice. The centre of her 'verse the biggest lie of all.

Why now, after all these years did that knowledge affect her? Why had she compromised the tenants of her training? She knew even when she pretended to herself that she did not. Deep in that dark hidden place where the real Inara Serra lurked in the shadows. Afraid of