TITLE: "REBELLION"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "CHAMELEON".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "With everything falling neatly into place Inara flirts

briefly with second thoughts. River tries to warn Mal as he gets

caught up in the preparations for war."

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.

"REBELLION"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Inara Serra could not manipulate or access the Captain's mind. In fact she could get nowhere near it. The light brushes she had managed when they were both on Serenity were as distant now as any dream. Or nightmare. At times she thought she detected something but it was so illusive and ephemeral that it defied description. Not that it mattered. She had Davy and wherever Davy went his protective brother was sure to follow. On some level she was impressed that Mal was able to block her so efficiently but some instinct sensed it was not something he realised he was doing. Thinking about how that was even possible was a distraction she could not afford to dwell on. Her sensors were blinking, confirming the craft approaching on an intercept vector. She resisted the temptation to run. Even now after all the years she had spent in service to the cause they still made her feel uncomfortable. Vulnerable. Exposed to the dark side of their nature. Wondering just how she had reached that point of no return.

Pushing down an instinctive feeling of repugnance she calmed herself down and embraced the training instilled in her. By the time the ship reached her she was ready, the sleek Alliance vessel in direct contrast to their huge Capital Ships. She d