TITLE: "UNFORSEEN"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "PERCEPTIONS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://unilelu.net/Alison/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "The crew are alarmed to realise they don't

know Book at all. Jayne goes in search of the others and

Inara strikes a bargain with Senator Lang."

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.

"UNFORSEEN"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

A stunned silence greeted the Shepherd's words. Book felt a smile sneak across his face as if it was privy to things the rest of his body didn't know. The Captain's eyes narrowed, the panther moving closer to him. The bulk and warmth of her a reassuring presence even though all Mal's focus was on the man he had hitherto considered a good friend.

"I'm thinkin' you have some explainin' to do."

A disingenuous smile flickered then went out like a blown candle. The Book that faced them now was one they did not recognise. "I will explain in my own time, Captain Reynolds."

A finger of ice slid down the Captain's back making him shudder. The cat growled long and low in the back of her throat, picking up on his unease. "Consider it a partin' gift, Shepherd, or whatever the good gorram you are."

That amused the man. "Very well." Book stroked the back of the scorpion. Everyone watched in mute fascination as the stinger lifted to allow him access, the poisoned point poised like a dagger. "You were wonderin' how that tracker got inside your ear, Captain."

No one dared breathe for fear Book would stop talking. Mal nodded.

Book paused and stopped stroking the scorpion. "Perhaps," He said mildly, his gaze locked on the Captain's. "It would b