TITLE: "LOCKDOWN"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "MACHINATIONS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Jayne recovers, Leylani seeks help. As River

reveals why they are there what looks like a way out begins

to resemble a tomb."

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.

"LOCKDOWN"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

For a moment or two Inara was simply stunned. She turned to Senator Lang for some kind of explanation. "*Wo bu dong*, did they win?"

The Senator was tempted to laugh but really, it wasn't funny. "No."

Inara frowned slightly, knew that amidst all the carnage of the battle it hardly looked like a victory. But still. "They're still standing."

"Do not be so proud of that fact, my dear. Remember where they are."

"What are you saying?"

Senator Lang turned his attention back to the screen, watching as the doctor knelt beside Jayne's unmoving body. The subdued aftermath seeming to extend beyond the survivors. "They're trapped. There is no way off for them."

A daring possibility impinged on Inara's consciousness. "Unless we give them one."

The Senator stared at her, really stared. Then threw back his head and laughed. "Oh you really are priceless, my dear!" He paused to wipe at his eyes though Inara knew there was no moisture there. It was nothing but cheap theatre. "Do you not yet understand? They are being played with."

She blinked. Her heart sinking and overcome with disgust. "*Weishenme*? What possible threat could they be?"

"*Weishenme bu*?" The Senator pointed at the screen but continued to look at Inara. "This crew of misfits has b