TITLE: "ENOUGH ROPE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "THE PROMISE".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Unbeknownst to the Captain and Preacher they

are being watched. Book wants to make up for the past but

it is not that easy."

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.

" ENOUGH ROPE"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

The monitor showed everything in perfect focus. Only the sound was inefficient. They watched in silence, the two as alike as the symetry of their sombre dress would allow. The first, Mr Brown, folded his hands demurely in front of him. The blue gloves as much a statement of who he was as a warning of what he was capable of. His partner, Mr Rogers, stood next to him. Not a flicker of emotion between them. They watched the drama slowly unfolding and made no comment until they arrived at the part where an escape was obviously about to be dared. The very audacity of it seemed inconceivable. "We should alert the guards."

Mr Brown disagreed and calmly disabled the internal alarm so that it would sound in no other room. Only the flicker of a console light showed it had been activated at all. His dispassionate voice could have been discussing the weather. "No."

"Our observer lied to us."

"Yes."

Silence. Thoughtful disparity passed between them as they vied for consensus on how to handle the deviation. "We should kill him."

"It would be theraputic for the others."

"A lesson given..."

"So that others can learn."

A pause. "But not yet."

Solemn slow consideration was being given to the opportunity facing them. "If we let him go..."

"They will not susp