TITLE: "INSIDE OUT"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "SYMBOLS AND CYPHERS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The crew is left relying on the animals to help

them get out. Meanwhile the Alliance has sent another crack

team of Red Division troops to eliminate the problem of their

infiltration once and for all not knowing that some unlikely

heroes are on their way."

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.

"INSIDE OUT"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

The Special Envoy waited as the connection went through, watching in silent assessment as the familiar face appeared on his cortex screen. "It is done?"

Sir Warwick Harrow nodded. "Yes."

"You trust your contact - these people?"

The Lord's eyes narrowed, his look intent missing nothing. "They are loyal if that's your meaning though I am curious. You could have handled this matter yourself, Imran."

"*Bu qu*, old friend. I am watched too closely, my movements recorded with every step."

Sir Warwick raised his brows slowly, allowing his surprise to sink in.

"No, this way is better." Imran's voice softened. "Safer."

The rest of the conversation was little more than small talk, a smokescreen for the meat of the exchange. When the connection was severed and the screen darkened Sir Warwick's brows knitted in concerned contemplation. "What trouble have you brought down upon your head, Inara?" He murmured, his gaze staring off unseeing into space.

* * * * *

"Empathy?" Wash repeated, looking at River.

The girl nodded then shook her head as the pilot turned to stare hard at the panther pacing beside