TITLE: "A STEP INTO A WIDER 'VERSE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: G.

STATUS: First in the RETRIBUTION SERIES.

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "With coin in their pockets from the last job

the crew are determined to make the best of their stopover

on New Tokyo. A new face brings a mix of conflicting emotions

and the sense that something unpleasant is waiting in the wings."

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.

"A STEP INTO A WIDER 'VERSE"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

New Tokyo was a generous mix of the very old and the very new, like many of the terraformed worlds it had no identity of its' own. The conglomeration of cultures and periods meshed into something beyond cosmopolitan but with enough mutual points of reference to be familiar to the wide mix of races calling the place home. Kaylee was so excited she could barely speak coherently. Smiling, Inara informed her friend that one of the many things New Tokyo was famous for was its' markets. Kaylee's eyes widened even further, a fever of excitement barely contained behind eyes that shone.

"I hear they got everythin' ya can think of, 'Nara. If ya can't buy it in New Tokyo it don't exist!"

Inara continued brushing Kaylee's hair for a moment or two. "That may be something of an exaggeration, *mei mei*, but I don't think you'll be disappointed."

The girl was bouncing so much that Inara had to stop brushing. "We won't be landing for another hour, Kaylee. I thought you wanted to look your best for Simon?" She teased.

"*Duibuqi*, 'Nara, just I get so excited seein' new places, meetin' new folk an' all."

"Did the Captain sa