TITLE: "DESPERATE TIMES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Z/W. S/K.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "HEROES AND VILLAINS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The Captain tries to track down his missing

crew. Zoe and Wash discover that you never get anything

for free."

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.

"DESPERATE TIMES"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

So tired he could hardly talk, Wash had difficulty keeping his eyes open. With a smirk on her lips Zoe snuggled in close and was about to join him in sleep when the light came on. Although it was dimmed Zoe squinted, rolling off her side of the bed into a defensive crouch on the floor. Wash did not stir. The girl immediately made placating sounds and waved her hands downward, not wanting to alarm the guests. Zoe just glared as she recognised her, clearly unamused.

"What the good gorram you doin' sneakin' into our room in the dead of night?"

The girl, Claudia, took a moment to find her voice. "*Duibuqi*, you will miss one of the things for which Raisa is famous."

Zoe wanted to shake the stupid out of the girl but something stayed her hand. Claudia's eyes were big, round and scared. Not simply by Zoe's reaction but by the fact that her clumsy handling of their guests could see her out on the street with no means of support. This was the best job she had ever had and she couldn't afford to mess it up. Trying not to twist her hands the girl's smile was almost a grimace, a plea, a beg for mercy and for Zoe to listen. Curiosity slowly stirred in the first mate's back brain. "What do you mean?"

Relaxing just a little the girl smiled. "*Qinq*, come and see."