TITLE: "CASUALTIES OF WAR"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "PAWNS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Inara finds reality a harsh place to dwell. The

past is not her friend and the present is a stranger to her.

Jayne tries to escape a fate worse than death while River

has her hands full trying to convince the crew that they have

to do something that will put each of them in jeopardy."

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.

"CASUALTIES OF WAR"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Why you doin' this?"

She did not reply straight away. Fussing with the needle then carefully putting it away and avoiding eye contact. Mal was tired, hurting so badly he could hardly think straight. But pain he was used to. It was the Companion's contrary behaviour that confused him. Even in the dimness of his brick cell he could tell she was conflicted and that was unexpected.

"Inara," He said softly. The tone caused her to raise her head automatically before she could stop herself. Then she was trapped in those dark eyes, like being caught in a gravity well she could not look away. The pupils darker than the half light in which they found themselves. "*Weishenme*? If that was poison why use the antidote?"

The question hurt her. Did he really think she wanted another death on her conscience, even his? "They want you alive."

Her answer sent slivers of ice through his veins. It was not what she had meant to say but it was too late to snatch the words back. She should have stayed silent. Should have let him die.

"They?" He already knew who she meant or at least he thought he did.

Ina