TITLE: " THE DEVIL INCARNATE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: M/I. S/K. W/Z.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "OPTIONS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The rescuers depart in shuttle two. Inara can't

fight off the vertigo of panic that she won't see any of them

again. Niska waits for his price to be paid, his own little

welcome 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.

"THE DEVIL INCARNATE"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It seemed to take forever and no time at all before the crew were splitting. Kaylee, Simon, Inara and River were staying on Serenity. The Captain, Zoe, Book and Hanimoto were getting ready to go down to the planet surface in shuttle two. Inara felt oddly nervous, on edge. She did not like this plan one bit but neither did she like the thought of the others in the hands of that supremely twisted *tamade hundan* Adelei Niska. Just wished there was another way to get them out. The Captain put his earwig in and nodded to Zoe who tested hers, then Book and lastly Hanimoto. Satisfied that if any of them got seperated or had to be evac'd out after the rescue mission at least Serenity would be able to find them again. Mal kept the plan simple, less to go wrong, yet still he felt the tug of forever on this last goodbye. Steeling himself he didn't let any of his thoughts show on his face but avoided eye contact with River just the same. That girl could read him twenty ways from Sunday but at least she was keeping quiet for once and for that he was eternally grateful.

"Okay people, this is how it is. You all know what we gotta do. Not nobody speaks into their headsets unless you'r