TITLE: "THE DEBT"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

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

RATING: PG-13 **SERIES CONCLUSION**

STATUS: SEQUEL to "SLEIGHT OF HAND".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The crew receive a disturbing message and

help unlooked for achieves the impossible."

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 DEBT"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

They gathered in the commons room. Nothing formal. No plan as such. Just hearts and minds thinking in concert. Kaylee looked at Zoe but the first mate wasn't talking. Her face set in an implaccable adamantine mask the warrior woman methodically stripped, cleaned and loaded her mare's leg. The silence was only broken by other crew members doing the same. Wash wanted to say something - anything to break the tense atmosphere - but knew this was not the time. When Zoe was satisfied she straightened and every eye in the room was drawn to her. "Let's go get him back."

Jayne huffed as he got to his feet, enough ordnance on him to start a small war - or finish one if he was feeling generous. "*Diyu*, ain't interested in no dead body."

The first mate frowned but before she could berate him Jayne gave a fierce grin.

"I'm gonna get that *tamade yaoguai* an' end him for once an' all." The mercenary paused, his eyes glinting with a cold mix of fury and anticipation. "Think I'll get me an' ear. Maybe an eye or two. I ain't fussy, can kill him after. Long as he dies in gorram agony."

Kaylee shuddered and tried to block the images from her mind. Shepherd Book had a rifle with a handgun tucked into the front of his waistband. Wash had an ammo vest on with several handguns now load