TITLE: "BARE BONES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Everyone.

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "THIS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Zoe wants to question the bar's patrons but

Book has a better idea."

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.

"BARE BONES"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Why d'you leave him?"

Jayne blinked. Even though he was up and about he was stiff and sore, had a tendancy to get a mite dizzy if he moved too quickly. Simon had given him a clean bill of health, just advised him about taking it easy over the next day or two. Had intended to lie down in his bunk for a spell only to find the first mate blocking entry to his bunk, her hands on her hips and a look in her eye that made him all manner of wary. "*Shenme*?"

"The Cap'n. You were with him, now you ain't." Zoe paused, eyes narrowing. "Funny how the Cap'n got pinched but you didn't."

"*Wei*! Ain't my gorram fault, how'd I know he was gonna pick a fight in an Alliance bar? Man must have a gorram death wish."

Zoe moved so quickly that Jayne actually took a step back. Kept telling himself it was surprise not fear. "I find out you set this up we'll be sharin' more'n words, Jayne."

The big man looked more than affronted, a hurt expression flickering in his eyes before he could mask it. "Got no problem with the Cap just the ruttin' fugees. Wouldn't've left without him if I hadn't passed out. Woke up in the gorram street. Bar was shut an' Mal was gone. Asked folks what in the nine hells had happened but they just glared an' spat at me like I should know. Then I found a girl who'd talk. Told me they took him off world, heading for some