TITLE: "WAITING"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No pairing.

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "NOT SO GILDED CAGE"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Meanwhile on Serenity the crew is tense as

they head for the Argent Penal Colony."

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.

"WAITING"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It seemed such a long way out but at least they were moving. In flight. Yet Zoe couldn't sit still, nor stand still neither. Although Wash understood it was quietly driving him nuts. "*Bao bei*, you should try to rest. It's a couple of days to Argent."

That was another thing that bothered her. How come the Shepherd knew so much about the Alliance? The amount of detail he had given about the Argent Penal Colony had chilled her. She knew the others were curious too but not in the same gut wrenching way she was. Then there was the fact that along the way they would need to refuel. With no job to speak of it would be tight making the coin they had left stretch that far. Just one more worry to add to a bag full of sorrow. Didn't bear thinking about the weight.

"*Fengmi*? You even listenin' to me?"

Zoe mentally shook herself out of her fugue. It wasn't Wash's fault she was wired tight enough to snap. Had to relax. Take the long view. But the best part of a lifetime of memories made that a hard thing to do. It wasn't like they were leaving Mal behind just the opposite. But every passing hour made her more anxious that they just weren't moving quickly enough. Time was their enemy not their friend. She put a hand on Wash's shoulder, felt his tension ease a mite at the familiar and welcome touch. Truth be tol