TITLE: "TRUCE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Mal/Casey.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "SETTLING IN"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Shepherd Book reveals more of his plan.

Meanwhile, Mal discovers why he has become irresistable."

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.

"TRUCE"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

With little to do but wait until they got to the penal colony, Zoe went in search of more information. The little they had found out about the place on the cortex was less than encouraging. She found the Shepherd not in his bunk praying but in the infirmary talking to Simon. The frown on Zoe's face deepened.

"I sure hope you ain't injured, Shepherd."

Book raised his head and looked at her. "*Bu qu*."

"Shouldn't you be gettin' ready or some such? Wash says we'll be coming up on Argent in a few hours' time an' I'd also be happier knowing more about this plan that knockin' on the front door."

"You're right an' perhaps it is time I explained."

That surprised her. She glanced at Simon but he had a pretty good poker face. Book decided it was best they all gather in the commons room. He only wanted to have to explain this the once. When he had everyone's attention the Shepherd cleared his throat softly.

"The Argent Penal Colony is a state of the art prison complex. The security is as high as it gets and then some."

Jayne didn't like the sound of that. "Then how ya gonna get in?"

"I'm a Shepherd which opens doors not available to others."

Zoe made no comment about that, thinking about the ident chip the man carried rather than the collar around his neck. "Okay, so you can get inside,