TITLE: "DOUBLE EDGED SWORD"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Canon pairings

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Mal speaks to Casey and learns something guaranteed to give him sleepless nights. On Persephone Badger takes time for a diversion while he waits."

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.

"DOUBLE EDGED SWORD"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

They were six hours out from Persephone. The wave with Badger had gone better than expected which made the Captain unaccountably jumpy. Zoe called him on it but he had no reason for the reservations building up in his mind. Jayne now joined them on the bridge. "Long as we get paid who cares what the job is?"

Wash looked at Jayne. "I care!"

Jayne shrugged, already bored with the conversation. "Need fuel, coin. Been so long since I had any trim I feel like my pecker's 'bout to drop off."

The Captain didn't say anything, he was staring out the window. Zoe waited until Jayne had stomped off then followed her Captain off the bridge. Wash gave her a questioning look but she gave a slight shake of the head. When he got to the commons room the Captain stopped and looked at her. "Any reason you're doggin' my steps, Zoe?"

"*Bu qu*, just you seem to have somethin' on your mind, sir."

Mal rubbed his head, the Preacher's words still running around inside his mind.

"Maybe you should see Simon."

He blinked. "*Weishenme*?"

"For that headache of yours."

"Zoe?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Go see to that husband of yours."

She looked at him for a moment then nodded. "Yes, sir."

Once she was gone he decided he cou