TITLE: "DIVISIONS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash, Kaylee/Simon.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "LEFT AND RIGHT HANDS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: None. All Firefly stories archived at Fireflyfans.net

SUMMARY: "The Captain does the only thing he can to prevent

things going from bad to even worse. Zoe decides she needs some

proper answers from Inara and isn't going to stop asking until she

gets them."

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.

"DIVISIONS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Zoe was beyond anger. Having already run the gamut of the more depressing emotions she was currently working through frustration and a rising tide of impatience with her long time friend and Captain. "Sir, this don't make sense."

The Captain finished settling the cargo in place on the spare shuttle. For now the rest of the crew were giving them a wide berth, assuming the first mate was going to give their Captain an ear blistering talking to. None of them wanted to be caught up in the middle of that. "Ain't discussin' this, Zoe. We do what we have to do."

"Even if it means handin' yourself over to gorram pirates, sir?"

"They ain't pirates, Zoe. You know it an' so do I."

That caused a slow raise of her eyebrows, her look keener than ever. "What are they then?"

He shrugged. "Mercenaries most like."

Something flickered in her eyes but the Captain was shaking his head.

"Jayne don't know every mercenary in the Black."

"How'd you know what I was thinkin'?"

A silent stare was her only answer. Despite the dire circumstances a grim smile tugged briefly at the corner of her mouth. It vanished quick as a cot death. A reminder of the near telepa