TITLE: "LIES, TRUTH, AND ALL PORTS IMBETWEEN"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash. Kaylee/Simon.

RATING: G.

STATUS: Sequel to "THE HEART DOES NOT GRIEVE".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Badger is frustrated by his confinement. The operation

is stepped up in a race against time to get the Captain in a condition

where he can return to Serenity. Parliament discovers they have a spy

in their midst."

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.

"LIES, TRUTH, AND ALL PORTS IMBETWEEN"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Badger stared at his mother. A mix of emotions churning inside him. "You sayin' I gotta stay shut up in this room?"

Her eyes narrowed, Cyan Nicole Barbette found herself once again reviewing her sanity in helping her son out of his predicament. An act that she was sure she would pay for time and time again. Always supposing she lived through her folly. But what was done was done. "*Qu*. It is too dangerous."

"For who?"

"Stephen, do not forget who is after you. They have eyes and ears everywhere, *dong ma*?"

His voice dropped to a whisper. "Even here?"

"Especially here."

Closing his mouth Badger felt his heartbeat increase and fought to keep a steady and calm countenance but knew his mother saw right through him. "Then I have to go, I have to..."

Patience snapping, Mistress Barbette closed the distance between them and hissed angrily in his face. "You have to do as you are told! I have risked a great deal to aid you and once my part in doing so is discovered my life will be forfeit, *ni dongle ma*?"

He stared at her. Realisation hitting him hard that eve