TITLE: "WOLF IN LAMB'S CLOTHING"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash. Kaylee/Simon. Mal/Inara.

RATING: G.

STATUS: Sequel to "THE OTHER SHOE".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The crew discuss what to do next but none of them

are happy. Things for Simon and Mal go from bad to worse.

Contrary to popular opinion River is the only one not worried."

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.

"WOLF IN LAMB'S CLOTHING"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It was odd sometimes the way non sequiters made perfect sense. Oblique questions and obscure answers seemed to be the order of the day.

"They didn't ask where the Captain or Simon was."

The little king-pin stared at Zoe. "Didn't 'ave to."

Vaguely Zoe was aware of the Shepherd trying to calm Kaylee down, Inara's soothing voice soft and pliable in the background. "*Ni zhide shi shenme'?"

"Ain't it obvious?"

Her eyes narrowed and darkened. "That would be why I'm askin'."

When had the others started to pay attention to the conversation and why were their expressions beginning to grow ugly? Badger tried to explain. "They didn't ask 'cause they 'knew', see?"

Jayne scowled, looking as if he wanted to tear the little man apart with his bare hands. "Ya mean ya told 'em."

"It's the device."

The others drew closer. Zoe frowned. "What're you talkin' about?"

"The device - it 'knows' things."

Badger was aware of Jayne laughing at him but didn't care. This was important. Why was he the only one who could see that? Shepherd Book's deep calm voice was like finding sanctuary when it was most needed and least looked for. It took the he