TITLE: "PLAYING WITH FIRE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

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

RATING: G.

STATUS: Sequel to "SWIMMING WITH SHARKS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "With most of the crew reunited their new friends have

some explaining to do. Mistress Barbette knows it is time to face her past. Inara escapes from House Kermos to

find herself in a totally unexpected predicament."

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.

"PLAYING WITH FIRE"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Simon didn't want to leave the infirmary but for now there was nothing more he could do for the Captain. As soon as they had returned to Serenity he had administered a clotting agent, set up a blood transfusion, iv line then sewn up the torn stitches. Administering pain relief and a sedative through the iv line was the least he could do to make the Captain comfortable through the night. He didn't want Mal waking in pain. His patient needed rest and to give his body time to heal and Simon intended to make sure he got it. Checking the monitors one last time he was surprised when Mistress Barbette offered to sit with the Captain, promising to call him if there was any change. He knew there was some tension between the woman and Zoe but not exactly what had happened in his absence but the Captain knew her and considered her something of an old family friend so Simon nodded his thanks and hurried to the commons room. Zoe and Book had said they wanted to question Paul and Natalie and that was one conversation the doctor did not intend to miss. When he got there everyone but Wash was already gathered, the pilot on the bridge making s