TITLE: "THE LEOPARD'S SPOTS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

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

RATING: G.

STATUS: Sequel to "THE DOMINANT GENE".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Badger needs a favour. Simon intensifies the

Captain's physiotherapy while trying to avoid some unpleasant

questions from his sister. Captain Foster makes his request to

see Niyan Shair's body and Book gets a wave."

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.

"THE LEOPARD'S SPOTS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Funny thing is, days after I told the gorram Guild that Cyan was dead the Alliance lifted the bounty on me." Badger paused. "I'm a free man."

"Could be a coincidence."

Badger glared at the man on his screen. Like and not alike. The scarred face had a twist to it that had nothing to do with deformity and everything to do with disposition. "A coincidence is when the bloody chair squeaks just as you pass wind! Nah, I reckon the two's connected. Not sure how or why but I'll figure it out."

The other man leant closer to the screen. "Not sure I like you bringin' attention to me."

"Who else was I gonna call?"

The sneer gave the twisted face a tormented look. "How about one o' your criminal friends? Must be more in that sewer you grew up in."

Flushing with anger it took every ounce of control for Badger to speak. "Now you listen here. Weren't my fault we got parted, see? You in the lap o' luxury, me in a viper's gorram den but when it comes down to it we're all we got."

The other man laughed, a bitter grating sound that made Badger wonder if he hadn't made the biggest mistake of his misbegotten l