TITLE: "THE DEVIL YOU KNOW"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

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

RATING: G.

STATUS: Sequel to "POWER CORRUPTS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Badger reunites with Serenity and her crew. Inara

goes in search of sanctuary and Regan Tam tries to come to terms

with Gabriel's betrayal. Meanwhile Minister Rosenbaum is happily

tweaking things behind the scenes."

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 DEVIL YOU KNOW"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Captain Malcolm Reynolds stared. He really did. The ship up close and personal was even more impressive than it had appeared on sensors. Somehow it just didn't track with the grubby little king-pin posturing like some bad porn star on Serenity's moniter feed. He cut a disbelieving look at Wash.

"You sure this is Badger?"

On the screen Badger's smug face was smiling fit to burst. All paternal pride. The Captain ignored him. Wash's look was apologetic. "Yeah, Mal. I checked half a dozen times."

The Captain finally brought his gaze to the screen. "Where'd you boost the ship, Badger?"

"*Shenme*? Ain't done no such thing. I'm a man o' property now. Should show me some respect."

"If you didn't steal it where did it come from?"

Some of the shine faded on Badger's face. "Not right to talk over the open air, *dong ma*? Prefer face to face."

"An' I prefer about face."

A flash of alarm interrupted the little man's gloating. "*Deng*, listen to me! Need to speak to you. Confidential-like."

Now the Captain was more than suspicious. He was wary. Mal felt Zoe move in behind him and knew the rest o