TITLE: "SUGAR AND SPICE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "BUNDLE OF JOY".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Zoe isn't happy to be left behind but for once things

turn out shiny."

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.

"SUGAR AND SPICE"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Wasn't nothing but a milk run only Mal had memories of another such job that had gone all manner of south. Him and Wash falling into the hands of the most unlovely *hundan* in the whole 'verse. No way was he repeating that experience with things so tentatively on the up, if not financially then certainly on the gorram emotional level.

"I'm comin' with you, sir."

He shook his head, Jayne pretending not to listen as he readied the mule. River setting Serenity down as if kissing the earth not settling on it. Well. What passed as soil on this burnt out dust bowl of a sand blasted world as this. Wasn't Whitefall trouble enough without the mean spirited witch branching out into other hell holes? Apparently not.

"*Bushi*. Need you on Serenity, Zo. Babe's barely ten days old."

Her eyes narrowed, a dangerous edge creeping into her voice but it was the tiny touch of hurt she couldn't quite hide that hit home hardest. "I always watch your back, sir."

It was said soft enough but in the silence every syllable carried. The Captain forced extra brightness into his voice. "*Wo zhidao* an' I appreciate it but this is a milk run. 'Sides, Jayne'll be with me."

Dark eyebrows rose as if questioning his sanity. "She shot you last time."

He nodded, checking his gun before re-holster