TITLE: "KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Simon/Kaylee.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "CHOSEN PATH".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Mal wonders what the good gorram he has got

himself into. Meanwhile, Hope is not very happy with River."

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.

"KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Gorramit Patience, you got more money than God! You could buy your own ruttin' transport ship."

"You sellin'?"

The Captain gave her a shocked looked. "*Shenme*? Serenity ain't for sale."

"No, but you are."

Something in Malcolm Reynolds' eyes darkened. "Not sure I like your meanin'."

The old witch paused, looking so weary that a flash of concern crossed the Captain's face before he could hide it.

"What ain't you tellin' me?"

"Thing is Mal even when we don't see eye to eye there's always one thing I can count on. You get the job done."

He took that in without breaking eye contact, aware that there was more to her words than a throw away compliment. "I do the job, get paid."

Patience nodded. Her tone now matching his. "Keep flyin'."

For a moment neither spoke. Patience gave a jerk of her head and her men put their safeties back on then holstered their weapons. The Captain felt more confused than ever. "What's this really about?"

"Let's take a walk, Mal."

His eyebrows rose as he looked around at an ocean of sandy nothing. "We're in a gorram desert."

The dry chuckle brought his attention back to Patience's weather beaten face. The old witch's spirits seemed revived by his reaction. Her wry grin was al