TITLE: "THE DEAL"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Simon/Kaylee.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "THE NITTY GRITTY".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Mal and Patience hack out a deal but not

everyone on Serenity is going to be happy about it. No

one on Carousel can find Hope which brings Zoe to an alarming

conclusion."

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 DEAL"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Deep in the tunnel system a long wide cave opened up. The sulphur lights that had followed them down now hung strewn across the uneven ceiling of rock and impacted soil, reflections flickering off the walls, ceiling and floor. Working busily were about a dozen Chinese men, women and children. Mal blinked. The youngest looked no older than six or seven. He turned his head to glare at Patience but she wasn't looking at him. Patience walked over to Chin. The man stopped what he was doing to give a respectful nod. The sound of hammering tapered to a stop so they could hear each other.

"This is Malcolm Reynolds. Mal this is Chin, my foreman, an' this is his family."

The Captain gave Chin a nod. "What're you lookin' for?"

Chin gave Patience a look, waiting until she nodded back. Chin looked the Captain in the eye, sizing him up before speaking further. "Opals."

Mal blinked. "Opals?" He glanced around a mite confused. "Was thinkin' it would be gold or maybehaps diamonds, but opals?"

"Oh Mal, gold an' diamonds are common as dust." Said Patience affecting a haughty air.

His look was sharp. "Not on any world I been on."

"You've just been on the wrong worlds."

"Ain't nothin' wrong