TITLE: "ANOTHER FINE MESS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Simon/Kaylee.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "BITING THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU".

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 Zoe finally get to the bottom of Paul

and Natalie's call for help. When the rest of the crew find out

it leaves no one happy."

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.

"ANOTHER FINE MESS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

As much as Zoe wanted to tear the ship apart until she found her daughter she couldn't refuse the Captain when he called for her to be present while he spoke to Natalie and Paul. Truth was she was mighty curious her own self. Would be good to hear why the pair had betrayed the Captain to Patience before she shot them. Then she got a good look at Natalie, or more importantly, the tell tale swell of her stomach and felt her righteous anger strangled by frustration. Though none of what she was feeling showed on her face Natalie knew exactly what the first mate was thinking.

They were in one of the spare passenger rooms. It was a mite cramped but at least the rest of the crew wouldn't be watching and listening in. The Captain knew it wouldn't stop River from knowing what was being said but then no one but another mind reader would be able to block her and he couldn't count on Natalie any more. As he was thinking that he caught a flicker of something on the woman's face. Woman not girl. He had to keep reminding himself that she was all grown up. Pity she didn't act like it. The Captain crossed his arms, a stern look on his face. Zoe stood by the door. Not to prevent anyone leaving but because the room really was