TITLE: "SIDEWAYS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Simon/Kaylee.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "THE BEST LIE".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The Captain comes up with a plan that

manages to surprise almost everyone."

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.

"SIDEWAYS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"What do you see, albatross?"

Her eyes were distant misty pools. The minutes lengthened and ticked by like empty promises. Mal glanced past River to where Zoe stood with her arms crossed and an unreadable look upon her face. Knew without the asking that she was unsettled and more than a mite upset about the whole song and dance routine Paul had spun. Probably wanted to kick his *pigu* for even listening to the stupid *hundan* but Zoe had Hope and that left a chink in her armour that held her tongue. It was the Captain's call. For now she would wait and see what he wanted to do.

"River?"

Slowly the girl responded, her voice so soft it sounded as if it was reaching them from a distance far, far away. Perhaps it was. He had always thought there was something fey about the girl.

"Three. Scared but safe. They hate the dark, the things that scurry and scrabble just out of the lamp light. Shadows hiding monsters like in a nightmare but this one is real."

"Care to be a mite more specific?"

River frowned then focused for a moment on her Captain's face. "Twists and turns, dark then light then dark again. Voices whispering in the rock but they never see anyone. Only *her*."

"You sayin' Patience got 'em in that mine of hers?"

"Not where you went. An old tunnel. Used up. They keep sup