TITLE: "THE CAMEL'S BACK"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: None.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "GAMES PEOPLE PLAY".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Kaylee goes to try to find second hand parts

and the Captain has to inform Sheriff Thomas that they have

a little setback. Meanwhile Monty discovers that leaving

Cheverall isn't as straightforward as it should be."

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 CAMEL'S BACK"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"You didn't break."

The Captain stared at River, not willing to voice how much her words disturbed him.

"Makes you special."

"Don't wanna be *tebie, dong ma*?"

Another voice answered, one he did not know but which sent cold shivers down his spine. "Not your choice, Reynolds." The voice paused, at one with the darkness crowding his mind. "Spent a long time trackin' you down."

"What the good gorram you wantin' with me?"

"Are you familiar with the works of Shan Yu?"

Mal woke in a cold sweat, the roof of his mouth dry, heart quailing in his breast. Fear chasing the breath from his body as he gulped lung fulls of air in an effort to stem the panic from taking over. It took longer than he was comfortable with for his racing heart to find a more peaceable rythym. Eyes wide and staring, a wildness to him that was truly alarming especially with him being unable to just shrug it off. He tried to convince himself it was just a gorram nightmare but knew he would not be able to go back to sleep. Swinging his legs out of bed he sat with a weary sigh and ran a shaky hand through his hair.

* * * * *

Monty couldn't understand it. Wh