TITLE: "THE MARK OF A MAN"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: None.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "UPSTAGING THE DEVIL".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Ritchie goes looking for Mal but finds Monty

instead. Kaylee plans to get cosy with Simon. The messenger

tells his story and Petrie decides it is time to get more creative."

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 MARK OF A MAN"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Ritchie Thomas was a man in a hurry. Hardly anyone was on the streets, it being late and darkness bringing more than shadows to dog their steps. The Sheriff didn't notice. Didn't rightly care. His step was firm and brisk, his manner determined, pre-occupied. One or two of the townsfolk peered from candlelit windows and wondered but none stepped out of their doors to ask. Word had gone around like wildfire that there were wild wolves roaming. Had already attacked a man leaving him for dead. As the story spread the injuries grew until it was several people attacked, some dead and some wishing they had died. That it was only one man seemed to have got lost in the panic.

When he reached the place where he had last seen Serenity, Ritchie stopped and stared. He turned his head this way and that, wondered if he had lost his bearings but no, there was that scruffy Kingfisher over a ways. Some friend of Reynolds. So where was the gorram Firefly?

He stood irresolute for a minute or two then decided to speak to the crew of the Kingfisher. If Mal and his crew had somehow got wind of what Petrie was up to maybe they had made good their escape. At least that was what he was hoping. As he neared