TITLE: "THE ENEMY WITHIN"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: None.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "ENEMY HANDS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Mal wakes to find some of his crew have not

returned and plans a Big Damn Rescue. Meanwhile, Zoe

hears something that makes her blood boil but is powerless

to do anything about it."

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 ENEMY WITHIN"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

There were voices. Hushed and kind'a talking on tip toe if he was any judge. Made him all manner of curious, so much so that he fought the lethargic drag against his senses like a deep sea diver trying to haul himself to the surface. At first nothing made sense, the words all warped and disconnected much like his brain pan, then slowly he found he could pick out bits of sentences. The little he could string together alarmed him so much he fought with everything he had to regain consciousness.

"It's been seven hours, Simon! I should've heard somethin' from Zoe."

Simon was having trouble thinking of anything to reassure Wash. His sister was with Zoe, Jayne and Shepherd Book. If something had gone wrong, if River was in danger, he would never forgive himself. Fortunately, Inara was still in the infirmary and it was her reassuring tone that caressed Mal's ear as he forced open eyes sticky from too much sleep.

"I'm sure everything is fine, Wash. Zoe would have contacted us otherwise."

"Comfortin' as that is supposed to be you do remember where they were goin'? I knew I should have stayed on Cheverell, stayed close at hand to get them outta there if things went bad."

"Wha...wha...w