TITLE: "MIND GAMES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Kaylee/Simon. Mal/Inara.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "LAYER ON LAYER".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Book manages to turn the tables on the

Captain and crew with a seemingly unassailable force on

his side."

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.

"MIND GAMES"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Jayne Cobb didn't like the way things were going. Book had been a friend and a gorram good one. Finding he could no longer trust the man turned him every which way inside. Kind'a curdled his stomach every time he thought about it. It was why he took a detour to his bunk to get Vera before heading for Book's room. Walking soft he approached with care, every one of his hunting senses on high alert. He didn't want to be on the receiving end of any of that martial arts *goushi*.

What the mercenary found was the last thing he would have expected. Face going pale, he felt his hands begin to tremble. Backing out carefully, Jayne threw caution to the wind and ran to catch up with the Captain and Zoe. He found Mal frowning as he and Zoe came up empty, no sign of Book or their little genius anywhere on his boat. It should have been impossible, there not being any other ship in the vicinity. The Captain activated his com again.

"You sure we still got both shuttles, Wash?"

"*Qu*, I also scrambled the door codes just in case he tries to make for one while you're lookin' for him."

Zoe's look was troubled. "He could be inside one of them, sir."

The Captain was nodding as Jayne skidded to a halt. Every eye now on him, Simon Tam trying to keep Kaylee b