TITLE: "OUT OF SIGHT"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Kaylee/Simon. Mal/Inara.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "FRIEND OR FOE".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Serenity lands on Lilac. Mal and Zoe go to

meet Nelson in the mule and pick up the cargo when they

discover they are being followed."

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.

"HIDE AND SEEK"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Simon Tam stared at the screen. As far as he could fathom, the nanobots were working as intended but for now all he could make them do was follow simple linear commands. It was frustrating and limiting. The Captain listened in silence as the doctor updated him, grateful that at least Book was not able to do any harm. The man had not stirred since being shot with the tranq but how long that would last was another problem. What did they do when he woke up? The nanobots were not a permanent solution and they couldn't keep the man unconscious forever.

"Even now he's plotting and scheming."

The Captain turned his head, he had forgotten that River was sitting in the corner of the infirmary, her legs folded under her, dark hair hanging like a ragged curtain. Her large eyes made her pale face seem more colourless than usual. If he was honest, the effect was kind of creepifying but then this was River. Couldn't compare her to nobody but her ownself. "What you sayin', little one?"

She was staring at Book but her voice sounded distant. "He can't help it, it's the way he's programmed."

Mal shot Simon a look of alarm. Had thought re-programming the nanobats would take care of that. "You mean...?"

River shook her head.