TITLE: "A HANDFUL OF STARS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Kaylee/Simon. Mal/Inara.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "MEMORY LANE".

SUMMARY: "Things get pretty bleak for Mal and Zoe but

Serenity's crew are determined to find a way to get them back.

Meanwhile similar thoughts occupy Nelson and his men, none

of them realising that a random factor is at play."

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.

"A HANDFUL OF STARS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"I still don't understand how they found us."

Nelson sucked on his bottom lip, deep in thought. Mulling over all the possibilities, which were painfully few. Nothing made sense unless... No. That couldn't be right. If the Alliance had known about their bolt hole all along they would have been rounded up and incarcerated long ago. That reasoning should have reassured him but it didn't. Until he could work out exactly what had happened - and why - he could not relax or let down his defences. Even among his own.

Donnie Banks watched Nelson closely but held his peace. Knew the kind of thoughts that would be driving the man to distraction. Slowly he looked around and mentally reviewed the few facts they had, trying every which way to put all the pieces together. All they could be certain of was that whoever had attacked their hideout had a very specific agenda. Not one of their men was injured beyond a bit of bruising. It had been a quick surgical strike. The black clad figures had swarmed into the hideout and taken out Serenity's Captain and first mate then left as quickly and efficiently as they had come. Simple as that. Only it wasn't that simple. No one was supposed to know about their hideout. His focus turned back to his *laoban* as Portree Nelson got to his feet. Every eye now on him.

"