TITLE: "THAT SPECIAL HELL"

CHAPTER: 49. Sequel to "MIRROR IMAGE"

SERIES: HANDFUL OF STARS Series

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Simon/Kaylee Mal/Inara

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "River and Simon tell Wash their plan.

Meanwhile the Captain arranges search teams to look

for Shepherd Book."

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.

"THAT SPECIAL HELL"

A "Firefly" Story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"What's the plan?"

Simon took a moment to answer Wash, sure that his sister would interrupt if he spoke but when she remained silent he explained. "We activate the back up."

Wash raised his eyebrows. "We?"

"I mean I do."

When Simon made no attempt to go and do just that Wash glanced from brother to sister, a look of confusion clouding his usually sunny face. "Don't you have to go do that activation thing now?"

River nodded. "Not from here."

"Are you gonna tell me or is this twenty questions 'cause I have to say I was always good at those."

"Wash, what River means is we can't do anything hiding behind this rock."

"Oh, you mean the ship has to be in line of sight?"

River shook her head. "*Bu qu*. Captain Daddy wants Serenity to stay hidden, we'll take a shuttle."

Alarmed, Wash could see all manner of *goushi* coming his way if he let that happen, not to mention the fact that River and Simon Tam were two of the Alliance's most wanted fugitives. "Why don't I just edge far enough out from behind the rock to send the Cap'n a wave?"

"Won't work and he'll be mad as *diyu* at you."

Wash knew that but he was going for damage limitation. He wondered if he could somehow get Inara to talk some sense into the siblings but she had gone to her shuttle to meditate and Kaylee was busy tinkering with the engine. Come to think of it,