TITLE: "MIXED FORTUNES"

SERIES: THE DEVIL'S CRADLE

CHAPTER: 12. Sequel to "OUTMANOEUVRED"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash Kaylee/Simon Mal/Inara

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "Simon worries about a disturbing development

in the Captain's condition. River helps solve a problem for Zoe

and the Hunter finds himself in a unusual position."

"MIXED FORTUNES"

A "Firefly" Story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"I think we got them all."

Zoe did not nod. River had said they hadn't got everyone and though neither she nor Shepherd Book knew how many crew members Rufus Pol had she was inclined to err on the side of caution. They had spent hours searching the old hulk of a terraforming ship without success. To all intents and purposes the crew were secure in the lock up but the ship was huge with who knows how many nooks and crannies in which a person could hide. Zoe was thankful that River had told them about the voice activation option on the lock up, something Rufus Pol had never bothered with but that was now keyed in to her voice and her voice alone. Those men would not get out unless she personally released them so if someone else was at liberty on Rufus's ship he would be unable to release them. While not a perfect solution it was the best they could do short of being able to account for every last man. She could ask Rufus but knew he would not be too inclined to help them.

"Still need to keep our eyes open, *dong ma*?"

Book nodded and followed Zoe up the ramp onto Serenity. Once inside he watched the first mate raise the ramp and lock up after them.

"If there is someone else out there, no sense lettin' them get on board Serenity."

"Do you really think there are any more of Rufus's men out there?"

"Just because we can't see th