TITLE: "NO CHOICE"

CHAPTER: 4. Sequel to "WHAT WAS LOST"

SERIES: NINE HELLS Series

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "Anderson is determined to get what he wants.

Zoe gets a shock. The Captain returns to find the past waiting."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the gift and property of Joss Whedon. No infringement

of copyright is intended.

"NO CHOICE"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Shepherd Book saw him first. Eyes narrowed slightly as he beheld the man's approach. Only the fact that he was alone calmed the stir of warning bells into a quiet distant toll in his head. Book leaned next to the com. Casual and seemingly at his ease, the man still far enough away to not realise what he was doing. He activated the com with his shoulder. "Zoe? We have company."

Her voice floated back over the com. "How many, Preacher?"

The man was drawing nearer. Definitely singling them out. "Just the one."

Zoe's calm voice had a hint of steel in it. "On my way."

* * * * *

Mal was looking at Anderson in disbelief. "You gotta be kiddin' me! Think I'll take a job like that?"

A slow smile spread across Anderson's painted face. It made the Captain feel a depth of unease that did more than just unsettle his stomach. He realised he was sweating. He risked a glance at Jayne only to notice that the big man was sprawled back, mouth open, fast asleep. He went to kick him under th table only his foot did not connect. He frowned. Head a mite fuzzy. What the ruttin' hell was going on? He put a hand to his forehead to steady himself. "What the gorram did you do to Jayne?"

Anderson leaned forward, watching Mal keenly. As the Captain lowered his hand to grip the table Anderson touched his forehead with the back of his hand. A smug look settling on his face. Mal found it hard t