TITLE: "THE GORRAM PLAN"

SERIES: THE DEVIL'S CRADLE

CHAPTER: 42. Sequel to "ON THE ROAD TO WHO KNOWS WHERE"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash Kaylee/Simon Mal/Inara

RATING: Mild NC-17

SUMMARY: "Badger doesn't like it when the other

shoe drops. The Captain reveals his Plan which leaves

everybody wondering if they will survive it."

THE GORRAM PLAN"

A "Firefly" Story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

The girl's body was pale but soft, taut perky nipples testament to youth not age. Everything about her body was lithe and ripe with temptation. Badger could not suppress his need, the itching of fingers wanting to touch, to explore, to draw out cries of passion beyond those of pain or loathing. He did not flatter himself that the prostitute would ever have picked him but she had needs just not the same as his. Her needs were more basic, those of the soul on a breadline. Coin for food, clothing and a roof over her head even if all those wants were provided at the cost of her virginity and dignity in the House Madame's brothel.

Feeling pleased with himself Badger had insisted on bathing first but not intending to lift so much as a finger to clean himself. No, that was her job. Well, one of his many increasing demands. She kept her head lowered, lashes fanned down over her eyes to shut him out but he demanded she lift her head. He wanted to see her, to watch, to enjoy what he was paying for. Afterwards he exhausted himself taking what he wanted not caring and pretending not to notice when the salt of her tears flavoured his sexing. It could not be called love making and although she had chosen this life out of despair, a detached observer would not have exactly called it willing either.

With a self satisfied sigh Badger rolled over to look at her but to his intense annoyance the girl had already gone. He huffed h