TITLE: "CANNON FODDER"

SERIES: THE DEVIL'S CRADLE

CHAPTER: 51. Sequel to "DIRTY LITTLE SECRET"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash Kaylee/Simon Mal/Inara

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "With the Captain in enemy hands and

Serenity unable to move under her own steam, Zoe

finds help unlooked for. Meanwhile the Captain finds

out the truth about that gorram freighter."

"CANNON FODDER"

A "Firefly" Story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Zoe was unhappy with River, feeling the girl had let them down but not understanding why. "If you could see all this goin' down why didn't you warn us?"

There was no masking the misery in River's eyes but there was also a strong determination there. "Would've done no good. This way they feel safe, think they've won."

Jayne couldn't hide his disgust and frustration. "That's 'cause they have, bird brain."

"*Cuode*," River shook her head firmly "they won't be on their guard."

Wash looked at Zoe but she didn't have a clue what the girl was talking about either. "An' this is good how?"

She gave Wash a small flickering smile, a reward for asking. "Won't see us comin'."

"They've got the Cap'n." Said Zoe, her voice unable to hide the bitterness.

"*Qu*," said River as a slow smile blossomed on her face solemn face "and we're going to get him back."

Just then Monty rejoined them. He had a grim expression on his face as he and Book herded Jerrod Perkins and his men into the commons area. Jayne hefted Vera into position in case any of the *tamade hundans* tried anything. Bringing up the rear Monty's men had fanned out a mite to make sure there was no chance of escape but even to the casual eye they looked like beaten