TITLE: "ANOTHER DOOR CLOSES"

SERIES: THE DEVIL'S CRADLE

CHAPTER: 58. Sequel to "AS ONE DOOR OPENS"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash Kaylee/Simon Mal/Inara

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "Things become dire for the Captain and

everyone on the freighter. Inara and Kaylee have to

re-think their plans and shadowy figures lurk behind

the scenes as everything goes to *diyu*."

"ANOTHER DOOR CLOSES"

A "Firefly" Story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Kaylee could not understand what was happening. It did not make sense and yet everything that should not be happening was happening. She could barely hold back the tears, her voice trembling with anguish and emotion. "Ya were supposed to be friends!"

"Believe me if I had my way we still would be, Kaylee." Said Jerrod, the look on his face a strange mix of determination and sorrow.

Inara was less forgiving. "The Captain saved your life, yours and your crew. He didn't have to go back to Anaeron, put his own ship and crew at risk in doing so, all to try and save you and this is how you repay him."

"*Ni bu dong*."

Something hard and implacable flashed in the Companion's eyes yet she kept her voice level, her anger held in check. "*Jieshi*."

Jerrod took a steadying breath. He could not afford to show any sign of weakness before his men or they would not support him. As it was he could tell some were wavering. After all, they had liked Malcolm Reynolds and his crew and were grateful for their rescue. This action went against the grain but their loyalty to Jerrod was stronger. For now. "It's *fuza*."

"Complicated?" Inara's voice started to rise. "Do you think me so simple minded that I cannot follow a conversation?"

Jerrod flushed. "*Bu qu*, you misunderstand me..."