TITLE: "BIG DAMN RESCUE"

SERIES: THE DEVIL'S CRADLE

CHAPTER: 60. Sequel to "FALLOUT"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash Kaylee/Simon Mal/Inara

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "It is weird when getting out of the

crashed freighter turns out to be the easy part."

"BIG DAMN RESCUE"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

The sound of the cutting equipment blocked out any other sound, Jayne and Book working as fast as they could to get through the crushed side of the freighter to the outside of the ship. Already the air was thick with dust, metal fragments and feeling far too thin oxygen wise.

"Filters not working either." Said River helpfully.

Jayne didn't even give the girl a glare but kept working. He realised that the diminishing air quality was a bad thing. They needed to get out while they were still conscious. Mike Donaldson was cutting from the opposite end of the arc and as he closed in with Jayne and Book they all heard the satisfying creak and strain of metal under pressure about to give. Book gave the mercenary a satisfied smile.

"I think we're through."

Before Jayne could react, River tugged urgently at his arm and yelled for everyone to get out of the way. Puzzled they did so just in time as the section of metal they had been cutting through came flying towards them with an almighty bang, dust and debris showering them as voices cheered then called out to them from the other side. River grinned and stuck her head through the hole as the air began to clear.

Monty's booming voice reached them first. "How many injured ya got?"

Shepherd Book glanced at Donnie. "A few walking wounded, the rest of us are fine."

River turned to look behind her. "We need to leave *mashang*."

"Think I don't know that, moonbrain?&