TITLE: "TROJAN"

SERIES: THE DEVIL'S CRADLE

CHAPTER: 65. Sequel to "BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash Kaylee/Simon Mal/Inara

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "The Captain finds out what Badger has been up to

not knowing that is the least of his troubles. Tensions rise on the

ship as everyone waits for the Captain's decision before going on

their separate ways."

"TROJAN"

A "Firefly" Story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

With all that was going on the children found themselves left to their own devices. Davie Thomas gave a sidelong glance in River's direction. Even though River was no longer standing with them he knew she was aware of the thoughts of all three of them, quite a juggling act when they were not mind linked. The girl turned her head, her large eyes seemingly luminous and able to look right inside Davie's head. Then she flashed him a brief smile, words collecting in his mind quicker than he could form a response.

'*Fang xin*, I won't let any of you come to harm."

'How can you promise that?'

River opened her thoughts to the other two. 'A surprise is on its' way'

Startled, Suzie looked suspicious. 'What kind of *jingqi*?'

'Help unlooked for.' River paused as if receiving more information from a source which the other three could not tap into. It was more than a little disconcerting for them to be on the outside of their gift looking in. 'It will come at a cost.'

'Yeah,' thought Lucy drily 'but who will have to pay?'

* * * * *

Zoe was in shock. Once they had finished questioning Badger they let him sleep, the truth serum having sapped all the man's energy or mayhap it was just his conscience getting some payback. Simon had kept a remarkable poker