TITLE: "CHOICES"

SERIES: THE DEVIL'S CRADLE

CHAPTER: 67. Sequel to "WILD CARD"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash Kaylee/Simon Mal/Inara

RATING: NC-17

SUMMARY: "River has her first conversation with

the girl from the escape pod. Badger discovers he

can run but he can't hide and the Captain asks

Monty for a favour."

"CHOICES"

A "Firefly" Story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It was quiet in the infirmary. Simon had stepped out of the room to speak privately with the Captain leaving his sister with the girl from the escape pod. Serenity's doctor had drawn the line at letting the other children stay as well though they protested. River had looked at them and something unspoken passed between them because a moment later the three children left without a murmur. Simon stared at his sister but River just went back to watching the girl. Rosalie lay on the infirmary bed with her eyes closed, her breathing slow and even as if sleeping. Simon left reluctantly when the Captain indicated he wanted to speak to him, closing the door behind him.

"I can feel you inside my head." The girl whispered.

"*Wo zhidao*. I knew you weren't asleep, Simon knew too but thought it was the sedative."

Rosalie did not open her eyes or ask why they had drugged her. "I sense you looking, watching to see how far you can go."

River did not respond. After all, it had not been a question just an observation. The girl's eyes sprang open as if the silence made her feel uneasy.

"I am the Gatekeeper."

"*Bushi*, you only think you are."

Rosalie tried not to frown, tilted her head instead, her look curious. "*Jieshi*."

"Like mirror images but not reflecting a true face."

"Words."

"Truths you cannot see."

I