TITLE: "NEW START"

SERIES: THE DICHOTOMY SERIES

CHAPTER: 3. Sequel to "IN BETWEEN"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Tracy

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "Malcolm Reynolds is not

the only one to realise he isn't in Kansas

any more."

"NEW START"

A "Firefly" Story"

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Her head ached fit to bust but the bigger problem was the gorram light and the nosy folk searching all the nooks and crannies for hide or hair of her. Tired but determined to stay one step ahead the girl could not afford to let down her defences or rest. Bad enough to be orphaned without being treated like some criminal that had to be locked up in a soul-less institution 'for her own good'. What was it Aunt Martha had said? Oh yeah, "You know we'd have ya in a flash but the authorities know best. They'll keep ya fed an' clothed an' ya'll always have a roof over your head."

Just the memory made her cry. Silent tears big as the ocean, or as big as she imagined an ocean would be. Why did her daddy and momma have to get caught up in that rip tide? Was supposed to be a safe place to swim, so safe there weren't no life guards nor anybody looking to make sure folks was safe. It was the first family holiday down by the sea in years and they were all so gorram excited. Didn't help none when cries of joy turned to wails of grief neither. Was more than alarming how quickly the government busy bodies stepped in to take her away and now here she was in hiding again. Someone must'a spotted her dirty pinefore and grimey face and put two and two together. Where were they when her daddy and momma needed saving? Not nowhere, that's where.

Sighing so hard her heart was like to break, Kaylee Frye ducked her head and gave in to her sorrow. The dark shadows of the big woodpile giv