TITLE: "MASKS"

SERIES: THE DICHOTOMY SERIES

CHAPTER: 10. Sequel to "ALL THE KING'S MEN"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "Inara has a showdown with Patience.

Book is forced to reveal more than he wanted about

his presence in the simulation while slowly things

build up to a critical mass."

"MASKS"

A "Firefly" Story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Inara took a step back and stared at Patience. The old woman's eyes flashed with barely checked anger. "I said, hand me the gorram gun!"

Shaking her head Inara took another step back, keeping herself and the gun out of reach. Patience paused. "Why so *wangu, nu haiza*? Ain't as if he's anythin' to you."

"I won't let you kill a man in cold blood. Can't you see how badly injured he is?"

"Yeah, an' I'm gonna put an end to his misery."

Inara was about to argue, try to reason with her, but at that moment Patience lunged and made a grab for the gun. The loud sound of the weapon's discharge startled them both. Patience stared at Inara in shock, stumbling back, her mouth dropping open as she looked down. "Oh, *goushi*!"

Horrified, Inara stared at the hole in the woman's belly, blood soaking through her clothing. Inara started to move towards Patience when blue sparks surrounded the woman. Inara froze, what in the nine hells was this? As she stared a bright flash caught her unawares and she closed her eyes. When she opened them again Patience was gone.

* * * * *

"What does she mean, 'old paymasters'?"

"Time to remove the mask." Said River.

Book glanced from Zoe to River then back to Zoe, projecting as much soothing calm into his voice as he was able. His look was kindly and tolerant but