TITLE: "MEANS TO AN END"

SERIES: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

CHAPTER: 4. Sequel to "HELL HATH NO FURTY"

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash Kaylee/Simon Mal/Inara

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "River and Simon are reunited with

old friends. The Captain faces a nightmare not of

his making and Zoe has a decision to make."

"MEANS TO AN END"

A "Firefly" Story written by

Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

At first Kaylee was so relieved she could have cried. The news that the Alliance were going to free them was the best ever. When the officer started to walk away from the cells Zoe called after him.

"*Wei*! You said you were releasin' us."

The officer paused. "*Qu*. We should be landin' in the next half hour."

Shepherd Book looked confused. "Then why are we still locked up?"

A thin almost spiteful smile settled on the man's lips. "Just a precaution, *ni dong*?"

"What about Serenity?" Kaylee wailed, her relief at being let go overshadowed by the fact that they were not going to be reunited with their ship. It made no gorram sense.

"I'm sure you'll find it where you left it."

Zoe's eyes narrowed with suspicion. Wash looked confused. "Wouldn't it be best to just drop us off at our ship?"

"The Alliance is not runnin' a ruttin' taxi service, *dong ma*?" All trace of bon homie, however false, had vanished now.

"What about the Cap'n?"

"He'll meet up with you when he's ready."

Jayne stared at the officer, all manner of thoughts going through his head. "Why can't he join us now? An' where're ya droppin' us off?"

"Paquin. You'll be released when the ship lands."

Then the officer was gone. Kaylee turned to Inara, unable to hide her