TITLE: "IN THE NICK OF TIME"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "PRICELESS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://carlajane.50megs.com/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "The captured crew assess their situation

while Simon continues to fret about River. Captain Reynolds

and Rafe Connor bring their cloaked ship into the Lion's Den."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"IN THE NICK OF TIME"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Kaylee could not believe what she was hearing. "Cap'n'll come for us."

"No," Said Zoe. "No, he won't."

Even Simon who often had problems wrapping his head around their complex Captain's feelings and motivations found the notion that he would not come for them anathema. "I have to agree with Kaylee."

Zoe's eyes were bleak. "*Ni bu dong*."

Jayne scowled at Zoe wondering what the *diyu* that meant, following the to and fro of conversation while keeping an eye on their captors. Shepherd Book pulled the left side of his mouth down and explored the inside of his cut lip with his tongue. One of their captors had been a little over enthusiastic in hitting him even though he had ceased by then to struggle. Being trussed up like a calf for branding helped no doubt.

The mercenary was beginning to look concerned. Since they had been grabbed and tied up no one had said a word to them, just put them under guard then ignored them. "What d'ya suppose they're gonna do with us?"

Book cast a surreptitious eye at their guards. "Probably use us as slave labour. Or sell us."

Jayne blinked and stared at the Preacher. "Sell us?"

A little smirk cheered the dour expression on Wash's face. "Well you they may