TITLE: "HOMEWARD BOUND"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "IN THE NICK OF TIME"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The Captain proposes a plan to get his crew

off the forty-four but not everyone is happy with the arrangement.

Back on board the Crazy Goose time is running out."

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.

"HOMEWARD BOUND"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

The Captain looked down and his frown deepened. "Badger! I should'a known that *goushi* stench was you."

Badger managed to pull himself up into a sitting position. He seemed to be having trouble breathing but Mal didn't rightly care. If Badger was behind what had happened to his crew as he suspected he was about to feel a whole lot worse. A 'verse of pain would be waiting for him, fair recompense for his betrayal. As his face darkened Chung-li rested a hand on the Captain's shoulder and murmured something in his ear the others could not catch. Mal nodded but did not take his eyes off the treacherous kingpin. He waited until he caught Badger's eye. "Later." He promised, his voice soft but deadly.

The Captain looked away from Badger and glanced round at his crew. "Let's get out of here."

Simon's eyes widened as panic crowded in. "But River..."

"I'll find your sister, now go! Rafe, can I count on you to see to it they get to the runabout? If'n half your men can stay with me we'll go find our missin' girl then retrieve my boat. See you back aboard the Goose."

Rafe made no move to go but watched the Captain drag a reluctant Badger to his feet. Zoe was frowning not at all pleased with the idea of b