TITLE: "SLEEPING PASSIONS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "DAMAGED GOODS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Jaimie Sparks goes back aboard the slaver's

ship while Simon tends the Captain and Rafe Connor considers

what to do about the ones who never got away."

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.

"SLEEPING PASSIONS"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

He did not feel exactly nervous, more wired than afraid. His nerves jumping under his skin and making him all kinds of uneasy as if unfriendly eyes were solemnly watching his progress yet *Shi* did not see anyone. Every now and then he would come across the human debris of their firefight, the anxious scramble for freedom carved out through those foolish *tamade hundan* thinking to stop them. Mal and Chung-li had apparently shared a cell, the Captain hanging from a pair of manacles with Chung-li chained to the wall opposite. From what he recalled of River's words the only time he had been attacked was when the Chinaman had broken free to defend Mal. *Shi* swallowed carefully as a lump formed in his throat. So rutting typical of the man. He felt a flush of anger. What the good gorram was a cook doing thinking he could fight? Up to his neck in blood and bullets was no place for him to be.

A small sound made him freeze, ears stretching to try to amplify what he heard into enough detail for recognition but the sound did not repeat and a slither of apprehension crept up his spine stealing the warmth from his body.

* * * * *

Inara was tired but determined to stay awake. Her vigil beside the Captain was little more