TITLE: "ALLIES AND FRIENDS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"/"ENTERPRISE"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "MAKING PLANS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Atherton exacts his pound of flesh. Meanwhile

two crews are in a race against time to enact a rescue."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

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

'Enterprise' and its' characters are the property of 'Paramount'.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"ALLIES AND FRIENDS"

A "Firefly"/"Enterprise" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Inara wanted to take her shuttle, Captain Archer insisted one of the shuttlepods would be better. Trip watched the by-play and gave Kaylee a sidelong glance. His slow southern drawl descended to a light whisper. "Kaylee, why's Inara so insistent? No offence but shuttlepod 1 is better equipped plus it's got a little firepower."

She turned to look him in the eye. "That's just it, Trip. Atherton knows Inara. If she goes down in her shuttle it'll be what he expects. If she goes down in one of your shuttles it'll set off every alarm in his head. Nothing'll warn him quicker or louder that she's up to somethin'."

He nodded, it made sense. But perhaps there was another way. "Cap'n?"

"Yes, Commander?"

"I was thinkin' maybe Inara's right." At the Captain's attempt to interrupt Trip held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Just hear me out Cap'n, okay?"

Captain Archer nodded.

"If Inara goes down to the surface as planned we can go down in shuttlepod 1 as back-up. That way if things get too dicey we can get her out again."

"But not before we get the Captain out." Kaylee added quickly.

Trip did not look at her but nodded so she knew he was agreeing with her. Jayne sc