`TITLE: "FRIENDS AND ENEMIES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "COLLECTING THE PIECES"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The Captain wants to go after Ty's killer but

first he has to do right by his friend."

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.

"FRIENDS AND ENEMIES"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"So let me get this straight: you're goin' after Mal to haul his ass outta the fire?"

Zoe glared at Jayne. "*Bu qu*. I'm goin' in case he does somethin' stupid."

The mercenary's scowl wrinkled up even tighter. "Huh, thought ya were the Cap's friend."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "I am. That makes me loyal not blind."

"You sayin' the Cap ain't perfect?"

"Nobody's perfect Jayne." She paused a half-beat. "Except me."

Even Jayne wasn't *chun* enough to argue with that.

Then Zoe was striding away from the mercenary across the grass towards Serenity. Wash had already gone on ahead to get the ship refueled and go through the pre-flight checks. Shepherd Book fell into step beside her without a word, the expression on Jayne's face saying they were as *shenjingbing* as the Captain. Kaylee was upset not to be going with them but Simon was relieved. Somehow the Captain always managed to get himself into trouble of the near terminal kind and he didn't want Kaylee to get caught up in any backlash. River had watched the verbal table tennis but kept her own counsel. The Companion was also silent, a small frown of concern marring her perfect features then smoothing out again. Zoe urged the others to stay with Kaylee's folks and not go wandering off. They would b