TITLE: "TRAIL OF THE BEAST"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Mal/Sarah.

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "HEAVEN'S DOOR"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Zoe discusses what they are going to do. The

Captain unaware that his long-time friend is about to take a

leaf out of his 'stupid' book."

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.

"TRAIL OF THE BEAST"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It was an unusual step but Zoe did not feel right discussing her plan on Serenity. Best leave the Captain with Sarah and the doc. Monty gave her a grim look but said nothing. Kaylee wanted to stay on Serenity but Zoe shook her head. Frank Reynolds spoke before Shepherd Book could volunteer his assistance. "I'll stay on the ship, Zoe."

Jayne looked like he had eaten something very sour. No one was quite sure whether it was the thought of that *tamade hundan* Niska or the idea of going after the bits of him scattered in the Black. Zoe looked relieved but did not relax. "*Hen hao*." She glanced at Kaylee's parents. "You sure you're alright with this?"

Mrs Frye nodded then led them off the ramp and towards the house. Aunt Jessica looked up from the kitchen range and her eyes widened at the sight of so many people but quickly adjusted, adding more cold water to the kettle already heating on the stove. Some griddle cakes were stacked just to the side of the stove, the scent of cinammon making Jayne's mouth water but they were not offered around. Disappointed he hooked a chair with his boot and pulled it out from the table to sit down. Everyone found a place and by the time the water had boiled Zoe had outlined her plan and Jayne had lost his a