TITLE: "OUT OF THE FRYING PAN"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "BITTER FRUIT"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Jayne is determined to get ship and crew

into the Black as soon as possible. No one is very happy

with the mercenary's explanation."

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.

"OUT OF THE FRYING PAN"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Are you sure you want to do this,*mei mei*?"

Inara gave Lacey a nod. "Not want. Need."

Her friend nodded back. It had to be bad for Inara to actually request this kind of help but it made sense of why she had chosen House Arcadia. Inara's determination not to return to Sihnon - and in particular House Madrassa - spoke volumes. Especially as she had begged Mistress Alena not to notify anyone that she had taken refuge here.

Refuge. A word Inara would not have imagined thinking let alone seeking until this day. It had been the unspoken last resort no Companion would willingly countenance for with it came a stigma. The inference of some indefinable fall from grace. A blot against the soul. Inara had not expected to make this decision even as she was preparing to leave the one home that meant anything of worth to her. Serenity. No. She was not leaving Serenity. Not deserting her friends. She was leaving *him*.

"Where do you think you are going?

You, with your hand on the door?

Just where do you think you are going, my friend?

My fine feathered friend.

How could you leave me knowing

You're my world alone?

You're leaving your heart behind you

Don't you know that you will be lonely..."

- "Where Do