TITLE: "WRONG DESTINATION"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "OUT OF THE FRYING PAN"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Inara discovers there is nowhere to hide from

herself. Serenity's crew look for the Captain and find something

unexpected."

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.

"WRONG DESTINATION"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Like the Autumn flower you are always welcome. Inara, why did you come?"

Inara released the sigh slowly, as if hoping the gradual dissipation would pass unnoticed. It didn't. "Your mercy, Mistress."

A single elegant brow arched. "Mercy is but a step away from the furnace of Hell, child, did no one tell you that?"

The soft words were like spun silk. Every thread stronger than steel. "And but a heartbeat from Heaven."

Thin lips smiled in the palest immitation of humour. The eyes glinted black and bright. Shiny objects that could instill fear or hope as easily as passion. Eyes before whom all was revealed. Her insight not her knowledge chilled Inara Serra most. "You have been hurt." Mistress Alena murmured. It was not a question.

A little shudder ran like a tremor through Inara's body. She was kneeling, head bent in supplication, before the Mistress of her fate. The House Mistress lay a hand over the bowed head and closed her eyes. Almost immediately the connection flowed. Mistress Alena slowed the torrent of thoughts, savoured the heady emotions as well as the quiet ebb and flow of loss. So many emotions, so much regret. The men were faceless, their demands falling into categories as ancient as birth and death.