TITLE: "DELIVERANCE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "ILLUMINATION"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "While searching for the Captain, Jayne

accidentally stumbles across a clue. Badger looks for

someone to blame for his predicament."

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.

"DELIVERANCE"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Zoe Warren was beyond frustrated. The further into the graveyard they went the more tense and bad tempered she became. The Preacher said nothing, knowing that her worsening mood was caused by worry. Jayne was less diplomatic.

"Told ya this is *yige cuowe*. Never should'a come back."

Zoe spun round on him so quickly that the mercenary found himself taking a step back before he could stop himself.

"You'd best pray we find the Cap'n otherwise you won't be comin' back, *dong ma*?"

His eyes widened in alarm. "*Wode ma*, Zoe, ain't my fault."

"Yes it is. You panicked Jayne. Shot me an' left the Cap'n behind. I'm in no mood for any of your whinin'. Only reason you ain't already dead is 'cause we may need the firepower to get Mal out."

"*Duibuqi* Zoe, didn't mean to leave him behind." Jayne muttered in low pained voice.

Zoe realised that the mercenary actually felt bad about what had happened, upset and embarrassed at his less than heroic reaction. Funny how different the graveyard looked without that foul mist. "What about shootin' me? You plan on that, Jayne?"

"*Diyu, bu qu*!" He blurted before realising it was Zoe's gallows humour but even that mocking darkness was skating thinly over a most definite and immovable edge of s