TITLE: "BAIT"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: G.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "LITTLE THINGS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "River tells them what the chain represents.

The Captain makes his decision then discovers something

disturbing about Inara."

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.

"BAIT"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Okay, now I'm thoroughly confused." Said Wash.

Zoe patted his arm in a mildly placating manner as if he were a small and not very bright child but one she was inordinately fond of. "Pay it no mind, sweetie."

He looked pained. "But I want to know *bao bei*. You know how I love mysteries."

"Ain't no mystery." Said Jayne. "That Alliance *wangba dan* is playin' with us or rather, playin' with the Cap."

They were in the commons room. All eyes straying back to the object lying on the grey velvet bag in the middle of the large oakwood table. It looked so innocent. Innocuous. The Captain was silent, weighing up River's reaction and her words. Simon wanted to take her to the infirmary for her next shot of medicine. River's eyes parted in barely constrained panic. The Captain timed his question to offer her something of a respite. "You said this piece of *gos se* was a map, River. I'm thinkin' how that can be?"

She smiled sweetly at him, edging round the table just out of Simon's reach and closer to the Captain. One eye on her brother, not putting it past him to dart out and grab her in the mistaken belief it would be for her own good. "Look at it, Captain. Not shiny but practical."

"Practical?" Sneered Jayne. "On'y thing it's good for is trash."

The Captain frowned