TITLE: "BEG, STEAL OR BORROW"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "MURPHY'S LAW"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY "The trap is sprung and the crew work on a rescue

plan. River has no intention of letting the blind lead the blind."

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.

"BEG, STEAL OR BORROW"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Being a suspicious man, Malcolm Reynolds blessed his luck while cursing the ease with which the shuttle landed among a nest of Alliance heavies the like of which he had seldom seen in one place except during the War. Made every inch of his gorram skin crawl. He glanced at his friend, noting how serene Chung-li appeared but knowing that blanket of calm could hide a myriad of things. "Okay, so we're down."

Chung-li did not say anything. The Captain swallowed slowly, as if still sorting out the words he needed to say in his head and not wanting them to come out wrong.

"I got a bad feelin' 'bout this, Chung-li. Fact is I seen merrier gallows."

"You did not have to come, *wode pengyou*."

Anger sparked along with a brief stab of hurt but evaporated an instant later. Mal knew the Chinaman meant no offence and would be the last one to wish to put him in harm's way. "*Bushi*. Not no-way was I lettin' you come alone, *dong ma*?"

There was little time for further conversation. True to his word the Governor of Hope had an escort waiting for them. Without voicing any more of his misgivings the Captain checked his sidearm and followed Chung-li to the door. A short burst of code sent back to Serenity to let them know they had landed safely and to keep