TITLE: "SECRETS AND LIES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "NOT ASKING"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Zoe is determined to get the Captain back by

any means. Simon and River's little idyll loses its' shine."

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.

"SECRETS AND LIES"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It was almost eerie the silence that had descended aboard Serenity. Everyone was more than a mite tense. Shepherd Book was worried, not just about the Captain but Zoe. He knew she and the Captain had quite a history. Knew she was totally loyal to the man. Would no doubt follow him into each of the nine hells if she had to so now he had to wonder what she would do once the ship arrived at its' destination. Tight lipped and silent as the grave Zoe stood on the bridge and just stared out at the Black. Wash had tried to open a conversation several times but her answers were little more than grunts, her distraction by turns worrying and annoying him. But Wash knew better than to say as much.

The fuel from Inara's shuttle was just enough to get them to the Tam Estate though how in *diyu* they were going to take off again was another matter. The pilot knew his wife was not thinking further than their immediate destination and that scared him on a deep and fundamental level. Zoe was the most focused and level headed person he had ever met. Sure she was a stone killer but she was also warm and witty when the mood took her. The Shepherd hesitated before broaching the subject in front of Wash but he could hardly ask the pilot to vacate the bridge so he could talk to the man's wi