TITLE: "INITIATIVE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing. A Jayne-fic.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Standalone.

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "In his efforts to impress the Captain and put

coin in his pocket Jayne implements a cunning plan."

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.

"INITIATIVE"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Mal was pacing, barely able to form words. "I can't believe this!"

Smug, Jayne looked pleased with himself. "Cunnin' plan, huh?"

Eyes widening even fuller, the Captain stared at him. "Jayne, you broke into a MUSEUM."

"They wouldn't be expectin' that."

"That's 'cause it was OPEN."

Jayne frowned at him. "Huh?"

The Captain started to turn away then spun back and hit him double fisted. More by surprise than force of impact, Jayne lost his footing and landed on his ass on the concrete floor. "What the *diyu* was that for?"

"*Shenme*? You weren't expectin' that?"

The mercenary got to his feet, all out of sorts now. "Don't know what you're so mad about. It was a good plan."

"It was a DUMB plan!" Yelled the Captain.

"Which is why," Said Zoe in a dry unamused voice. "We're in a prison cell."

Jayne looked at the Captain's back. "Mal?"

"Don't speak to me Jayne. In fact, try not to breathe either."

The big man turned to Zoe. "He mad at me?"

She stared at him. "You even have to ask?"

It was hours later. The Preacher came for them. No thrilling heroics or daring escape plan. Money. Every last credit they had stashed away and some they didn't. Jayne stomped out the building affronted. "Can't believe ya PAID 'em."

"We had to pay fo