TITLE: "WHEN THE DEVIL DRIVES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "NEEDS MUST"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Simon gets an inkling about what his mother

is up to. The Captain drops off the crates but dealing with

one problem only sets them up for another."

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.

"WHEN THE DEVIL DRIVES"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Simon watched his mother and tried to tamp down the temptation to give in to a feeling of rising panic. This was not going the way he had planned. If anticipation was the better part of the feast, finding the food all manner of unpalatable was far worse. He waited until the day's duties were done and they were alone in the lush apartments set aside for them. "*Wo bu dong*, what is going on?"

She regarded him in silence for a moment. Knew exactly what was troubling him and gave in to a tentative probe. The strength of his mental shield had always been impressive but this was the first time it had been impenetrable. Regan Tam did not like what that might mean. "The ship should have been boarded."

"*Shenme*? What are you saying?" The answer flashed in his mind almost before the words were out. Shock and horror traded places with each other. "You set them up!"

"Nobody takes from me, Simon. *Dong ma*?" Regan was walking towards him slowly, closing the gap, her eyes locked on his, her voice no longer the soothing musical lilt of someone who cared. This was a harder and more implacable creature trading on emotions as efficiently as she did a balance sheet. "Doesn't matter whether it's family, friends or the *b