TITLE: "DEMONS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: No specific pairing.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "PURSUIT"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "River tries to warn the crew without giving

too much away. Her circumspection does nothing for their

peace of mind."

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.

"DEMONS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Kaylee was not sure how to categorise River's mood. The girl had been more silent than normal ever since the cargo had been opened. It had troubled the mechanic more than a little. They were in the lounge area just off from the commons room. River sat on the settee with her legs folded under her and hunched up as if trying to make herself as small as possible. The notion was painful to Kaylee. She passed Jayne sitting at the big oak table cleaning his knife before going on to the lounge. He glanced at her but said nothing. Kaylee did not speak until she took a seat next to her friend.

"You're worried."

Kaylee stared at River for a moment. It always nonplussed her when River spoke out of the blue, echoing her own thoughts in that uncanny way she had. "*Qu*. Not sure what to make of the new folk if you wanna know the truth."

River nodded. "Everybody fears what they don't understand."

"Do you fear them, River?"

She shook her head. "*Bu qu, wo dong*. Everything has a purpose, some more than others."

"What does that mean?"

"It means we should trust the Captain."

If possible, Kaylee's eyes widened even more and they were pretty much stretched round as saucers to start with. It made her look like a cat after someone had stepped on its' tail.