TITLE: "MIXED SIGNALS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "A DIFFERENT EDEN"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Zoe is convinced Mal is making a big mistake. Inara and Shepherd Book make a discovery. So does Simon."

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.

"MIXED SIGNALS"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It seemed such a tiny concession that the Captain was baffled by the vehemence of Zoe's opposition. The more intransigent she became the angrier he got. They left Pepper Rawlings sitting in front of the saloon while they went somewhere less public to discuss the job. Mal was beginning to get the uncomfortable feeling they were talking about something else. He just wasn't sure what. "It's too risky, sir."

"Zoe, ain't no risk involved. Both Lauren and Rainbow are peaceable worlds. Ain't no one pushin' or shovin' us, no treadin' on toes or such, so why the hedgin'? What's really on your mind? An' don't tell me it's this job, *dong ma*?"

She tried not to glare at him but failed. As the silence between them deepened he sighed. Zoe had no easy way of saying what she felt needed saying. "Ain't right, sir."

"We already had this discussion."

"I mean you and River."

His look hardened and a stab of pain flickered briefly in his eyes. "Not your call, Zoe."

"You're making a big mistake, Mal."

He was all kinds of mad with her now but was determined to try and hold his temper. Zoe was his oldest friend. Trusted her more than he trusted his own self most of the time but a line had been drawn and it was all kinds of unamusing how much she was crossing it. "If it's a mistake it's *my