Disclaimer: Firefly and its characters sprang from the brain of Joss Whedon. What a brain that is.

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CHECKMATE: Bishop defends black knight.

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It's hardly what she's used to, but Inara feels pathetically grateful for this cheap hotel room at the Eavesdown Docks. At least she doesn't have to wander the streets, trying to ward off sexual advances from drunks, madmen and worse until dawn's light sweeps the streets clean of the trash generated by Alliance rule.

She is grateful too that Monty took the news of her failure with such good grace. She could tell he was disappointed in her despite his best efforts not to let it show. When she apologized, he reciprocated, blaming himself for having expected too much of her on his very first mission. Said he shouldn't have asked her to deceive her friends. The loneliness that welled up at mention of her friends prompted Inara to relate how Jayne had forced her off Serenity. Monty's mood instantly changed to one of anger and concern. He told her she must make her way back to his stronghold immediately so that she could be taken care of.

She looks at the alarm clock beside the lumpy bed. Four hours till sunrise, five till she can catch a ship heading to Three Hills. She should try to rest even if she can't sleep so she opens one of her bags, and digs around inside for a nightgown. As she pulls it out something clatters to the floor.

The sight of the ridiculous wobble-headed doll all but breaks her heart. Hurting too much for tears, she lifts it up from the floor and presses it to her lips.

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Between them Jayne and Book haul the last of the long wooden cases up the cargo bag, biceps flexed tight under the strain and sweat trickling down their faces. They've been at this for half an hour, working in silent harmony.

Simon feels jealous. Wishes he had Book's knack of fitting in. Or Jayne's of not caring. The fear that he will always have to watch his step around this crew - always have to apologize for his very existence - is surf