A/N: For disclaimers, see Ch1. Sorry for the delay btw chapters, but RL seems intent on quelching the plot bunnies. Thanks to Neroli for a terrific beta and to everyone else for their feedback.

Chapter 6: Uninvited Guests

Chinese Glossary

Ta ma duh – motherhumper

Ta-ma-de hwu dan – mother humping son of a bitch

Liou coe shuai du biao-tze huh hoe-tze duh ur-tze – salivating son of a bitch and a monkey

Guai – devil

--

"Everything go smoothly?" Zoe inquired as Mal joined her and Wash on the bridge.

"No problems. Monty wants to think a bit before he commits though," Mal told her. "You?"

Wash held up the bag of platinum that was sitting on the map console. "We got paid."

"Good, look's like everything is in order then. Inara?" Mal asked.

"Simon's 'friends' left instructions. We're to meet them on Station C6 at the Dancing Ship Saloon in three days," Zoe supplied.

"Gorramit," Mal cursed. "That's barely a stone's throw from the Core. That place is crawling with Alliance."

"Adds to the excitement of the matter, doesn't it?" Wash quipped. Mal just glared at him in response.

"I already talked to Kaylee. She's going to rig a video link so that Simon can stay on the ship," Zoe explained.

Mal shook his head as he walked off to his bunk. "If'n only she could do that for all of us."

***

"Is she asleep?" Mal asked Simon as he entered the kitchen to join the rest of the crew.

Simon just rolled his eyes. Mal's paranoia about River's abilities had only increased since he had made his decision to attempt to help her. If the man had his way, River would stay comatose until the entire scenario was over and done with, he thought to himself. "Yes, she should be unconscious till morning," he answered scornfully.

"Good," Mal replied, clearly ignoring Simon's tone. Boy was going through a lot. He could make the occasional allowance, he supposed. "Now then, anyone her