Heyyy loyal readers, I'm back! This is my tribute to my weekly poker game, which somehow always reminds me of my facorite 'verse. And yes, eventually my other series will get finished. If anyone would like to help with that, send me a note. Enjoy, and, as always, I'm begging for your reviews.

<>=thoughts

-------------------------------------------------

Inara stands at the top of Serenity’s gangway, staring at the black water below apprehensively. A chill breeze stirs her ebony curls, making her shiver and wrap her arms around herself more tightly. The thin silk nightgown and robe she wears do nothing to cut the cold. Moonlight glitters on the ripples in the lake, and she shivers again, despite herself.

“Best be getting to it.” A gruff voice says behind her, accompanied by a small shove. Inara grits her teeth, but manages to keep her serene visage intact. Gracefully, she sheds the robe and allows it to pool at her feet in a silken puddle. Another breeze rips by, and she hesitates. There’s a prod again, and she’s standing naked in the moonlight.

An appreciative whistle comes from inside Serenity. “Thought you had gone inside,” the voice growls behind her.

“Ain’t no harm in watchin’.” A deeper one replies.

“Get out.” She hears low grumbling and the sounds of heavy boot treads on steel planking. Then silence.

“Best be jumpin’ soon, kitten. I’ve waited long enough.” The voice says in her ear, warm breath rustling her curls.

Inara prays silently. The only response is the wind stirring up little waves on the surface of the dark water.

-------------------------------------------------

Earlier that evening…

Inara threw down the trashy romance novel Kaylee had lent her with a sigh. Three days out from Beaumonde to whatever backwater Rim world they were planning on scamming next, and she was already bored out of her wits. She had tried calligraphy, napping, meditation and