Disclaimers : Everything belongs to Joss, except for one character of my creation

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

**Mousing over the Chinese should reveal the English translations on most browsers. If not, translations follow the story.

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

Tension was palpable at the evening meal. Everyone knew the test results had come back, and, although Simon didn’t say a word to the others about the outcome, one look at Mal told them all they needed to know. He came late to the table, wordlessly and with puffy eyes. Zoë, Wash and Kaylee exchanged furtive, worried glances at his appearance. Book regarded him silently, studying his face carefully as he sat down.

To make matters worse, it was to be Inara’s final night on the ship. She had joined them for dinner, but was very quiet and looked as though she might cry at any moment.

Mal finally broke the silence, directing his attention to Inara. “We should reach the training house mid-morning tomorrow.” His voice was subdued and husky. “Might wanna ‘wave your girls, let someone know to meet us at the dock.”

Inara nodded, looking up at him only long enough to acknowledge that he had spoken. Kaylee reached over and squeezed her shoulder, and Inara smiled at her, a small, thin smile.

“So,” Jayne said, in his own misguided attempt to ease the stress, “Do we get to meet your girls, ‘Nara—maybe...give ‘em a real-world lesson?” He grinned a hopeful, cockeyed grin.

Inara smiled up at him patiently.

“I’m sorry, I think your world is a little too real for them right now,” she said, trying her best to sound lighthearted and teasing. The others chuckled, grateful to have the tension broken even a little.

“I’m afraid one look into Jayne’s world, and there’d be a mass career change underway there!” Wash threw in, and then the laughter was more genuine.

“Ha ha ha! Go on, have a laugh at ol’ Jayne’s expense!” Jayne growled, but he didn’t sound angry. Then his expres