She slumped to the ground as the blow from behind connected with her knees. There was a gruff laugh from one of her attackers and she choked back the tears, which stung her eyes desperate not to give them the satisfaction of seeing her pain. One of them grabbed her by her long, wavy, blond hair and pulled so she was looking into his face. The sweaty man smiled at her and she spat hard at him. He let go of her hair and swung for her face but the man behind him in the shadows called "Stop! Not the face, they don't fetch such a high price if you damage the face." The sweaty man growled but stepped back but then turned swiftly and smacked her in the side of the head, which knocked down and out for the count.

***

The wave came to Serenity as she cruised through the blackness of space. Mal sat in front of the COM screen and was slightly surprised to see the face of Inara. He was about to make a wise crack when he noticed she looked deeply worried.

"What's up Inara, what can I do for you?"

"I'm sorry to have to be contacting you so soon but I need to ask for your help, I had been wanting to wave you with the good news that I'm ready to come back on ship but instead I come to you in need."

"Whoa, slow down 'Nara, please explain."

"Ok, I knew you still needed to find a pilot and I have a good friend who is one of the best pilots I have ever come across. I had contacted her and she had come to the compound to meet with me and catch up on old times and hoped to meet you when you came to collect me. While she was visiting she was in the temple meditating, a gang of mercenaries attacked and grabbed about five of the trainee companions and also Alana. She used to be a trained companion, could have been one of the best but she has a wild spirit and had always dreamed of being a pilot. I wanted to wave you to introduce you to her but now I have to ask for your help."

"And there I was hoping we could have a nice pick up without any peril, there is somethin' 'bout you and peril! And you already know I'm gonna