After another three days of bed rest Alana decided she felt well enough to get dressed and take a tour of the ship; her new home, at least for the time being. Inara had kept her word and made up an outfit that allowed her friend to walk about comfortably without putting any pressure on her injuries.

The dress was made from a dark red material, which hung loosely across her chest, and was secured over her shoulders and under her arms, which left her back unclothed since it was still so sore. The material swept down to the floor and round to her right side while a second piece of the material was secured round her hips and tied with a knot again on the right side so there was a large swathe of material covering her right leg but her left, which had the huge cut, was left mostly uncovered.

Inara had brushed Alana's long wavy hair so it hung down but over her right shoulder so it did not tangle with any of the dressings on her back. Inara smiled when she stood back and took in the sight of her friend who, less than a week ago, had been at the mercy of violent kidnappers. Now she stood, looking regal and beautiful, and smiled as broadly as Inara had seen in years.

"I shall go and get the captain and tell him you feel fit enough to take a tour of the ship and meet the crew properly."

Alana nodded and perched down on the side of the bed to wait while Inara went to find the captain. She didn't have long to wait until the shuttle door opened again and in walked Mal followed by Inara. He almost did a double take, as he looked Alana up and down.

"Well, you look... Better... Err... I'm glad to see it, and you've found somethin' to... Wear. I gather you feel up to a tour of the ship and you'd like to meet the crew formally. That's just fine, I'm thinkin' you've met most of us briefly but it'd be good to have a sit down and see what everyone thinks. Shall we start the tour?"

She nodded and followed the two of them out of the shuttle as the captain led the way down the metal gangway to the top of the stair