Inara looked up from her uneaten breakfast and gazed along the table to where Mal and Hank were discussing their next trip.

“Yeah, but if we take that route we could swing by Ortega’s place. He’s had jobs for us before, and he never minds us taking our ease for a day or two.” Mal absently stirred his cereal.

“But it’s summer on Verbena. He’s probably in the mountains.”

“So? We’ll wave him first and find out.”

“Mal?” Inara spoke, and the captain of Serenity looked over and smiled at her. “Will we be going by Persephone?”

“Weren’t planning on it.”

“I have to be there in a week’s time. Could you schedule that for me?”

There was silence around the table. Inara never asked specifically to be taken anywhere - her client base was sufficiently large that she could fit in with most of the Firefly’s destinations.

“And why would that be, Inara?” Mal asked softly. “Some General can’t keep it in his pants long enough?” He knew immediately, even without Freya at his side, that his words were insulting, because he jammed his lips tight shut.

For once Inara didn’t take offence. In fact she smiled, which was much more disconcerting. “I need to be on Persephone in one week, Mal. I have been summoned to meet with the House Priestess there.”

Mal sat up straighter. “Over Medori?”

Inara shook her head. “No. They don’t know anything about … although I suppose it could be considered indirectly linked.” She gazed into his eyes, knowing they were blue, but unable to see the colour in this light. “I’ve sent in my resignation. I’ve decided I no longer want to be a Companion.”

Mal stared, his mouth open.

Kaylee dropped her spoon. “’Nara, you mean it?”

“I really do,” Inara said, smiling at the young mechanic where she was sitting, feeding Bethany.

Mal closed his mouth. “I … do you … have you …” He gathered his wits. “What’s brought this on?”

“A lot of things,” Inara admitted. “But Medori and Grace … I suppose that was the final straw that broke this particular camel’s ba