“He did what ?” Freya sat with her mouth open.

“He fought a duel over me. Didn’t he tell you?” Inara handed her friend a bowl of tea, careful not to spill any onto the bedclothes or Mal’s shirt she was wearing to preserve a little modesty.

“No he didn’t.”

“A sword fight, here on Persephone.”

“Mal? With swords?” Freya shook her head. “Oh, I wish I’d seen that.”

“He was defending my honour, apparently. A certain gentleman had insulted me, according to Mal, and he hit him.”

“And that led to …”

“A duel, at Cadrie Pond.”

“With swords.”

“With swords,” Inara confirmed.

Freya took a long look at the Companion – correction, at the soon to be ex-Companion, at the somewhat smug look on her face, and smiled. “Mal got stabbed, huh?”

“Oh, yes.”

Freya laughed and sipped her tea.

“Is this a private conversation or can anyone join?” Zoe asked, looking down the ladder.

Inara smiled. “Zoe. Come on in. This is a man-free zone.” She indicated the bed next to Freya. “I thought Freya would like a break from the Cortex so I brought tea.“

“And you should have seen her get it down the ladder,” the woman in question said, shaking her head. “It was like watching an accident waiting to happen.”

“Please,” Inara said, reprovingly. “I never spill good jasmine tea.” She smiled at looked at Zoe. “Would you like some?”

“No thank, you, but a few moments would be good. We’ll be landing at the Eavesdown Docks in about half an hour.”

Both Freya and Zoe noticed the strained look cross Inara’s face, but neither commented. She hadn’t said what the interview was going to be like, but it wasn't likely to be pleasant.

Instead Freya most deliberately looked back at Zoe. “Hank making a nuisance of himself again?”

“He‘s going to wear himself out.” Zoe looked at her. “And some of that’s your fault.”

“Well, he’s in love.” Freya shrugged, smiling.

“Not sure why.” Not that she really looked that worried. More … serene.

“Have you looked in a mirror lately?”

“You kn