“Sir?” A young steward in smart livery approached the entrance to the alleyway, looking a little uncertain. “Are you Captain Reynolds?” he asked Hank.

“No, I am.” Mal sat forward into the light.

“Sir, Mr Malfrey requests you meet him at the rear entrance. Immediately, sir.”

“Why? What’s happened?” Mal stood up, and Jayne came out of the darkness, his hand on his gun.

“I don’t know, sir. That was the message I was to give you.” The young man gave Jayne a last look, and hurried away.

“Come on,” Mal said, heading out of the alley.

They skirted the ballroom, weaving amongst the vehicles waiting for those inside, and as they reached the rear of the building they saw Dillon’s hover set on the ground, doors open, unattended.

Jayne drew his gun.

They broke into a run as they saw Callum come out, something – or someone – in his arms, Dillon close behind.

“What the hell –“ Mal said, pulling up, then, “ Wuh de tyen, ah .”

“Zoe!” Hank cried, pushing past him and taking hold of her hand, gripping tightly.

“I think she’s been stabbed, but I don’t believe it’s as bad as I feared,” Dillon explained quickly. “But she needs to be seen by a doctor.”

“Got one right here,” Mal said, even as Simon moved to Zoe’s side. “Hank, move.”

His pilot glared at him but let go, stepping back only enough so that Simon could check Zoe’s vitals.

“Inside the hover,” he ordered, moving with Callum as he laid Zoe on one of the long seats, Hank scrambling in after them.

“The hospital isn’t too far –“ Dillon began, but Mal interrupted.

“No. Serenity.”

“Yes. Of course. By the way, your Companion seems to be missing,” Dillon said, aware this man was controlling pent-up rage.

“Missing?” Mal looked up at him sharply.

“I think Zoe probably followed, and got stabbed in the process. By whoever’s taken Inara, I imagine.”

Mal’s face tightened and he turned to Jayne. “Look for her. Go inside and search, and I don’t care if they make a fuss. Just do it. Then bring the mule back to Se