The mule, an efficient hover that Mal had bought with some of the proceeds from the Lassiter caper, and had improved after Miranda, moved quickly through the wider streets, and it was big enough that people got out of the way fast. Still, as they reached the old town, the streets narrowed, and they couldn’t continue.

“Hank, stay with the mule,” Mal said, jumping down from the vehicle. “We walk the rest of the way, people.”

Although walking wasn't quite what he, Jayne and Simon did. More of a run, actually. It wasn’t very long before they arrived at the street Hank had identified, the rain easing to a drizzle.

“Mal,” Simon said, pointing ahead.

Inara was leaning on the wall, under an awning, her dark red dress stained and scuffed, but as she looked up and saw them her face broke into a wide smile. They ran up to her, Mal taking her by the arms.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I am now.” Inara leaned into him.

Jayne, his hand resting on his gun, said, “Think they’re still around?”

“I shouldn’t think so, but keep an eye out.”

The big man nodded, scanning the area.

Simon was checking Inara over as much as he could. “Your pulse is rapid, and I'm not too happy with your colour, but I think you’ll live,” was his verdict. “Do you have any injuries at all?”

“No, Simon, just a headache,” she assured him.

“Well, best we get you back to Serenity,” Mal said, his voice gentle now he’d found her. “Freya’ll be wondering where we’ve all gone.”

“Isn’t she here?” Inara asked, looking around in surprise.

“I wouldn’t let her. And she’s all manner of angry with me again,” Mal said, helping Inara to walk as the rain stopped.

“Angry? Why?”

“Do you remember what happened?” he asked, skirting the issue somewhat.

“I … not really.” She shook her head. “I was at the ball, Zoe was there …” She looked up at Mal and smiled shakily. “Didn’t she look amazing in that dress?”

“That she did. Don’t change the subject.”

Inara looked around. “Where is she?”

“She had a slight acciden