It was the middle of the night and fully dark when Serenity touched down at the Eavesdown Docks, but that didn’t mean it was quiet. The activity around the port was perhaps muted, but not so’s any casual observer would notice. Fires burned at various points, and maybe a little less crime happened, but it was only very little. Under cover of darkness nefarious deeds when unnoticed.

After a few moments the cargo bay doors on the Firefly opened, and Mal strode out, followed by Freya, Zoe and Jayne. Dillon Malfrey stepped forward from the shadows.

“Captain, Freya,” he said, nodding at Mal and smiling at Freya before turning to Zoe. “My dear, how are you?” he asked, moving forward so he could take her hand. “Should you be up and about?”

She smiled at him. “I’m shiny, thank you. Our doctor’s good.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“But not so good as to be able to identify the poison used on Inara,” Mal said shortly. “What have you found out?”

Dillon’s face became serious. “You were right. One of Wing’s men has been bragging about what they did, taking a woman from under the noses of Persephone’s aristocracy. No name, of course, but …”

Mal took a deep breath, the tendons in his neck taut. “Where’s Wing?”

“At his house.”

“Then we go there.”

“Captain, I must urge caution,” Dillon insisted. “Let me talk to the Authorities. Perhaps –”

“No Feds.” Mal’s tone brooked no opposition. “I ain’t running to them. They wouldn’t help us anyway. Our word against his …”

“Then how do you expect to get in?” Dillon asked. “Wing’s house is very well protected.”

“I know. Been thinking on those lines myself.”

“Mal,” Jayne said. “There’s always a back door.”

Mal looked at the big man thoughtfully. “Think you can arrange it?”

“Sure. Give me a little time, I’ll have us all inside.” He grinned.

“Time’s something we’re pretty short on.” Mal nodded. “Our best bet, though, seems to me.” He looked at Zoe. “Get Hank. We’ll take the shuttle, get as close as we can. Better bring Inara