Communication - Part XVI
Friday, March 23, 2007
Maya. Post-BDM. 2BF. For TamSibling, as ... yes, it's Friday, but it's only short! Mal thinks he knows who's behind all this, and River wakes up. Sometimes there's so much plot I don't know how to put it all into words!
CATEGORY: FICTION TIMES READ: 3531 RATING: 9.0 (G) SERIES: FIREFLY
Greenleaf was only an hour out as most of the crew congregated in the galley. Only River and Freya were absent.
“We’ve heard back from Halliday,” Mal said, leaning on the back of his chair.
“And?” Inara asked. “What could he tell you he didn’t tell me?”
“Not much. But enough so I've got a pretty good idea who’s after you.”
Inara sat forward. “Who?”
“The Guild.”
Her jaw dropped. “That’s not possible.”
“Mal, the Guild is respected throughout the galaxy,” Simon said, wiping at his forehead. He was sweating again, nausea eating at his insides.
“Who knows about your demerit, Inara?” Mal asked, looking only at her, aware of the doctor’s discomfort but not acknowledging it.
“My …” She glanced around the table. “You do. And … and the Guild.”
“Nobody else.”
“It’s kept confidential. There’s no need for it to be made … Mal, why?”
“Because whoever gave Halliday that info also told him about a demerit. Specifically no. 9503.”
Inara paled. “That’s ridiculous.”
“We heard him too,” Hank said, pointing to himself and Zoe.
“But why would they … I can’t believe just because I left –“
“Somehow I ain't thinking it’s that at all,” Mal interrupted.
“Wing?” Zoe asked.
Her captain shrugged. “Maybe.” He looked back at the woman at the end of the table. “Did Xavier Wing have anything to do with the Guild?”
“We’re … they’re autonomous. They always have been.” Inara was trying desperately to think.
“Except Wing had information from them, didn’t he?” Simon pointed out.
“’Bout your son,” Kaylee added.
“Guild notepaper, with the red seal … that’s what River saw in Sheydra’s mind,” Inara breathed.
“Did she tell you something?” Mal asked quickly. “Something maybe the Guild don’t want anyone to know?”
She thought back. “She … well, she intimated that certain Companions used their skills to influence clients somewhat. But, Mal, she was just lashing out at me!”
“What if she wasn't?”
Inara stared. “Mal, you can’t be suggesting –“
“Maybe it’s just one o
You can't take the sky from me
And poor River - I think you're doing a great job of illustrating her grief. The poor girl. How about some nice Simon/Kaylee in the next chapter? I can picture Simon just heaving almost non-stop not only because of the drugs but because he's worried for River. And think what that'll do to Kaylee.
And maybe some Bethany/River interaction - little kids always help!
Fab writing as always. You have me hooked.
What really got me wanting to clap was the debate over the Guild's potential involvement in what happened on board the Marrakesh and Inara's son. Been more than a small amount of debate in the forums about the nature of the Guild (secretly evil or with a self-serving interest vs. benevolent) and Inara's reasons for leaving House Madrassa/Sihnon, and I personally support the view presented here that it could be either the entire group or a small few who are making with the insidious
BEB
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