Sheydra hugged her friend in farewell. She could see Inara was ecstatically happy, the fact that she had left her to Jayne Cobb’s attentions was testament to that. Jayne had been a nice diversion and she was grateful for the rescue, but she would never let herself attached to spacers again. Space was too unpredictable – her father had been right about that at least. Still she had enjoyed being in their company and she had said goodbye to Jayne warmly and without condescension.

“You keep sending me waves – I don’t know how long it will be before I get back to Sihnon,” Sheydra said. She shifted uncomfortably in the transport, her leg was very painful and she still had to be carried everywhere. At least her parents could arrange for her to get the best medical attention, but she would never tell Inara that, as she spoke very highly of Serenity’s doc’s abilities.

“I will, Shey,” said Inara indulgently, they had shared a lot together in the last couple of weeks. “And you take care of yourself.”

“How’s your dangerous, unpredictable and downright insane life now, Inara?” teased Sheydra, echoing one of her friend’s earlier statements.

“He’s still in bed,” laughed Inara. “And stop teasing.” Zoe came up to them.

“We’re ready to depart now, Inara.” Inara hugged her friend again and then watched as the transport drove away, Zoe waiting with her until it was out of sight, before she then turned to return to the ship.

“Zoe,” Inara called and she turned around again. Inara walked up to her.

“I’m not staying on Serenity .” Zoe, always impassive, nodded briefly and asked.

“Does he know that?”

“He does,” replied Inara. Zoe walked onto the ramp, she knew it was Mal’s business if he wanted to do this, but he was going to be awfully ornery for a while. Inara was a little put out by Zoe’s unconcern, but she did not want to let it dampen how she was feeling. Zoe pressed the big red button to close the ramp. Inara knew that Zoe did not view her as a threat, but with all they had been through in