Blue Sun Room FICTION - GENERAL
Back Stories I, Chapter 10/14 - Inara
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Inara finds that her time back in the Core is not as peaceful as it should be.
CATEGORY: FICTION TIMES READ: 3920 RATING: 9.0 (PG13) SERIES: FIREFLY
Disclaimer: It belongs to Joss and all those business people. I’m just playing.
Rating: PG to NC17. I will not put warnings on each chapter, because I don’t want to give things away. In general, don’t be getting into any of this if you’re not prepared for adult storylines, violence, explicit sexual content, and - oh my - bad words.
Many thanks: to several fireflyfans.net members: and for hours of beta reading and entertaining discussions of many things. , , and provided additional beta time on the early chapters. The talented did the lovely artwork. (Ain’t it nice?) and http://www.chinesetools.com provided many colorful Chinese phrases. One of fine fics provided a useful plot bunny. (I won’t tell which yet!) Finally – kudos to for her inspirational fic . Links: Prequels: The Fish Job () () and Easy Tickets () (). Timing, pairings, and canon blurbs are in my .
Thursday, 31 May 2007 17:03
Again - no time for proper comments, though all the feedback on Chapter 9 made me squeeee! But I'm at a conference today, barely enough internet time to post. And not enough to edit properly - I hope I didn't screw anything up...
I'll post more chatty stuff later!
I'll post more chatty stuff later!
Thursday, 31 May 2007 22:29
"...as servants of the government that protects you and your way of lie...." Serendipitous typo, or what? {insert 'evil' or 'tongue' emoty here}
Friday, 01 June 2007 00:31
The plot thickens.
I have been trying to formulate my thoughts for a while now... but I can't. So I'll just think out loud. (If I ask questions, feel free to ignore them. it's just how I think...)
Inara's POV is very interesting. Very insightful look behind the porcelain mask, even if she is of the emotional state where some cracks are showing. I think someone has mentioned in some fic somewhere (I am very specific like that) that her leaving Serenity is already her second midlife crisis!
Just when the crew thought they were in the clear details from their past come back to haunt them. Could be painful.
Mr/Prefect Marone is an unknown quantity. I had seen him as the benevolent type, but now... Is it even him? Has he learnt something new? Is he on the hunt or trying to help?
The two alliance agents. Are they working for him or a third party? Are they benevolent or not?
This is all adding to the mix of people all after just one itty boat...
I still cannot see the "hints" others are seeing about where this tale is going. But (I think) I like it that way. Every single chapter so far has been a bundle of the unexpected for me. I don't think I have foreseen anything. And it has been great.
As always, very good writing.
I have been trying to formulate my thoughts for a while now... but I can't. So I'll just think out loud. (If I ask questions, feel free to ignore them. it's just how I think...)
Inara's POV is very interesting. Very insightful look behind the porcelain mask, even if she is of the emotional state where some cracks are showing. I think someone has mentioned in some fic somewhere (I am very specific like that) that her leaving Serenity is already her second midlife crisis!
Just when the crew thought they were in the clear details from their past come back to haunt them. Could be painful.
Mr/Prefect Marone is an unknown quantity. I had seen him as the benevolent type, but now... Is it even him? Has he learnt something new? Is he on the hunt or trying to help?
The two alliance agents. Are they working for him or a third party? Are they benevolent or not?
This is all adding to the mix of people all after just one itty boat...
I still cannot see the "hints" others are seeing about where this tale is going. But (I think) I like it that way. Every single chapter so far has been a bundle of the unexpected for me. I don't think I have foreseen anything. And it has been great.
As always, very good writing.
Friday, 01 June 2007 10:15
Oooh, the plot thickens, and it doesn't look good for our intrepid Firefly crew. I am now wondering if Kaylee's stilted letter was an attempt at warning Inara or letting her know something was wrong while making it innocent enough that if any of the others saw it they would just think she was contacting a friend. I really don't like those OPR officials, interesting though that despite their threats to Inara they didn't actually arrest her. Presumably they were told not to be quite that heavy handed - yet. I have a feeling the gloves are about to come off. And why the good gorram is Mal wanted now? What has changed in the last two weeks and why do I feel that Badger has had a hand in setting him up? Can't wait for the next part. Ali D :~)
You can't take the sky from me
You can't take the sky from me
Friday, 01 June 2007 11:34
Talk about thickening the plot! So hopefully this means that former Prefect Marone is now promoted to a more powerful position to help our BDH's, but just unknowingly released the evil Will and sidekick Ginger after them. Not good. But Mr. Marone will convince Inara to get over her sulk and help out, because the problem with Mal is time sensitive - what an understatement!
So you have a good government-bad government subplot returning(Yay!)and are really turning up the angst button - again! You are so evil to make us wait till Monday. And what an amazing plot you are weaving with your former stories. Magnificent piece of work! Loved the new character, and loved Inara's reaction to her first client. Glad to know it can be more than "just sex" for her too.
So you have a good government-bad government subplot returning(Yay!)and are really turning up the angst button - again! You are so evil to make us wait till Monday. And what an amazing plot you are weaving with your former stories. Magnificent piece of work! Loved the new character, and loved Inara's reaction to her first client. Glad to know it can be more than "just sex" for her too.
Friday, 01 June 2007 14:26
Inara's dream seemed both revealing and accurate. I hope she listens to her heart and conscience before it is too late.
Friday, 01 June 2007 15:10
I really love that Inara didn't back down even in the face of the OPR threats.
Lucky Inara had an understanding client. There could have been a lot more damage to control leaving like she did.
All these people after this little ship. Mal and crew have their work cut out for them now.
Lucky Inara had an understanding client. There could have been a lot more damage to control leaving like she did.
All these people after this little ship. Mal and crew have their work cut out for them now.
Friday, 01 June 2007 16:12
Absolutely fabulous work here, mal4prez! Definitely been waiting for this chapter for ages ;D
Gotta say though...this chapter was all kinds of telling about Inara's feelings regarding Mal, with the crew and Serenity coming second-string, in that she aches for Mal to come to her and just take charge...but she can't let go. The flashback to her arrival at the Training House and her meeting with Lina definitely seems to indicate that Mal and Inara have a little more in common than Mal realizes or Inara wants to admit. Have always wondered if part of Inara's issue with starting something with Mal, besides seemingly giving up some of her control to him, is the fact he reminds her too much of her pre-Guild past growing up in a lower class of society than she’s now used to. Falling for a roguish Rim cattle rancher-cum-military officer-cum-transport captain would probably subconsciously drive her nuts, since it would be like taking a giant leap back (in her mind).
Also, I have to say I wanted to shake Inara to get some sense into her head! Here she has evidence that’s she has wronged Mal, Kaylee and the rest of the crew by buggering off to the Core and she thinks she can’t make up for it?!? Tian Yesu…does this woman need a sodding picture drawn?! One WAVE to Kaylee could go a long way….though her timing would suck
Speaking of which…how long till Inara finds out Mal’s brain is slowly rebooting itself from the final straw of her departure adding to all the pain that’s built up over the last 15 years? Cuz THAT has to get her to do something! Knowing Mal’s brain is self-erasing – machinery a la “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”? Pshaw! – has to be a gauntlet throw down moment!
We need more and we need it ASAP, mal4prez! Post soon?
BEB
P.S. Before I forget….the Inara vs. OPR agents scene? Definitely dread-inducing and worrisome. Definitely have to wonder how the Guild will react when Inara is officially arrested with the intention of getting her to talk about what she knows about Oeneus.
Gotta say though...this chapter was all kinds of telling about Inara's feelings regarding Mal, with the crew and Serenity coming second-string, in that she aches for Mal to come to her and just take charge...but she can't let go. The flashback to her arrival at the Training House and her meeting with Lina definitely seems to indicate that Mal and Inara have a little more in common than Mal realizes or Inara wants to admit. Have always wondered if part of Inara's issue with starting something with Mal, besides seemingly giving up some of her control to him, is the fact he reminds her too much of her pre-Guild past growing up in a lower class of society than she’s now used to. Falling for a roguish Rim cattle rancher-cum-military officer-cum-transport captain would probably subconsciously drive her nuts, since it would be like taking a giant leap back (in her mind).
Also, I have to say I wanted to shake Inara to get some sense into her head! Here she has evidence that’s she has wronged Mal, Kaylee and the rest of the crew by buggering off to the Core and she thinks she can’t make up for it?!? Tian Yesu…does this woman need a sodding picture drawn?! One WAVE to Kaylee could go a long way….though her timing would suck
Speaking of which…how long till Inara finds out Mal’s brain is slowly rebooting itself from the final straw of her departure adding to all the pain that’s built up over the last 15 years? Cuz THAT has to get her to do something! Knowing Mal’s brain is self-erasing – machinery a la “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”? Pshaw! – has to be a gauntlet throw down moment!
We need more and we need it ASAP, mal4prez! Post soon?
BEB
P.S. Before I forget….the Inara vs. OPR agents scene? Definitely dread-inducing and worrisome. Definitely have to wonder how the Guild will react when Inara is officially arrested with the intention of getting her to talk about what she knows about Oeneus.
Friday, 01 June 2007 18:40
> this chapter was all kinds of telling about Inara's feelings regarding Mal, with the crew and Serenity coming second-string, in that she aches for Mal to come to her and just take charge
Hmmm... not sure about that, certainly not what I intended... I don't think of Inara as needing someone else to take charge! But I see your point.
The rest of what you're saying hits bang on. She is being downright silly (to be nice about it), for the reasons you say.
As for how long it'll be? Sit tight. ;) And I can't post sooner - I'm doing major rearranging of the remaining chapters of this Book. I'll be finishing Chapter 11 this weekend, I hope!
Cozen - oops! serendipidous for sure! I'll fix it!
All the other plot questions I can't go near, for fear of spoiling LOL!
Hmmm... not sure about that, certainly not what I intended... I don't think of Inara as needing someone else to take charge! But I see your point.
The rest of what you're saying hits bang on. She is being downright silly (to be nice about it), for the reasons you say.
As for how long it'll be? Sit tight. ;) And I can't post sooner - I'm doing major rearranging of the remaining chapters of this Book. I'll be finishing Chapter 11 this weekend, I hope!
Cozen - oops! serendipidous for sure! I'll fix it!
All the other plot questions I can't go near, for fear of spoiling LOL!
Friday, 01 June 2007 21:55
Oops...not quite what I meant re: Inara's dream about Mal:$
What I meant was that Inara very much wants Mal to take the leap and fight past her attempts at deflection and avoidance to tell her that he lurves her and wants to be with her. That's scary to her because...could she really do the same thing if the position were reversed (based on how you’ve written Inara so far)? For a long time, I have been aware that a major issue between Mal and Inara is that – due to widely differing reasons – they both have erected walls around their emotions and have held them there for long enough that lowering them is a Very Big Thing. Now…Mal took the gamble of lowering them to be “truthsome” in “Heart of Gold,” but Inara burned him with her little speech about what Nandi and her family at the Heart of Gold had taught her.
I totally believe Inara is quite capable of taking care of herself…when she’s in possession of knowledge or experience with a certain type of environment. Love as strong as she has for dear Malcolm (and Mal has for her)? Uh…definitely not in Kansas anymore, Toto ;D
BEB
What I meant was that Inara very much wants Mal to take the leap and fight past her attempts at deflection and avoidance to tell her that he lurves her and wants to be with her. That's scary to her because...could she really do the same thing if the position were reversed (based on how you’ve written Inara so far)? For a long time, I have been aware that a major issue between Mal and Inara is that – due to widely differing reasons – they both have erected walls around their emotions and have held them there for long enough that lowering them is a Very Big Thing. Now…Mal took the gamble of lowering them to be “truthsome” in “Heart of Gold,” but Inara burned him with her little speech about what Nandi and her family at the Heart of Gold had taught her.
I totally believe Inara is quite capable of taking care of herself…when she’s in possession of knowledge or experience with a certain type of environment. Love as strong as she has for dear Malcolm (and Mal has for her)? Uh…definitely not in Kansas anymore, Toto ;D
BEB
Saturday, 02 June 2007 03:12
Oh! yes! conflicted emotions Inara, my favorite kind. I like how she runs away from her client. Is that in the Companion Handbook? LOL... Admit it Inara, you're as screwed-up as the rest of us.
She just doesn't get the "crazy love/hate thingy" at all, does she? Her attempt at making things right by creating distance between her and Mal fails miserably because she's already hopelessly attached herself to the ship.
By the way, beware of hair-chopsticks. They can take ya out! love that!
A+ writing
She just doesn't get the "crazy love/hate thingy" at all, does she? Her attempt at making things right by creating distance between her and Mal fails miserably because she's already hopelessly attached herself to the ship.
By the way, beware of hair-chopsticks. They can take ya out! love that!
A+ writing
Saturday, 02 June 2007 04:06
Now you've done it. You’ve totally blown all my theories right out of the water. After Easy Tickets, I really thought that you had written Inara as a secret agent and that she was behind what had happened to Mal. After all she brokered the deal for Serenity’s release and she hopped an alliance transport. Aren’t the guild famous for their wonder drugs, and Mal could not remember her at all, not to mention anything she accidentally let slip while in his company.
Could it be that she was just in love with him and couldn’t handle it so she ran? That’s what this chapter leads us to believe. I was jolted awake at her verbal sparring with the OPR agents. Now I have absolutely no idea what to think. It is so obvious that she is deeply in love with Mal. Yet she won’t acknowledge it.
Perhaps I should just hope for everyone to live happily ever after. (Oh right, it’d never happen, this is firefly)
Another awesome chapter – I’m on pins an needles waiting the next one. – Desert Girl
Could it be that she was just in love with him and couldn’t handle it so she ran? That’s what this chapter leads us to believe. I was jolted awake at her verbal sparring with the OPR agents. Now I have absolutely no idea what to think. It is so obvious that she is deeply in love with Mal. Yet she won’t acknowledge it.
Perhaps I should just hope for everyone to live happily ever after. (Oh right, it’d never happen, this is firefly)
Another awesome chapter – I’m on pins an needles waiting the next one. – Desert Girl
Monday, 04 June 2007 06:09
Phew... Well, I've finally caught back up - and what a great place to catch up to! Stuff is getting interestingly more complicated. The thought of Will and Ginger getting sicked back onto Mal and the crew is tantalizingly dreadful. I like how you've introduced Prefect Marone's involvement in an unspecified way, giving us lots and lots of possibilities to ponder.
I also appreciated Zoe's unforgiving stance concerning Inara - bespeaking the depth of the pain and damage done - and Inara's own recognition that she would not be welcome, even without knowledge of Mal's deteriorating state.
I loved Inara's rumination on the '...same as always. Mostly.' line. It speaks so loudly to her conflicting feelings on the matter - and the man. I also liked the way Kaylee went ahead and sent the letter -- but a revised version. When I saw the letter's font I thought "Oh no she di'int!" (despite have seen her give Jayne the letter), then relaxing into an "Oh, no she didn't." as I continued reading. It drew up the tension and possibilities of what Inara would do or how she would react to Kaylee's earlier draft, without succumbing to the over-the-topness that that would entail, thus maintaining the authenticity of the characters. It provided extra play value, while still maintaining a satisfying nuance.
I am so looking forward to what's coming next!
I also appreciated Zoe's unforgiving stance concerning Inara - bespeaking the depth of the pain and damage done - and Inara's own recognition that she would not be welcome, even without knowledge of Mal's deteriorating state.
I loved Inara's rumination on the '...same as always. Mostly.' line. It speaks so loudly to her conflicting feelings on the matter - and the man. I also liked the way Kaylee went ahead and sent the letter -- but a revised version. When I saw the letter's font I thought "Oh no she di'int!" (despite have seen her give Jayne the letter), then relaxing into an "Oh, no she didn't." as I continued reading. It drew up the tension and possibilities of what Inara would do or how she would react to Kaylee's earlier draft, without succumbing to the over-the-topness that that would entail, thus maintaining the authenticity of the characters. It provided extra play value, while still maintaining a satisfying nuance.
I am so looking forward to what's coming next!
Post Your Comments
You must log in to post comments.