A/N: Sorry for the delay - real life reared its ugly head again!

Please keep commenting ... the story is winding down!

Zoe surveyed the room before her with an impassable expression. She’d already steeled herself during the twenty minute ride to the holding cell for the scene she’d be witness to. She knew it would not be pleasant, it would probably smell and the sight would more violently turn her stomach than the idea. She’d been right on all counts.

Jayne tensed beside her, his hand automatically reaching at his waist to clutch his non-existent sidearm. He had one on him, but it was hidden beneath the suit jacket Simon and Inara had insisted he wear to keep up appearances. Pressing his lips into a thin white line, he caught Zoe’s gaze from the corner of his eye and gave her an almost imperceptible nod.

“You Zelda?” A man’s gruff voice intruded on their silent conversation and Zoe turned towards the speaker. His age was impossible to ascertain, his skin lined with a myriad of wrinkles that had more than likely been caused by smoke, sunlight and exposure to a variety of other harsh elements, including violence. He was balding, what was left of his brownish hair cut close to his head and his eyes were beady, barely more than slits, making it futile to try and guess at a color.

Nodding, Zoe told him, “Yeah. I’ve been sent by my boss, Mister Wu. You got some folks for me to look at?”

The other man hobbled towards them, favoring his right leg. Both Zoe and Jayne made note of the weakness – it might come in handy later. With a tip of his chin, he motioned to two other men, both armed, standing on opposite sides of the room. They disappeared through a door at the back, returning a few moments later with about thirty slaves. The prisoners were ushered into this small holding area all looking frightened. Children, ranging in age from five to twelve clung to nearby adults, only peeking out