The Last Spartan – Chapter Twenty-Seven

Once again I point out that I do not own any rights to Firefly et al. Of course if there’s anyone out there who thinks I do, I have some wonderful ocean side property for sale in Iowa, if you’re interested :)

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The guests began arriving early, despite the rain. The attraction of attending a purely social event at the famous Sapor Parco estate trumped even the nastiest of weather. Men and women attired in formal wear costing more than many working families made in a year on the rim worlds streamed into the house, flowing along the bottom floor of the mansion into the Great Hall.

Inara and Prim greeted each guest in turn, introducing themselves. Inara eyed Prim almost constantly from the corner of her eyes. The ‘assistant’ to Lord Janos was attired in an exquisite tuxedo, his grooming immaculate as always. River had been right, Inara decided. He was a handsome man.

And there was certainly more to him than met the eyes. River had hinted at Prim’s secret to her, Inara realized in hindsight. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that she’d known. Even if Jayne hadn’t told her, which he certainly would have had she asked Inara was sure, River could no doubt sense it about the man.

But a Roman Centurion! Inara has once again fallen back upon the Cortex for historical references. Prim had to be in the neighborhood of two thousand years old. And despite the fact that he referred to himself as Janos’ personal assistant, nothing could have been farther from the truth.

Prim Vatorian was likely Janos’ most trusted friend. More like a brother, perhaps, than a friend. The two had shared Bhudda only knew how many adventures together.

Shed no telling how much blood at each other’s side.

For he who shed’s his blood with me shall be my brother, she thought, recalling a line from a famous Earth-that-was play.

“Something troubles you, my Lady?” Prim asked quietly during a lull in the arrivals.

“No,” Inara replied, startled from her thoughts. “Just thinking.”

“