Later that day, the cargo was in and Wash set the course to Persephone but Mal wasn't happy as always because Inara wasn't talking to him. She didn't even let him sleep with her - that's why he didn't have any sleep; he didn't have his cute teddy bear with him. He still had to find out what made Inara so upset about this job; she sure as hell knew something - but WHAT?

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Inara was in front of the cortex screen, having a conversation with a friend from the guild."Inara...meimei, I'm afraid I have to confirm our thoughts. The cargo is extremely illegal, the drug isn't a medicine but a chemical poison - usually used to kill people who are in a big place like a hotel but in this case you'll have enough to kill a whole planet."

Inara gasped and there was a long moment of uncomfortable silence.

"Thank you, Shania - For everything. I believed you saved many people from death. I must go now; I hope I'll see you soon in more cheerful circumstances."

"Of course. But I'll never thank you enough for get me out of trouble was I was suspected of crime and it's thanks to you I'm still a respected companion... I just wish my attempt for you went better... but please tell me you changed opinion about that operation."

"I did - actually, he changed it." Inara grinned.

"'He'? Are we talking about a handsome pirate who's showing you the universe?" She teased lightly.

Inara blushed a little "Yes."

"Oh I seeeeee. I'll leave you to it then, good luck."

"Bye and thanks again."

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Mal was having his usual coffee when Book entered the galley.

"You aren't cheerful for a man who's got a job." Book pointed out "You're worried about this new contact?"

No answer.

"It's about Inara, she isn't talking to you - I know that much. What happened?"

"You got no notion fretting about my personal life, shepherd."

"Of course not, but I'll leave you with this... you came quite close to loosing her once, son. You really want to loose