Inferno – Chapter Fifteen

You know I don’t own’em, I’m just playing.

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Inara watched in silence as work crews loaded Serenity for her next trip. With the Companion away to Aberdeen, the work load on Serenity was effectively doubled. The ship would lift again this evening, after only one day at home.

She wished that she and Mal could have spent more time together, but things were what they were. And, Inara admitted, she was enjoying her ‘hitch’ as Captain of Serenity. She’d never imagined she’d like it overmuch, but had found it enjoyable, other than Mal’s absence.

John, Pete, and Willie had all returned willingly, proud that Inara had asked for them specifically. She smiled at the memory of the three marching into the bay and saluting, ‘reporting for duty’. They were a comical trio, and, she was sure, good men.

Holly had taken to them as well. The young engineer was somewhat like Inara and Kaylee. He loved the black, loved his post on Serenity. But he lacked the fire of someone like Mal, Jayne, or Zoe. He was content to keep the ship in working order, and avoid trouble when possible.

Since the end of the difficulty with Withe and Company, and the not quite unfortunate demise of the late, (probably) Sheriff Grippen, they hadn’t had any sort of troubles. Inara allowed herself the fleeting hope that those kinds of difficulties were firmly behind them. It had been one reason, she knew, that Mal had finally accepted the posting of Sheriff.

“We’re secured, ma’am,” John called up from the bay. Inara nodded.

“That’s fine, John,” she called back. “Please see to the provisions, and I’ll have Holly prepare for getting under way.”

“Yes, ma’am,” John nodded, and turned back to his fellows. Inara walked to the galley, and hit the com.

“Holly, are we squared away?”

“Almost, Miss Inara,” Holly’s voice came back a minute later. “Need another few minutes, at most. Once we’re in the black, I’ll need to reset the coolant mix once more, to make sure it’s right for this new valve. Ain’t but the