“You realise this is our last run for free, ‘Nara? After this we can start chargin’ the ‘Landers and maybe afford to trade somewhere other than Badger.” Mal finished clearing up the dishes.

“As long as that’s all you’re planning to do,” she replied pointedly.

“What d’you mean, all ? I’m jus’ tryin’ to keep us afloat.”

“You know what I mean, Mal…” Mal finally gave her his full attention. She was due in a month or so and had been real cranky – getting worse since she’d given up teaching until the baby was born.

“Why don’t you tell me what you mean, bao bei ?” said Mal, smiling kindly. Inara’s mouth tightened as she surveyed her husband, the eternal Browncoat.

“I don’t want you pursuing this Blue Sun conspiracy.” She now glared at him, daring him to deny it.

“I ain’t. Bane jus’ went to warn Wladek. She did that a few months ago, an’ now there’s nothing we can do ‘cept wait an’ see what that Colonel of hers finds out.”

“You shouldn’t have let her go in the first place!” Inara stated with some anger. Mal frowned in puzzlement, but also wondering at Inara’s attitude.

“There was a good reason – Wladek’s being monitored by them. If he contacted us then it’s likely we’d start bein’ looked at - as why would an Alliance Colonel be in touch with a supposed war criminal?”

“The chances of Wladek contacting us were minimal. I don’t think it was very wise to get involved in the first place.” Mal folded his arms.

“Bein’ that you’re wanted by the Alliance for kidnapping, ‘Nara, I’d have thought you would feel a bit more shiny about this?” Inara turned away and tidied up whatever item came to hand.

“I’ve no issues with you looking out for our protection, Mal. Just with you getting involved with finding out more about this Academy and it’s connections to Blue Sun – stirring the pot. They have a controlling hand in almost everything in this ‘Verse and can bring Armageddon down on us with a snap of their fingers.”

“I’d freely admit I’m curious - and outraged on account of what they’ve alread