This is a REPOST.

Word Count: Part 1: 3363

Spoilers: Set during the series, post Trash, but pre Heart of Gold.

Characters/Pairings: Mal/Inara/Saffron. Yes, that's what I said ;o)

Rating: Part 1: PG-13 for Language and Sexual themes. Overall, NC-17. Sexual situations of a graphic nature, aka Smut. Language.

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, nor am I affiliated with Mutant Enemy, Fox, Universal or anyone else related to the Firefly 'verse. I just like to play with 'em.

Author's Note: Written for noneofyours who won my ho!fic writing skillz in the Sweet Charity Ho auction and asked for a Mal/Inara/Saffron threesome. This was also due at the end of May, and I am very late and a bad 2x2, but I hope the story makes up for it, darlin'. I'm giving you Part 1 now cuz I want you to have something to tide you over while I wrestle this fic to its conclusion.

Warning: I have to admit, though I tried very hard to make this as plausible as possible, I could not avoid the crackiness entirely, so I hope you forgive me. I've used ***** to denote a switch of POV because I am a bad writer and both Mal and Inara kept talking at me, making me see things from their perspective. Mouseover the chinese for translations.

Special thanks to anjulie, agent_rouka, and homespun for all their support, discussion, and advice while I've been working on this!!! Thank you all *SO* much!!! You know I couldn't do this without you!! *Massive Hugs!!* I Love you all!!!!

Title: A Laser, A Journal, and A Man: Part 1/3

Author: 2x2

It was insane.

Crazy.

There was no way she could go through with it; no way in a hundred years that she could ask him to do this.

Inara paced the length of her shuttle, distressed as she tried to formulate a plan. It would have to be the laser, but he'd never give it to her. Besides which, if she asked she'd have to explain