Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Maxine. She's mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

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A new story line to recharge my Muse. Set outside my “Allanverse.” Just to see what happens. Set about a year and a half post Serenity. Story line has the standard pairings of Mal/Inara, Simon/Kaylee. Also has River/Jayne. Zoë... we'll you'll have to read it.

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A/N: Taking things slow. Action will be forthcoming in a bit.

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New Blood

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Chapter Five

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“Zoë... you are a fool,” Inara said as she stood, hands on hips in front of the first mate.

If it had been anyone other than Inara and if Zoë hadn't been injured. That comment would have resulted in at least a sore jaw.

Instead, Zoë just stared at the former companion.

Inara sat down on the low table across from Zoë who, after dinner had commandeered one of the chairs in the lounge off the galley.

“Zoë... I never thought you capable of hurting someone.”

“Seems you ain't been payin attention the last couple of years. I hurt people all the time,” Zoë replied, her voice flat.

“In the physical sense to people who are a threat to the crew... yes. But never emotionally to people who are nearly crew.”

“Maxine ain't crew.”

“She will be.”

“You got some particular insight into that? Seems this woman done wormed her way on this ship and no one cares.”

“And maybe you are against her because you are feeling guilty.”

“About what?”

“Living!”

Zoë sat back dumbstruck.

Inara continued, her voice now much softer, “I know you're still grieving, Zoë. We all are. You lost a husband. I think that you sometimes forget, we also lost someone. A good friend who we also loved.”

Zoë opened her mouth to speak but Inara held up her hand, “You and Wash had a love for each other that defied explanation. I hope that Mal and I have half the love for each other that you and Wash did. If that happens we will be very happy.”

“Nara...”

“Let me finish. I know you haven't been wearing your armor like you used