Sleep Tight....(5)

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Inara laid down on her bed and started to fall asleep.

"Inara!"

Startled at the voice she looked to see Atherton.

"What are you doing here? How did you get in my shuttle? Or for that matter how did you get on the ship?"

"Oh, what no kisses, boa-bai?" he asked, with a smug smile on his face.

"You know you have a black mark on the client...."

"Oh, believe me, I know. I also remember how I got it."

"Yes, by being a ching-wah tsau duh liou mahng."

"I bought and paid for you." he said getting angry.

"Well, not tonight, so, you can just leave."

"I don't think you’re in any position to make orders." his henchman brought in Mal.

"Mal!" she went running to him, looking at all the bruises.

"I'm alright....I'm okay....but I'm in pain," said Mal, "Do you mind moving your hand." Inara moved her hand and saw the blood.

"Mal" she said shocked.

"You see, no one humiliates Atherton Wing, you had to learn it the hard way."

"What do you want?" asked Inara, trying to stop the bleeding.

"Revenge." With that he took out his sword and stabbed Mal in the stomach.

"Mal." screamed Inara, as she saw him fall back in pain and her eyes shedding tears. "Mal, stay with me, please!"

"Inara, don't order me around." said Mal weakly.

"I can't lose you." Mal turned and looked at her, "AWW!" screamed Mal, as Atherton's blade stabbed him again.

"Mal!" but this time she got no response.

"Get up whore." said Atherton, as he pulled her up by the arm.

"You'll pay for this." said Inara, trying to gain control of the situation.

"Inara, please, you’re just going to end up embarrassing yourself." said Atherton, pulling her out of the shuttle. As they walked into the cargo bay she saw the rest of the crew held at gun point.

“What are you going to do with them?”

“Turn them into the proper authorities. I know that these two,” he said pointing to Simon and River, “are worth a handsome some, although this is not a matter of money to me.”