“Wow.” Kaylee fell back on the bed and stared at the ceiling, painted a very dark blue with tiny gold stars scattered across it. “Wow.”

Inara looked at Freya. “It seems our young mechanic here is lost for words.”

“Or we broke her. Although I'm not surprised. I’m finding it hard to think of the right things to say myself.” Freya grinned. “You okay, mei-mei ?”

“Shiny.” She sat up. “I mean, I’ve seen ‘em before, a’course. These fancy liners. From a distance. But not up close like this. I’d no idea ...” She coloured, suddenly aware she might be making a fool of herself.

“It’s okay,” Inara said. “I felt pretty much the same way the first time I travelled on one.”

“As a Companion?” Kaylee asked cheekily. “Was he handsome? Good in bed?”

Freya shook her head, but Inara laughed, a gentle tinkling sound like a mountain stream, explaining, “He was a she, and yes, she was good in bed.”

Kaylee’s eyes grew round. “Oooh.” She shuffled forwards. “So? Come on. We need details.”

“Kaylee.” Freya glanced towards the main salon of their suite, where Valentia and Phoebe were discussing the upcoming programme of events.

“They ain’t listening. And we can close the door.”

“I don’t know,” Freya sighed. “You’re not even away from your husband for a day, and you’re already needing a cheap thrill.”

“Oh, I wasn’t cheap.” Inara laughed again, this time at the expression on the younger woman’s face. “Her name was Andra, she was from one of the wealthiest families on Sihnon, and she wanted someone to travel with for a month.”

“Was she your first?” Kaylee kicked her shoes off to be more comfortable.

“As a fully-licensed Companion with a female client, yes. But of course the training I underwent meant I was fully experienced in matters like that.”

Freya picked up the shoes and made a show of putting them in the closet.

“You wouldn’t think anyone living with the Cap’n could still be a prude,” Kaylee stage-whispered.

“He’s just as bad,” Inara responded at the same volu