(Another tentative chapter, I may tweak this one and 8 but only cosmetically. For now I really want to move the story forward. Comments of any kind are always appreciated.)

Chapter 9

"Our quarry has successful evaded the local authorities," a deep and professional voice sounded from a small handset.

"Excellent, send out the decoy and do everything within your power to ensure their escape," The female owner of the handset spoke into the device. She was an attractive young woman of sino ancestry, standing tall at around 5ft 10in with a companion's graze and a soldier's physique. "With any luck the good Doctor will lead us straight to his little sister."

"With all due respect ma'am, we could capture them now and get her location from them. It would cut their numbers in half and the profile indicates their captain's unlikely to leave while crewmembers are still unaccounted for. Also, we'd have secured the bounty on Simon Tam."

"Negative, this crew has proven quite unpredictable and resourceful in the past. We cannot afford to lose the element of surprise. They're up too something and I need to know what it is before we make our move."

"Yes ma'am, though I fail to see how their transport operations are important."

"Which is why you were not placed in charge of this operation," the woman replied shortly. She closed the handset and placed it in a stylish evening bag. She found herself absently twirled the elaborate ring on her left hand as she contemplated aloud, "Simon Tam, we have a lot of catching up to do."

Jayne was pulled into Serenity's cargo bay and slammed on the brakes to avoid creaming the crazy psychic as River sprinted forward to meet them. River leapt inhumanly high into the air to land just in front of Simon and began shaking him violently, screaming, "Simon where are you? I can't hear you!"

"She's startin' to damage my calm…" Jayne began, as he climbed out of his seat.

Simon stared ahead blank faced and emotionless seemingly oblivious to everything, even his frightened littl