Chapter 17

"Ms. Lien Wu," the herald announced as another guest arrived.

Inara felt Simon's tension on her arm. "Is something wrong Doctor?" she asked.

"Maybe… I know that name. But uh, lots of people have that name right? I mean what are the odds…"

"Better for you, considering you aren't the captain," Inara jested. "Perhaps we should proceed now? If we are fortunate, you'll get the information we need on our first try. Then we can leave without finding out just who this woman may or may not be."

Simon sipped his champagne and swallowed uncomfortably. He placed his cane against a nearby column and followed Inara to the dance floor where they assumed the Promenade position.

"Are you ready?" Inara asked him. Simon's hold was confident but his eyes betrayed his insecurity. He nodded meekly and Inara gave his arm a reassuring squeeze while pressing the button that would administer his injection.

Simon closed his eyes and clung to her uncomfortably tightly within their dancer's hold.

Inara took a deep breath and initiated the dance, praying that the good doctor would regain his control soon.

Lien Wu's heart caught in her throat when she saw Simon Tam in the arms of a beautiful woman. Calm down, Lien thought to herself, that would be the companion, Inara Serra. It was common for wealthy men, married and single alike, to engage a registered companion from time to time, but Inara's presence was making it difficult for Lien to remain objective. If the proposed new technology really was capable finding Simon and River Tam, this could be Lien's last chance to capture Simon Tam and save him from himself.

Lien's perceptive eye observed Simon's gait and she realized he was injured and appeared very uncomfortable. Lien shuddered to think of what living in the out in the Black and the barbaric border planets may have done to Simon's psyche. She could only imagine how advanced his psychosis must be. I'm sorry I failed you, bao bei, but things will be different this time.

Lien's mind wandered back