Chapter 8

Miss Serra,

I hope we can meet to discuss a possible business arrangement. Please be my guest at 20:00 hours tonight. My estate is number is 15946.

Sincerely Mr. Helm

“That’s it?” Mal questioned as the crew all read the wave displayed on Inara’s personal source box.

“Yes, it has to be from River,” Inara said standing near her bed.

Jayne huffed from the doorway, “Could be this hwoon dahn just wants to get lucky.”

“Anyone that would be interested in contracting with me would know to go through the guild registry,” Inara replied.

Mal scratched the side of his face, “I don’t know, what do you think, Doc?”

“River would be smart enough not to contact the ship directly. I can see her using Inara as a cover,” Simon answered.

“You really think sher found a way onto one of those estates?” Kaylee asked.

“Very well could have, makes sense she would avoid any public cortex screens. They would all have camera in, or near them,” Mal said. “Still, this could be something else.”

“We have to check.” Simon said.

“That’s the plan, Inara and I will…” Mal started.

“Excuse me,” the Companion interrupted, “I will be going myself.”

“Like guay, you will. Were, not even sure this is from River,” Mal responded crossing his arms.

“If it is, she sent it to be discrete, that’s not going to work if you’re with me,” Inara retorted walking up to Mal.

“It’s likely the Feds intercepted this, they might be there waiting,” Mal said sternly.

Inara smirked, “Even more reason for me to go alone. It’ll be hard to say I believed the message was legitimate with you tagging along.”

For a few long moments Inara and Mal stared at each other as if waiting to see who would back down first. No one said anything until Simon began to say, “Perhaps I could go with…”

“No,” Mal cut him off, “She’s right,” he said hating to admit Inara’s points were valid.

“Then I need to get ready if I’m to look the part,” Inara smiled at her victory.

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Sleep. In any