Inara piloted the shuttle near the now deserted platform where Shang had given his presentation earlier. He was waiting for her as he said he would. He cut a handsome figure just standing about. As she landed the shuttle, she noticed several ships hovering about,presumably watching the platform to see if they could gain some sort of advantage in the "treasure hunt". She knew there were Companions aboard some of them. While she wasn't the first Companion to travel about in a ship, she was the first to travel around with a known criminal element. It would appear that her idea was catching on. As to why Shang would choose her, she hadn't an idea, and the topic hadn't really come up during their interview.

While she tried to learn as much about a prospective client before the deal was turned, she didn't want to probe. Looking too hard at the reasons one would hire a Companion tended to make the client selfconscious, and that was the last thing she wanted to do.

"How very prompt of you, Inara."

"It wouldn't do to keep such a gratious host waiting too long, would it?"

She took his offered arm and walked with him.

"Tell me, Inara: Is it true that some Companions are skilled fencers?"

"No, that's not true."

He hid his disappointment well.

"All registered Companions are good fencers. Some are even great."

His smile was warm.

"In that case, I happen to have an exquisitely balanced foil, if you would care to indulge me."

"Indulgence is why I'm here."

* * *

During the morning briefing that he was required to attend, Chief Dobson was starting nod off.

"Are we boring you, Chief?" Remo almost purred.

Chief Dobson cursed himself inwardly as he sat straight up. Commander Remo was a lot of things, but stupid or unobservant wasn't one of them.

"No sir, not at all."

"Good. Now, do we have our arrest warrants for Red Veil?"

"Yes sir!" Came Lt. Kelly's overenthusiastic reply.

"Sir, if I may. Sending a