Inara smiled happily as her shuttle touched down on Proetus, the next moon across from Bellerophon. It was good to be back on the Core. Not that she would want to live on the Core all the time, but a return visit of limited duration could be lovely. Like Bellerophon, Proetus was predominantly given over to one type of nature, but where Bellerophon was water, Proetus was rolling meadowland, no trees distracted from the glorious sight of the spring meadows, covered with the stars of a multitude of flowers. As she stepped from the shuttle at the arranged meeting place, the Fortunate Buddha Tea House, the scent of a thousand blooms touched her like a kiss. The Tea House, a stately pagoda style pavilion, rose out of the surrounding flowerbeds like a single, towering tree.

Having announced herself to the Tea House matron, she was shown to a delicately furnished tearoom to await her guest. Right on time, the paper screen door slid open to admit Durran Haymer, wearing a kimono. Punctual and stylish, Inara thought she might enjoy this meeting.

“Mr Haymer,” she smiled her beautiful elusive smile, “how good of you to agree to meet me. Some tea?” She turned the cup three quarters of a turn in the accepted manner and began the tea making ceremony.

Durran couldn’t remember the last time he had seen a thing as beautiful as the young Companion before him. With her huge eyes and slender neck she didn’t look out of place among the flowers of Proetus. He was charmed, but wary.

“Ms Serra, you out bloom the other Companions here as a rare orchid out blooms daisies. I am honoured to meet you.” He bowed lightly as he knelt at the low table and took the proffered tea. “However, I’m not stupid. Perhaps we could dispense with the business straight away, allowing us time to enjoy each other’s company? So, please, tell me why you asked to meet me here.”

Inara smiled lightly, “Inara please, Mr Haymer. I believe we have a certain acquaintance in common, one whom my associates and I are anxious to locate. You