Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon. Mainly because I haven't the courage to stick in a Mary Sue. Also because he is awesome. Will continue to live vicariously through Mal.

This is Chapter 5 of the story that began here:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5474

and continued here:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5523

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5547

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5578

and is a continuation of Our Co-Pilot Tam, which can be found here:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5386

It would be very shiny if anyone could tell me how to stick in actual links.

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The table was silent, except for the sound of Zoe dropping the salad bowl in surprise. All eyes turned toward Gabriel and Simon at the head of the table. Simon himself was staring at his father, stunned. Then realization came over him. “Of course! I remember from elementary civics. Members of Parliament have diplomatic immunity from criminal charges, except when impeached by their peers. And they can issue Parliamentary Pardons for crimes short of murder.” Glancing across the table at Mal, he continued, “Like smuggling. And obstructing justice. And sheltering fugitives. Even if the fugitive was the Member himself.”

“That's the most abusive, corrupt set of laws I've ever seen,” Mal said.

“Glad they're on our side this time, though,” said Zoe. “I can't remember the last time we weren't wanted for something.”

“How can you be sure you'd win?” Inara asked. “There must be well-connected candidates lining up, who haven't spent the last few years a fugitive.”

“That will work in Simon's favor,” said Gabriel. Politics on Osiris is very much an upper-class sport, and the upper classes are tired of the mismanagement of insiders. No one has the reforming credentials that Simon's years with you give him. Furthermore, most of the voters will listen to the existing delegation. If Simon can gain