A/N Sorry for the delay, and the shortness of this part. Part 8 should've been put out as one part, but I've been sick, and writing sporadically, and wanted to get the parts out... this is the most tenatious flu I've ever had..

Anyway, just a little bit before Mal goes lookin' for Whelt...

Go back and read the Other Parts:

Choices – Part 8 C

by 2x2

The crew watched in silence as Williams and his men disembarked and disappeared into the crowd filled docks. Zoe punched the switch to close Serenity’s cargo bay doors, her eyes on Mal and Inara as they stared at each other, waiting for the Captain’s inevitable reaction.

“Pretty cunnin’, makin’ ‘em think you was ‘Nara’s client an’ all,” said Jayne, breaking the silence. He gave Inara a leering grin.

Mal gave him a hard look, too angry to have patience with the mercenary’s tactless obtuseness. He shook his head. “Prep the mule,” he barked before stalking towards the stairway.

“Mal,” said Inara, stepping after him.

“Wha’s his problem?” Jayne muttered as the Companion walked past him. Receiving no answer, he shrugged and nodded for Book to help him with the winch, mumbling under his breath about other people’s problems and things you couldn’t change.

“Zoe, gear up and have Wash plot us a course from this world ‘case we need one fast,” Mal continued.

“Sir,” Zoe nod