“Yes River, I read you,” Wash answered with some anxiety and confusion. “I just spotted twelve ships entering the atmo heading our way. They are converging. We have about five minutes until they’re right above us.”

“What the hell’s goin’ on?” said Jayne.

Mal walked over and took the communicator from River. He had been listening in. “Wash, get Serenity ready for liftoff.”

“I’ve already started the sequence,” said Wash as he flipped all three switches above him. “We can take off with a head start. There is a chance we could get off world before they can catch us.”

“Let’s do it,” said Mal as he signaled River and Jayne to follow him. “We’re on our way back. Get Kaylee in the engine room. Be ready for us. Over and out.”

“We’re leavin’?” asked Jayne. There was no time for an answer.

As they jogged, Mal asked River, “Did you get anything from Badger?”

River answered, “No, he believed only one ship would come. This is a trap. An old enemy wants us out of the way.”

“Right now,” Mal said. “I’m taking your word for it.” He then spoke through the communicator, “Wash, are we ready to go?”

“Yes, we can take off as soon as you’re onboard.” Three seconds later, Wash asked,

“Hey! Should we send any message to Inara and Book?”

“Not right now,” said Mal. “If we send a message, they could trace us to them. Let’s not get them into this.”

* * *

“What time do you want me to meet you for breakfast?” Book asked Holmes as he opened the front door.

Holmes followed Book outside wishing to continue some conversation. “Eight o’clock works for me.”

“It works for me too. I hope you understand that it’s important for me to sleep on your offer. I don’t want to be an inconvenience.”

“Don’t worry; there’s no inconvenience. I didn’t want you to believe I needed an answer right away. It would be a big commitment after all.”

Book shook Holmes’ hand and said, “It’s good talking with you again.”

“Likewise,” said Holmes. He then heard a noise and could see Ser