Chapter 2

“All right kiddies, we all know our jobs?” Mal tugged at the cravat tied neatly around his neck and shifted uncomfortably in the overly tight pants. He truly hated fancy functions.

“Captain,” Simon stepped into his line of vision, dressed to the nines in his fancy Core fits. The black tailcoat hugged his body just right, and matched perfectly with the red patterned vest and white mandarin shirt beneath. “I don’t think River–“

“She can be of use. She’s going. That’s final.” Mal turned to Wash and Jayne, who were similarly uncomfortable in their fancy clothes.

Shepherd Book, the only one remaining on the ship, rested a reassuring hand on Simon’s shoulder. “She’ll be fine, son. Didn’t you tell me she always loved to dance?”

Simon nodded slowly. “She loves to dance.”

“Well then, just think of this as a –“

The soft clink of delicate shoes on metal could be heard from above and five sets of eyes turned upward to see the ladies leaving Inara’s shuttle.

“Ta ma duh.” Wash stared at Zoe, resplendent in a traditional Chinese dress, as she led the ladies down the metal staircase. He stepped forward and took her hands. “Wife, you look good ‘nuff to eat.“

“You can do that when we get home, husband.”

Simon’s breath caught and his heart turned over in his chest when he saw his mei mei, the beautiful silk clinging to curves he hadn’t wanted to admit she even possessed. The happy smile on her face nearly made him forget that she was deeply disturbed and emotionally traumatized girl. She hopped off the steps with the grace of a dancer and flung herself into his arms.

“Mei mei, you look beautiful,” he whispered into her hair.

“Can’t wait to dance, Simon. It’s been so long. You’ll dance with me, right?”

Simon’s eyes were tender as he cupped her cheek. “Of course I will dance with you.”

Kaylee followed River, her eyes falling hopefully on Simon. But his attention was elsewhere, his swai smile turned on his sister as he looked at the beautiful red dragon-patterned silk that clung t