Chapter 5: Flickering flame

“Malcolm Reynolds!” Badger got up from his chair and drew himself up to his full height in an attempt to make himself look more important. It didn’t work “I wasn’t sure you’d come”

“Wouldn’t have said I would if I weren’t planning to” Replied Mal, calmly

“Yeah, well, can’t be to careful in the business world”

“Ain’t that the truth”

Badger walked round to the front of his desk and Mal took a couple of steps closer to him. They began sizing each other up as they always did before they made a deal.

“So, what’s the cargo?” Asked Mal

“I never said I had cargo” Replied Badger

“No, but you also didn’t make a very good job of concealing those Alliance branded crates over in that there corner” Retorted Mal, a smug smile playing about his lips

“No, I suppose I didn’t” Said Badger

*****

“Wow, this place is beautiful” Said Kaylee as her eyes took in the lush décor of Inara’s friend, Chyou’s, living room.

“Thank you” Replied Chyou, humbly “My decorator is just jing-tsai. Would you like some tea?”

“Oh yes, thank you” Replied Kaylee, full of excitement. The Persephone ballroom aside, Inara’s shuttle was the most luxurious place she had ever visited up until now, and this place was just like being back inside that shuttle, only fifty times bigger. Kaylee grinned as Chyou’s maid poured them some tea. “Sheh-sheh”

The maid curtsied and then left the room.

“So, meimei” Said Inara “You like Chyou’s house I take it”

“Yes!” Exclaimed Kaylee excitedly “Your shuttle is nice, but this is Dah bien-hwa. Very different from Serenity!”

Inara giggled “I suppose it is”

“Not that I don’t like Serenity!” Added Kaylee, quickly. Inara and Chyou both smiled knowingly. They both knew how strange it must be for Kaylee to be a guest in this rich world, but Inara was sure this was just the thing she needed to take her mind of Simon, and maybe help her see sense.

“So, Inara, what have you been up to?” Asked Chyou “It seems like forever since we had the chance to talk”