I do not own Sanctuary or any of the referenced characters except for Inara, as she is of my own making. Enjoy.

I was sleeping when the initial call came, too tired from training to answer my summons. It was a bad choice, I should have known she would be mad, that things were serious to warrant me being called. I instead decided to doze for a few minutes longer. It was a mistake, being dragged out of bed by a member of security is never fun. No matter what my status within the Cabal guaranteed me, a full night's sleep just was not a perk. Nor was a gentle awakening.

The security grunt was not in a good mood, that much was clear to my fuzzy thought processes as he pulled me down the hallway. His grip was a tad too tight, I murmured a half jumbled phrase about having enough bruises, followed by a threat about what would happen to him if he caused me anymore pain.

He chuckled "I was told to get you up. You may be Whitcomb's little pet, but remember you are still a monster to the rest of us. Few of us would hesitate to put you down if the need arises."

I hold back a hiss, and jerk my arm away. Which was another bad choice, I was still very sleepy and off balance. I stumbled and my escort laughed, not bothering to keep his disdain a secret anymore. Rubbing the blurry sleep from my eyes I continue on, trying to ignore my companion. The area of the compound we were entering was relatively unknown to me, I rarely left the training and experimental quarters.

We move upward slowly, passed levels I had rarely seen in years. Most of the labs I trained in were on basement levels, we were heading to the top of the complex. I shiver, this really had to be serious, only upper level members of the Cabal were permitted up on those levels. These were top security places, where very few with the clearance to enter them. I had been a member of the Cabal for years, one of their trained enforcers and yet, I had never been permitted to its highest levels. Well, until now apparently. We had yet to stop climbing, and my escort was growing tired of stairs. He lead me towards the elevators. I hesitate again, and he growls pulling me forward. I didn't want to go in, the enclosed space was terrifying after being enclosed in ice for years. I still had yet to get over my intense fear of being confined since being freed.

But I follow anyway, this man would not see me break with fear. I would not hear more from him, the fact that he felt he was superior to me already was rankling my nerves. I step into the small space, taking a deep breath as he pressed one of the higher buttons on the door panel. Great, trapped in the small box of death with a man whom I disliked for quite a few floors yet.

My companion became more serious as the floor numbers increased, not interest in teasing me any longer. My sense of foreboding increased with his tension. It was no longer just the abnormal in the elevator with him that was upsetting his behavior and that alone was unsettling. Paired with my already fraying nerves, and it was amazing that I did not go into a claustrophobia induced breakdown right then and there. But that wouldn't do me any good, my companion would probably have left me, deciding that the girl he was sent to fetch just wasn't worth the effort to get her to her destination. And from what I could see, getting me to my destination was a very important and time sensitive task. Otherwise any rational person would have taken me via the stairs.

Finally the bell pings, indicating we had reached our floor. I try not to fidget as the door opens, restraining my wish to bolt out of the elevator as the doors open. I take a deep breath and try to portray a calm that I do not feel. My companion ushers me toward an open doorway, it would appear we were meeting in one of the conference rooms. I briefly wondered who needed me this morning before passing across the threshold. I suck back a gasp as I see the gathered officials of the Cabal seated before me, Dana at the head of the table.

"Inara, how nice of you to join us." Dana's voice rings out softly. To many people, her tone would not be threatening, but to me I knew I was being warned never to be as late as I currently was again. I resisted the urge to shrink back into the shadows of the door, and simple nod apologetically.

"I apologize, I did not realize the need for my presence was so great. I will not make the mistake again."

She gives a cold smile, and I realize I would pay for my absence later. Yet she turned back to the gathered members of the ruling board of the company. "As I was saying before our truant guest arrived, one of our secure facilities was attacked an hour ago. We have yet to determine the extent of the damage incurred at the site but surveillance contact was lost. We fear the worst for the Northern Scottish facility."

I narrow my eyes, realizing where this little chat was going. "When do I leave?"

"Why do you assume you are going Inara? Quite frankly your dedication has come into question today," Dana retorts.

I turn to address the board of directors, choosing not to face Dana at the moment. Another choice I would pay for later but right now we did not have time for the current argument. "Was this not what I was trained for? I am your enforcer, chosen for my talents in combat as well as my abilities to clean up loose ends. You have sent me to track down rogues in the past, to infiltrate the homes of our enemies, to eliminate threats. How is this any different?"

Seeing no response was forthcoming, I continue. "If what you say is true Dana, we do not have time to waste in argument. I should leave forthright, and I pray you have a team ready. If there is any hope to recover the site and what it contains we must leave now."

Dana nods "Your means of travel are ready, as is your team. You are dismissed."

I nod and walk out, not surprised to notice that she follows me shortly after. "We will discuss your tardiness after your return and your debriefing. It will not be tolerated again, nor will your casual addressing of the members of the board. You will never address me so again, I am your superior and it reflects poorly upon me when you do."

I nod, wishing this discussion was not taking place now. "Understood ma'am. I apologize for my familiarity in addressing you, it will not be repeated. Now I ask your pardon, for I must take my leave. As you said previously, there is an important matter to attend to."