Chapter Six: Den of Thieves

By Cassandra E

A/Notes: Hmm…the never ending chapter. That's all I am saying. Feedback most welcome, good or bad.

Enjoy!

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   All three individuals were frozen still and silent for what seemed like an eternity. Kaylee looked on with puzzled eyes at Mal's shocked expression, which was slowly turning into a full blown scowl of epic proportions. Meanwhile, the woman that Mal had called Inara strangely enough resembled the woman who Mal had danced with. Her skin had gone ghostly pale, but her composure reminded calm and efficient as she held her head high with aloofness. Kaylee give a quick glimpse out the door, making sure no had come by. She closed it, locking it at the same time. Her curious eyes glanced back to the scene before her.

Mal clenched his teeth in an effort to control his temper. He had been taken for a fool and that was something he didn't take lightly. Taken in by a pair of doe eyes and a pretty face, ruttin' hell, he should have known better. Women were always trouble, no matter how harmless they seemed. "Zhe shi shenmo lan dongxi?"

Inara shrugged delicately. "I think it's rather obvious."

Mal laughed in disbelief, closing in on their distance, Kaylee following him. "You're a gorram thief." He paused. "And I defended your honor. That's all sorts of wrong."

Inara smirked. "I didn't ask you too. Rather pointless. But thank you for that sad attempt. So if I am a thief, what does it makes you? Let me guess, you got lost on the way to the restroom?"

"Well, maybe I did." Mal lied.

Inara rolled her eyes. "Doubtful. Is this conversation over? I do believe you have an early appointment with Mr. Wing tomorrow. " 

Mal crossed his arms, a sardonic glint in his eyes. "You ain't leavin' here with what's mine."

"Really?" Inara stepped backwards until she was in reaching distance of the glittering rock. The moon shone through the viewing windows, illuminating the ornate stand which held it. She pressed a device that was stuck to the side of the stand, blinking red twice until it went dark. "I rather think so."

Kaylee tugged on Mal's sleeve, her face in awe. "Oh, Cap, that's a BOL23. You can bypass almost any lock with that. It's so shiny." Mal in turn gave her a stern look. "We don't compliment the competition."

"But I wasn't ." Kaylee protested sheepishly. "I just noticed is all."

Meanwhile, Inara carefully took hold of the Eye of the Beholder, detaching the BOL23 from the stand. She placed the device in the pocket of her flowing skirt. "Rather ugly, isn't it?" The rock was a mesh of colors, mostly of gold and emerald green crystal; it was a light weight in her hands.

"Really isn't my thing." Mal answered, quickly calculating the distance between them.

"So you won't mind if I take it?" Inara asked thoughtfully. "Not that it matters. It was nice meeting you, Captain. I am sorry it had to be this way."

Mal took another step towards her. "Well, I reckon you did beat me to it. It's only fair." Inara tensed her muscles when he was a few inches away from her. "Let bygones be bygones. But answer me one thing."

"What?" Inara narrowed her eyes suspiciously, reflectively tightening her hand on the cane.

Mal took his time, scratching his chin. "You were on Shadow, weren't you?"

Inara felt her stomach flop, desperately trying to hide her surprise at his guess. There was no way he could know. Her mind whirling with worry, she didn't see Mal moving forward, snatching the artifact from her hand. Inara broke from her stupor, bringing her cane in an arc until it smacked Mal in the arm.

"Ow!" Mal yelled in incredulity, eyes accusing as he rubbed the bruised spot. "You hit me…that hurt."

Inara rushed him, slashing the cane rapidly against him. Mal blocked her blows awkwardly, trying not to drop the artifact. When the cane thwacked him on the head Mal saw stars, making him stumble slightly. In a bold move he threw the artifact at Kaylee, breathing in relief when she caught it. "Go, now!"

Kaylee nodded, wide eyed as she ran for the door. Inara paused momentarily, frowning when she saw the girl getting away. Cursing quietly, she moved to follow but her path was blocked by a glowering Mal. "Get out of my way, Captain."

"I don't think so." Mal replied rubbing the side of his head. "You pack a mean punch, delicate thing like yourself."  

"Hardly."

Mal smiled ruefully. "So I see."

Inara bit her lip nervously, the situation too surreal. Damnit, why did this have to be so difficult? Everything would've gone smoothly had that idiot Atherton Wing not delayed her with his pompous wooing. She glared at the Captain. The man was too stubborn for his own good. But then again, she remembered Frank saying so in his stories back on Shadow; apparently he hadn't exaggerated on that point.

Mal watched her warily, taking notice of the fiery glare in her eyes. The temper did not detract from her beauty, only enhancing it more so. He frowned at the thought in disgust. Diyu! Even after everything, he was still fawning over her like a man bewitched. Maybe it had been too long since…

"Appearances can be deceiving, Mal." Inara said quietly, readying her attack stance as Nandi had taught her, holding the cane with both hands. Her ankle ached at the movement, but the dull pain was something Inara had grown use to.

"You're not wrong, Miss Serra." Mal added, brow rising at her posture. "I am not gonna fight you, Inara." He took a step towards her and Inara moved quickly. As she brought the cane against him, Mal caught hold of it before it struck him. The abrupt move brought Inara closer to him, unbalancing her; he grabbed her arm. At the same time he broke her hold on the cane, it clattered loudly to the floor. Mal held her gaze as Inara let herself fall into the blue depths of his eyes. Her mind was screaming for her to move, but her body wouldn't cooperate. She was paralyzed, her mind going over the memories of the last time she was overpowered by a man. The memory of rough hands grabbing her broke through her paralysis like a cold shower.

Mal saw the fear in her face, feeling her shudder he loosened his grip. Inara saw her chance and spun a kick to his chest, knocking him to the ground. With her foot she kicked the cane upwards, catching it in her hand. She pressed on the cane until the blade slid out, just as Mal was getting up. Inara placed her foot on his chest, pushing down. She held the blade to his neck, her mouth drawn in a tight line, expression neutral. Mal swallowed as he looked on in disbelief. "Nice trick."

"Thank you." Inara replied dryly.

"You mind moving that away? Cause it's all loads of sharp." Mal said.

Inara pressed the blade against the skin. "Actually I do, but I have dallied long enough. I will get that artifact back, Captain. Just letting you know."

"That's where you're wrong. You don't want to mess with my crew or me."

Inara smiled thoughtfully. "I wouldn't cry victory too soon." She lifted her foot away, flipping the cane around whacking him on head. Mal groaned as his vision went black; Inara knelt down, hands lightly going over the cut at his temple. He pushed her hand away weakly, mumbling incoherently.

"I am sorry." Inara whispered as she stood up, walking away, the tapping of the cane echoing throughout the room.

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 Thankfully the guards were still out cold when Inara stepped out of the observatory. She was lucky that she had been able to get behind them unnoticed, efficiently knocking them out. She sighed heavily, feeling terrible for attacking Mal. She didn't blame him for doing his job, but she doubted it was the way to repay the kindness that Frank had shown her. Even if he was just his nephew, it didn't seem right. After all, it was for defending her that he got stuck in a duel, even though it was foolish of him to do so.

Inara walked silently down the corridor of the mansion with only the sound of her cane tapping. The guard shifts would be changing at the moment. The security cameras that she had disabled with a fuse would be activating also, so she quickened her pace. Her thoughts went back to the girl that had fled with the artifact. Mal had called her Kaylee, the mechanic of his vessel. Firefly Class. The Firefly transports were rarer these days, so it would be an easy task of finding it over at the Eavesdown docks.

She was so lost in thoughts on how to go about stealing the artifact back that Inara didn't hear the footsteps of the guards until it was too late. As she looked for a place to hide, Inara was suddenly pulled backwards by her arm. The individual spun her around, pushing her against the wall. The quick movement knocked a vase from a table near by, the footsteps of the guards sped up. Heart pounded rapidly in fear; Inara found herself staring into the angry eyes of Mal. As she began to raise her cane Mal gripped her wrist tightly forcing her to let it drop. The force of it would probably leave a bruise the following day; so she glared at him, opening her mouth to tell him to let go. But any coherent thought went out the window as he pulled her into an embrace, a hand at the small of her back, gently skimming upwards. Inara raised her hands against his chest in protest, only to moan softly as he nibbled along the line of her jaw. She shivered at how good it felt, meeting his gaze. Inara swallowed nervously at how his eyes had darkened, gleaming recklessly.

"Mal…let me… go."

Mal smiled and shook his head slowly. He tilted her chin upwards, taking her mouth, savoring and sampling the taste her. Lord, she was sweet, tasting faintly of shimmer wine. Her eyes clouded dark, moaning once more as she leaned closer in his embrace. A shot of lust struck Mal straight to his gut, traveling down lower. His hand traced along her jaw, digging into her dark locks, devouring her. Inara gripped his vest tightly, overwhelmed by her emotions and the feel of his mouth, hot and skilled against her own. Mal groaned as her hand innocently slipped down further along his stomach, sending blood raging through him.

"What's going on here?" A harsh voice interrupted. Inara's eyes snapped open, the heated spell broken as she stared at the scowling guard. The other guard was busy leering at the display.

Mal cursed softly, reluctantly pulling away. He gave the guard a lopsided grin. "Howdy, friend. I was just…she was havin' trouble breathin' and well, I was… helpin' is all."

The scowl of the guard deepened, disgust evident on his face. He had spent half the night sending drunken couples to their rooms. Some weren't even drunk, but had wanted to try something new. It was the same lese each time, the rich thinking they were above the rules. The individuals before him were just the same. The woman stared at them slightly dazed, lips swollen and skin flushed. The man grinned in the manner of a happy drunk.

"Well, I suggest you help her in your own quarters. This isn't the place for it!" The guard snapped.

Mal leered. "Oh, you bet I will. Isn't that right, baobei?" Inara blinked blankly, her mouth dry, blushing pink. He looked at her pointedly than at the guards. Inara caught the hidden message and nodded, licking her lips sensuously. "Yes, very helpful."

Mal groaned inwardly at the action, the heat in his blood flaring again. He took hold of her gently and began to tug her along the hallway. They had only taken a few steps when the guard called out once more. "Wait a minute."

Inara shared a worried look with Mal. He motioned her to stay still, turning around. "Yes?"

The guard held out the cane distastefully "I believe this is yours."

"Oh… thank you." Mal took the cane from the guard's hand. He sighed in relief once they were far away from the guards. Nearing his room, Inara tried to pull away, the daze dissolving after the guards encounter. Mal held her tighter, pulling the lock from his pocket.

"Let me go!" Inara whispered harshly.

Mal ignored her, pushing the door open and pulling her inside. Inara tugged her arm away, stamping on Mal's foot when he didn't release her. Mal yelped, releasing her. She backed away from him, looking for a weapon since Mal held the cane in his grasp. Noticing a sword stuck to a pillar, Inara easily yanked it free, twirling it to get the feel of it in her hand.

"You are one aggressive lady, I'll give you that." Mal said in a conversational tone, leaning against the wall. "Not that I mind in other circumstances or… positions." 

Inara gave him a murderous glare, seething at herself for getting in this position. "Get out of my way!"

Mal snorted, amusement clearly written across his face. He could have expected many things going wrong in this job, but so far the evening hadn't met with his expectations. Not that he minded some of the things that did. His blood had cooled from the encounter with the guards, only the memory of the kiss wanted to get the best of him again. He had the taste of her embedded along his taste buds, along with her scent.

"You have some explaining to do." Mal said plainly.

Inara scoffed disdainfully. "And you came under this delusion how?"

"Under the fact that because of you, I am hurtin' in all matter of places. And let's not forget that lese of a duel."

Inara lowered the sword to her side, arching her brow cynically. "I didn't tell you to hit Atherton. You did that by yourself. It's not my fault you have no control whatsoever. "

"Who's your middle man?"

"I don't discuss my business arrangements with petty criminals." Inara answered snidely.

Mal gave a quick shout of laughter. "Oh, that's a rich. This comin' from a white turtle dove such as yourself. Or is this just a pastime?"    

"I am a professional, unlike some…individuals." Inara said pointedly. She took a step back as Mal walked towards her, stopping when she raised the sword once more. "Keep your distance."

Mal held his hands in mock surrender; crossing them against his chest. "Professional, huh? That's what Companions call themselves, still makes them whores. Just some flimsy title to gloss things over. You're a thief as good as any."

"No, I am better."

Mal smirked, rubbing the cut at his temple. "Really? Course that's why I got your mark. You're right, that's better for some."

"It was a miscalculation on my part. It's not a habit that I make and I will get it back." Inara countered.

Mal ignored the last part, eyes thoughtful. "Miscalculation? Fancy word for messed up. But I am not to disagree, you don't know who you're dealin' with or do you?"

Inara frowned in puzzlement; her hand gripped the sword handle harder as a knot formed in her stomach. "Duibuqi? I don't follow."

"I reckon you follow just fine. Seem to know an awful lot about the Independent cause, lest ways gave the impression of doin' so. You acted like you heard of me, but I might be just imaginin' things. Who are you really?" Mal watched for any kind of reaction, but there was none, except for the slight flicker of her eyes.

"I already told you. I think you had one too many blows to the head." Inara said carefully.

"Right, Inara Serra, petty thief." Mal mocked. "And one gorram liar."

Inara shrugged nonchalantly, eyes guarded. "Think what you like."

"I don't think that's gonna cut it when the Alliance feds haul you to jail."

"Don't threaten me." Inara warned, her face hardening in anger, her free hand clenched into a fist. "I am not the only guilty party."

"Yeah, but you're the one who knocked out the guards with this handy piece." Mal lifted the cane up.

"That doesn't prove anything."

Mal grinned, pulling the BOL23 from his pocket. "But this does."

Inara blanched, her eyes wide in shock, her free hand patted the pocket of the skirt but found it empty. She composed herself once more, cool mask back in place. "Touché, I congratulate you."

"Well, I have you to thank. Mighty good kisser by the way. Makes me wonder what other activates you're good at." Inara flushed slightly, managing to throw a disgusted glare in his direction. "Only in your sad little dreams."

"I don't know 'bout that. We wouldn't be doin' anything sad for it to merit." Mal baited, smirk in place as he tapped the cane against his leg.

Inara sighed wearily, her head beginning to ache. Where did this go wrong? It was the first time in a long while that she had lost control of a situation so badly. She took a seat in a nearby ornate chair with a plum colored cushion. "I…you're right."

"I know." Mal frowned for a moment. "Right about what? The dream?"

Inara rolled her eyes impatiently. "No. I was on…Shadow. For a while any way. I happened to meet a man named Frank Reynolds, your Uncle." 

Mal laughed. "You met Uncle Frank? Sweet yesu! How is the laotou?"

"He was fine." Inara paused, "He was a good friend, told many stories about you and his…" She stopped when Mal's eyes clouded slightly, the smile fading from his face.

"He was very kind to me and Jake." Inara finished.

Mal frowned in curiosity. "Who's Jake?"

"He was…my son." The lie fell easily from her lips; Inara didn't really have to think hard for one. Jacob had been like a son to her, family. Malcolm Reynolds may be Frank's nephew, but Inara had a rule of not trusting anyone, ever since she left the Heart of Gold two years ago.

"Was? You married?" Mal's furrow deepened, not liking one bit the fact that he had lusted over a married woman, or still was.

"He passed away, a fever. The father was from a wealthy family, he didn't like complications." Inara answered. She winced silently at the twisting of the truth, Colin didn't deserve it. However, Inara was sure that in a similar situation he would have done the same. It's the only way the operation of freeing slaves had lasted undetected by the Alliance.

"Chunren." Mal spat out. "I am sorry."

"I know. So I am I." Inara said sadly, tears pricked her eyes. "So does that satisfy you?"

"For now." Mal studied her carefully; feeling like a heel for causing her any pain.

"Then I'll be going now." Inara stood up. "I am sorry for any trouble I have caused you. I wish you luck on the duel."

Mal shook his head. "No."

"No, what?"

"There's no way I am lettin' you get a chance at stealing that ruttin' rock back."

A shrewd glint came over Inara's eyes, her mouth twisted in a half smile. "I'll make you a deal. If you die tomorrow I forfeit the right for the artifact."

"And if I don't?" Mal asked.

Inara walked up to him, taking the cane from his hand. She held his gaze, before answering. "Then I get the chance, and the satisfaction, of stealing it from you."

Mal waited a beat before shaking her hand. "You got yourself a deal."

Inara walked past him, feeling his stare at her back. Placing her hand on the door handle, she turned around.

"A bit of advice, when you're fighting tomorrow… try swinging from the elbow or thrusting from the point of the sword, it's faster and you don't need much force to break skin."

Mal looked at her bemused. "You're tellin' me this 'cause?"

Inara thought for a second, her mind going back to Frank's kindness. She wondered if he had gotten Jacob off Shadow safely. "It's…I am returning a favor." Inara pushed open the door, giving a quick scan to see if the hallway was clear and then she was gone. Mal watched her leave, restraining the urge to call her back. He picked up the long sword from the chair where Inara had placed it. Mal swung from the elbow awkwardly, he repeated the motion more quickly, but only managed to drop the sword on his foot. Luckily, the sharp end missed by a scant inch, the handle banging on his booted toe.

"Made!" Mal cursed out loud.

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Jayne grunted as he pulled himself up on the straps. He had been doing the activity for the past hour. After the cheated game of cards and the doc's sister going all crazy like, Jayne figured a set of pull-ups would ease the boredom. The Captain and Kaylee were sure taking their sweet gorram time on stealing some fancy rock. Not that it mattered, since the cut of the heist would be worth it. He stopped in mid-pull, alerted by the soft fall of footsteps on the stairway. The mercenary glowered when he saw that it was River, who was studying him with interest, her head tilted to the side. Jayne pulled himself down, stretching the sore muscles in his back and arms. "Whatcha lookin' at girl?"

River was silent, her eyes going to the airlock entry door. She frowned as if she saw something she didn't like, her solemn gaze back on Jayne. "Nothing. Trouble's already here. A matter of honor… it's overrated."

Jayne's scowl deepened. Crazy gorram girl, where the hell was that pansy of her brother? He looked at her carefully, not wanting to get too close since most of the time the girl gave him the willies, even if she wasn't half bad of a looker. "Git, then. You have no business here."

River grinned, unnerving Jayne even more. "Bored, just like you." The smile faded quickly, leaving only curiosity in its wake, "She's scared."

"Who?"

"Knocking on the door, closes shut. But demons still get through, demons still remember. Won't stop, hides behind many faces." River stated in a monotone voice. "It's the way, will always be."

Jayne just stared blankly at her, scratching his head in befuddlement. "Huh?"

"Everyone runs from something." River clarified, the look in her eyes suddenly very lucid. "Even you."

"I ain't runnin' from nothin' or nobody." Jayne said unsettled. A loud knock startled him, jumping slightly. River laughed at the action, her fingers playing with a loose thread at the end of her skirt. "Knock, knock, who's there?"

Jayne pointed his finger at her, motioning up the stairway. "Git now. To ya room."

"Not worried. You're not the Captain."

Jayne glared at her. "So! I don't care, just don't come cryin' when the feds take you away."

"You won't let them…will you?" River asked, her expression unsure, her finger stilled on the loose thread. "Captain will be angry."  

Jayne ignored the last comment as he picked up his gun. He walked over to the door, looking through the small window; sighing, he opened to let Kaylee in. "Where's the Cap'n?"

Kaylee had the pink confection of a gown cradled in her arms as she was still dressed in a maid's uniform. Her expression was worried, mouth pinched tight. "Captain's in trouble."

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   "Who is this woman?" Zoe asked Kaylee. A few minutes after her arrival on Serenity Jayne had rounded everyone up to the cargo hold. Simon and Book had tried getting River back to her room, but she had stubbornly refused, planting herself down on the stairs. Subdued, she watched the discussion with curiosity.

"I don't know. I think he called her Inara. She's really pretty and the Cap'n was dancin' with her and then the punching started." Kaylee said breathlessly, "Then all of a sudden there's a duel that Cap'n has to fight tomorrow morning."

Jayne interrupted. "But you got the stupid whatchamacallit?"

"Eye of the Beholder. Yeah, but…" Kaylee started.

"So who cares?" Jayne finished. "We got what we came for. Cap will be just fine."

"A duel?" Book asked in bafflement.

"With swords?" Wash added with a raise of his brows.

Simon stepped up, arms crossed. "Captain's a good fighter; he must know how to handle a sword." Zoe gave him a doubtful look. "I think he knows which end to hold."

The doctor frowned at that. "All right, we just need to figure a way to get him out of there."

Meanwhile, River had stood up, her hand tapping on the rail. "Duellum: Combat between two, old form of bellum meaning war. In the Latin." She paused thoughtfully, "Captain's been to war, people died."

Everyone stared at her in bafflement. Satisfied that she had said her piece, River made her way up the stairway.

"But we have until tomorrow morning?" Book asked.

Kaylee shook her head. "Captain says to stay put until it's over."

"Doesn't hurt to have a contingency plan, Kaylee." Zoe countered. "So this…woman, Inara. She was stealing the artifact?" Kaylee nodded. "Yep and she whacked the Cap'n very hard with this cane thing." The mechanic gestured wildly with her hands, "I gotta say though, she was very impressive."

"I like that in a woman." Wash pondered out loud, at Zoe's arched look he added quickly. "Apparently, the Capt'n does too."

"If this woman was stealing the artifact, what are the chances she'll do it again?" Simon inquired.

"I think the chances are high, she was really set on it." Kaylee answered, her hand stroking the gown in her arms.

"Where is the thing anyway?" Wash asked scratching behind his ear.

Kaylee stopped her hand in mid-stroke. "I have it in a safe place. Capt'n felt some 'people' might get too eager and high tail it out of Persephone." The last was directed to Jayne with a meaningful look. The others shared similar looks as well; all remembering when Jayne went power crazy last time there was a hitch in the plan.

"What's that suppose ta mean?" Jayne asked affronted at the exchange of glances. "Whatca all tryin' to say?"

"Means we wait until the Captain returns." Zoe stated finally, her voice broking no room for argument. "Keep a look out that no one comes in or out. I don't want no one stealing that thing back." She just hoped that indeed the Captain would come back and in one piece. Mal Reynolds may be many things, but a swordsman he was not.

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The Next Day, Morning

 Inara hid behind one of the old oak trees at Cadrie Pond. The morning was cool and a light mist floated around the surrounding area, giving a false sense of peacefulness. Her face twisted in a grimace every time Atherton took a swipe at Mal. He had started out promising, but quickly deteriorated in the first two minutes. Meanwhile, Atherton was greatly enjoying toying with him. She didn't know why she stayed to watch. It was a waste of time, knowing she should be searching for the Firefly to get the Eye back. The guards, early in the morning, had discovered the missing artifact and the knocked out guards.  All guests were combed over, rooms ransacked, but to no avail. Inara was surprised that the duel was allowed to go on. But she was still compelled to stay and watch the incoming disaster. When Atherton held his arms behind his back, leaving his front exposed, Inara controlled herself not to cry out.

"Please don't fall for that," she whispered. She closed her eyes when Mal rushed him, groaning in pain as Atherton's sword dug into his abdomen.  "You idiot."

The fighting went on for a few more minutes, Mal barely managing to stand up. His legs were wobbly from the loss of blood; he lunged at Atherton only to be knocked down to his knees.  Atherton stomped on the fallen sword, snapping it at the hilt. He then placed his blade to Mal's throat, his face gloating in victory.

Inara couldn't watch any more, she couldn't let this happen. Taking a gun she had stolen from the armory room, seeing as she couldn't bring her own due to the gun scans, she fired into the air, the loud explosion sending nearby birds flying away. Atherton and the other men look around for the cause of the disturbance, giving Mal the opening he needed. He charged at the other man, knocking the sword from his grip. Mal took the hilt of his own broken sword and clubbed him across the jaw. Atherton groaned as he went down, not seeing how Mal kicked up the free sword and threw it at him, the blade stabbing him in the chest. Atherton managed to pull the blade out, his mouth filling with blood. Mal punched him again, picking up the bloody sword and holding it to Atherton's throat.

His hand ached to make the final blow, but he held himself steady. Sir Warrick Harrow walked up to him. "You have to finish it now, lad. You have to finish it now. For a man to lie beaten, and yet breathing? It makes him a coward."

"That's life." Mal said. "I think humiliation will do you some good." He glanced up for a moment, catching sight of a shadowed, slender figure by the oak trees. Mal grinned, turning his attention back to the panting Atherton. "Must be humiliating, having to lie there while the better man refuses to spill your blood. Mercy is the mark of a great man."

He poked Atherton's belly with the sword. "Guess I am just a good man." Mal stabbed him again for good measure. "Well, I'm alright."

He ambled away weakly as he flung the sword down to the ground. Mal looked toward the oak groves once more, but the shadow figure was already gone. Guess a deal was a deal. He smiled at the thought.

"You'll pay for this Reynolds, mark my words. Along with that pofu of yours." Atherton threatened.

Mal rolled his eyes at the comment, but kept walking; Sir Warrick Harrow joined him soon after. "That was impressive; I thought you were done for. Actually, that is what I thought all along. You didn't have to wound that man."

"Thank you." Mal said dryly, groaning at the pain. "Appreciate it, really. And no, I didn't, but I thought it was funny. "

Warrick nodded pompously. "I thought I might interest you in a business proposition. I am told you captain a ship?" At Mal's nod, he continued, "I have some property I am interested in moving discreetly."

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"It's taking too long, he should have been back by now." Zoe stated, her brow frowned in worry. She paced restlessly around the cargo hold. Wash, Simon and Jayne were playing a game of cards. Kaylee sat by them, her hands tapping on her thighs. The Shepard was quietly praying as he read the Bible. The cargo hold door had been opened to let air in, the morning sun shining through.

"Hon, I am sure he's alright." Wash told her, "I mean he's the Captain."

"We should have gone for him." Zoe rubbed her neck tiredly. The lights overhead flickered, leaving the ship dark except for the sunlight coming in. She glanced up, then to Kaylee. "What was that?"

Kaylee was already rushing up the stairs to check on the engine room. Wash followed her, dropping the playing cards down. Jayne grunted in disapproval, throwing his own down. "Ruttin' hell, lost again. Dishes, I hate doin' dishes." Simon smiled as he laid the cards on the crate, standing up to stretch his legs. "I am gonna check on River."

"I'll go with you." Book closed his Bible. "She seemed a bit startled before." Simon nodded. After they had left Zoe kept pacing, her eyes going up in the direction of the engine room. "What in the world is takin' so long?"

Jayne grunted, taking the chore credits in Simon's pile. "Maybe he's dead, means our share is bigger."

Zoe sent him a nasty glare, almond brown eyes going cold. "Jayne, shut up. I am gonna see what's wrong." Sending him a warning look, Zoe ordered. "Keep watch."

Jayne made a face at her retreating back, leering at the same time. Hearing a clanking sound at the gate, he got up to check it out. It was nothing; the morning crowd of the docks was starting to liven up. When he turned back to go inside, he felt a heavy object slam into the back of his head. The last thing Jayne saw before he passed out was the cargo floor. Inara winced at the loud thump the man made as he hit the floor. She waited a beat, when no one came rushing down she stepped inside, not knowing where to begin looking. The ship was large, nothing beautiful, but it had a certain quality that appealed to Inara. She held the cane in her hand, making sure it made no noise. Walking along further, she noticed a pink purse hanging on the rail of the stairway.

The bright pink beckoned Inara, as if it had been placed there for her to find. Taking hold of the bag she let the contents spill into her hand. She frowned in confusion as she stared at the Eye of the Beholder in her palm. A noise stirred above her, Inara glance up quickly, but there was nothing there. Not wanting to risk her luck, she pocketed the artifact and left the ship. Unbeknownst to her, River watched from below the stairway. Smiling, she stepped from under it. Walking over to the fallen Jayne, she began to drag him to the middle of the cargo hold, grunting at the effort. The mercenary was a heavy load. Running her fingers at the bump on the back of his head, River gently patted him on the forehead. She hummed as she took the pink bag from the rail, skipping up the stairs to Kaylee's room.

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"River? River!" Simon called, worried. "Where is she?"

"Are you sure that she was in her room?" Book asked calmly. "Perhaps she went to the engine room." Both men headed in that direction, then stopped when they heard a commotion over in the cargo hold. Simon took off quickly with the Shepard following close behind. They both came in to the sight of Jayne groaning on the floor of the deck, his hand grabbing his head. Kaylee was kneeling down, her hand patting him in a reassuring manner on the shoulder. The lights had come back on, Zoe was frowning as Wash and she helped Jayne up to the weight chair. Simon looked at the scene in confusion, "What happened?"

River sat on the steps of the stairway, twirling her hair around her finger.  "Concussion, injury to the brain from a fall or a blow to the head, patient will usually lose consciousness. The increased pressure on the brain stem accounts for the slowing or brief delay of respiration and the reduced pulse rate that accompany a concussion; other symptoms include paleness, sweating, and a fall in blood pressure." She waited a beat, looking at Simon in a patronizing matter. "He hit his head….you're the doctor."

Simon and Book shared a look. The others stared at her in wonder; Jayne just glowered at the young girl, muttering in discontent. The doctor gave his sister an impatient glare as he quickly walked down the stairs. "I was looking for you. I thought I told you not to disappear like that, mei mei."

River just stared at him patiently. "I was bored. Go be a doctor. Jayne's angry." She stood up, her gaze wondering around the cargo hold. "A den of thieves, with quick eyes but even quicker hands. Captain wasn't quick enough."

"Is that so?" Mal called out walking slowly onto Serenity, his hand holding his side over the wound. "Did you ever see such a lazy crew?"

"Captain!" Kaylee cried rushing over to help him.

"You're alive." Wash said. "Course you're hurt, but hey, alive is always good." Zoe helped Kaylee sit him down on a spare crate. Simon did not delay checking on him, leaving Jayne by himself. The mercenary grumbled in annoyance, "What 'bout me? I got hurt too."

A light touch settled on his shoulder, Jayne nearly jumped back when he saw that it was River. She smiled at him in support. "Must not be greedy, closet door will shut you in, trapped. That's when they come." Jayne shrugged her hand away, uncomfortable.

"It's a deep wound, but nothing life threatening, although you lost a lot of blood." Simon observed in a frown. "Let's get you to the infirmary."

Mal nodded, his eyes going to Jayne. "What happened to Jayne?"

"Someone knocked him out." Zoe replied. Mal frowned at the response, not liking it one bit. A suspicion started forming in his mind, traveling along to his gut. "What do you mean knocked out, any of you see it?"

"No, Cap, the lights went out in Serenity, Zoe found him lying on the floor afterwards." Kaylee supplied helpfully. "It's kinda funny, though. One the fuses sparked, I coulda sworn I fixed it before I left for the ball. It looked like someone fiddled with 'em. But that's just silly, I mean we were all here in the cargo hold almost all the night. We were awfully worried about ya Cap'n."

"No we wasn't. The doc's sister was up in her room." Jayne contradicted. "Who knows what she did."

Simon jumped immediately to his sister's defense. "That's insane, River wouldn't do that."

"You said yourself that she wasn't in her room." Jayne added, "So where else could she of been. 'Sides, she got them smarts, coulda fiddled around with them fuses, even though she's crazy as a loon." The doctor glared in irritation at Jayne, not a rare thing between them. "Serenity's a big ship; she could've been anywhere, not necessarily in the engine room." Simon said further, voice snide, "You went down awfully quick, some mercenary you are, can't even do a decent watch. Course, I expect no less of you. That's why you're so keen on blaming others."

Jayne growled, standing up quickly despite the wave of dizziness, his nostrils flared in anger. "You say that again, ben dan! And Cao ni zuxian shi ba dai." Simon took a step forward, his hands curled in fists. Meanwhile, River watched on excitedly, eyes sparkling in delight.

"Hao le! Nimen de bizui! " Mal ordered angrily, grimacing at the same time. "Kaylee, go get the damn artifact." Kaylee nodded and ran up the stairs, while Simon and Jayne stood at a stalemate. Both men didn't move, each with an urge to do violence, the mercenary more so. Zoe came up to the doctor, tapping his shoulder. "Doc, Cap'n needs fixin', now."

Simon reluctantly turned away, walking over to the Captain. "I need someone to help him to the infirmary." Book moved forward, leaning down for Mal to grab unto his shoulder, Wash taking the other side. Just as they were half way up the stairway, Kaylee came bounding down, skidding to a stop when she saw the Captain. Her face was scrunched in a frown, her green eyes worried; from her hand dangled the matching pink purse of her gown.

"What is it?" Mal asked.

"It's gone. Someone took it. It ain't where I put it no more." Kaylee answered, holding up the purse.

Mal sighed heavily. Well, he was expecting it, but damn, she was quick. He smiled musingly, "No worries, Kaylee, I'll just need to make a little visit before we go. Also, scored us some new crime, so get ready for the pick up."

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The White Lotus Hotel, Late Afternoon

Inara allowed herself the rare treat of soaking in a hot bath. Badger had been very pleased with the artifact, paying her a little extra since he was in a good mood. Her thoughts went back to how easy it was to steal the artifact back. It was bizarre; the way it had been placed out, Inara didn't have an explanation for it. But she didn't question too much, relieved that she'd be buying a passage off Persephone the following day. Her skin itched to leave the place, she had stayed too long and instinct told her Jeremiah was closing in. Fear notwithstanding; Inara smiled, imaging the look on Mal's face when he discovered that the artifact was stolen. Her skin flushed when she remembered the kiss, the feel of his lips against her own, hot and soft. She shook the thought out of her mind, beginning to scrub her skin. Reaching her low back, her hands traced the scars made by the flogging during her tenure as slave. Even now, she still felt the bite of the whip digging into her skin and the sharp pain following. Her hands went down to her lean legs, running the sponge around the scars made by that terrible night. Inara shuddered involuntarily, dropping the sponge when she heard bounding footsteps nearing her door.

  She stood up quickly, stepping out of the tub. Inara wrapped the red satin robe that had been provided by the hotel around her. She grabbed her pistol and aimed at the door; jumping back slightly when it was kicked in. The door banged open, bits of wood chipping away in the process. Her eyes narrowing in annoyance, lips curling in distaste, "Can't you knock?"

Mal smiled affably while taking in her figure, water droplets slid down her skin. He cleared his throat, which had become suddenly dry, kicking the door shut behind him.

"You don't think it's manly and impulsive?" He asked innocently. "Most women enjoy that." Inara answered by cocking the hammer on her pistol, clicking loudly in the quiet room.

"Guess not."

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TBC- Recruitment and the Marrying Man

Translations:

Zhe shi shenmo lan dongxi- What the hell is this?

Dubiqui- Sorry/Excuse me?

Laotou- Old Geezer

Made-F*** (exclamation)

Chnren- Fool/ jerk

Pofu- Bitch

Ben dan- you Idiot

Cao ni zuxian shi ba dai- F*** 18 generations of your ancestors.

Hao le- Okay that's enough!

Nimen de bizui- Everyone shut the hell up!