Book groaned and rolled over, blinking heavily. His head was one big ache, and his body was screaming agony. He sat up and tried to ignore it. Where was Inde? That was the important thing. He could worry about the rest of it later.

Wing was sitting beside the pilot, looking out into space, deep in thought. Hearing Book's moan, he turned to face him and gritted his teeth. He should have recognised the little brat the minute Frankie, Tommy, Lee and Jay had dragged them back here. Earl had wanted to shoot them, or at least just leave them. What was the point in taking them if they didn't have a dealer? Atherton had secretly bulked at shooting children, and had seen an opportunity for a profit, without their dealer's cut. Atherton had sworn at Frankie for contacting him before he'd seen the goods. After taking the younger boy down to quarters below, he'd put Frankie against the wall and made him spill everything they had told the dealer; the Companion, the Firefly, that Dealer had made the connection too. All those things in the same place could only mean one thing; it was the famous Malcolm Reynolds and his tight knit crew.

Atherton sighed and wished he'd asked earlier. Now the only thing to do was alter their course and head for Patrice; they wouldn't be able to sell without a registered dealer on Hexon, but they stood a chance at Patrice.

"Where the hell is my brother?"

Atherton didn't turn around. Book dragged himself to his feet, holding tightly to the bars of the cage.

"He is safe, little Reynolds"

"Yeah, coz I really believe you" Book snorted contemptuously. The Core man showed no real reaction, continuing to stare blankly out the window, lost in his plans and memories. Book was quiet for a long time, giving the bars a tug and realising his lock picks had either been taken, or were with Inde and his jacket.

"It ain't gunna work, ye know" Book broke the silence, letting himself slowly and stiffly down to the floor. This time, Atherton turned to look at the boy.

"Oh really?"

He nodded, then winced and rubbed the back of his neck.

"My aunt's a Reader. She'll find you, and they'll tear you apart"

Atherton sneered and said nothing. It killed him that he couldn't hold the gaze of those ebony eyes; his slut of a mother's eyes.

"No matter. Your father had this coming. It's time for a rematch"

Book laughed softly.

"Good luck with that Winger. My dad's a hero. You're nothing but a Core-bred fancy tryna fit in at the end of the 'Verse"

Atherton snarled and threw himself across the room at the cage, slamming a sword through the bars, ready to run Book through and through. The hilt rammed between two bars and held fast, just as the tip of the blade tickled Book's throat. A thrill raced through him, but no fear registered in his eyes, which kept staring back at Atherton, cold and dark and maddened. Behind him, the pilot sat up and stared at him. When he was assured that Atherton wasn't gunna kill his meal ticket, he turned back to the controls.

"What are you gunna do? Kill me? What's the price going for a dead slave nowadays, Atherton?"

"You shut your mouth or by God I'll cut your tongue out"

Book smirked, and suddenly he was his father; the gleam in his eyes, the proud chin, the self-satisfied and cocky grin. Atherton growled and ripped the rapier out, swinging it experimentally.

"I nearly killed your father with this sword, Book Reynolds. He challenged me to a duel, one which I should have won by rights. I am the greatest swordsman in the 'Verse!-"

"Modest too"

Atherton ignored him. He surveyed the shining blade, testing its point with his thumb. It came away with a dot of blood welling on his skin.

"Your mother, the slut interrupted the duel and promised me to be my personal Companion. She gave herself to me. Mine…and then, Malcolm Reynolds attacked me, took me by surprise, the cad! Bastard…she should have been mine… and he should be dead"

He looked at Book, whose jaw was set and eyes wide.

"I intend to fix that"