Mal-Inara-Operative at the Training House.

[badinlatin]

There had been no sight of the Alliance when Serenity descended into atmo about 70 miles or so away from the Training House. The hairs on the back of Mal's neck were still standing up though. He's always felt that prickling at times when others are watching.

As soon as Serenity is hidden away, Mal flies off to the Training House in Inara's old shuttle.

---

Getting in was easier than expected. This did not cheer Mal at all, even if he did smile to himself at seeing Inara in the flesh again.

Still in the oversized red shawl that Inara had left in her shuttle, Mal kneels beside her, head still covered.

"Dear Buddha, please send me a pony, and a plastic rocket, and ---"

Comments

[badinlatin]

"Captain, what do you think is going to happen here?"

Mal has no idea. But he's gonna try anyway. He was doing pretty well too, what with wrapping the curtain around the Operative's head and getting a couple pock shots in before the Operative flips him onto the teatable in the middle of the room.

[badinlatin]

Pleased with his work, the Operative moves to the door behind Mal in order to retrieve his sword. All Mal can focus on however is his gun under the altar.

Why do I never remember to shoot them in the head...

"Nothing here is what it seems." Mal can hear the Operative's footsteps coming to his side. "He's not the plucky hero. The Alliance isn't some evil empire, this isn't the grand arena."

Inara chimes in, "...and that's not incense."

Good girl.

The flash bomb goes off, and with Mal on the floor and Inara against the wall, it has just enough force to knock the Operative out across the room.

[badinlatin]

Inara is the first to stand, handing Mal back his pistol quickly and helping him gain his feet.

Inara doesn't speak until halfway down the stairs leaving the Training House.

"Where's my shuttle?"