The man looked more stunned than angry at the screen.

„What do you mean 'there's no companion available for me' Do you know who I am? Do you know what I represent?“

The woman on the other side of the cortex wave slightly inclined her head.

„Of course I know who you are“ she responded coolly. „You did everything to make this call memorable Mister Wing, Sir. And I can only compliment Inara's decision. It must have been hard on her to be a whole evening with ...“

„Just you shut up, Bitch...“ Atherton Wing snarled. He pointed an angry finger at the vid screen while pouring himself a glass of Nappanian Red. „If not for that c.... WHORE I would...“

„Certainly you would. But she did and so you can't.“

The woman icy stare took him more aback than the fact that she had dared to interrupt him.

„I do inform you now officially that this Wave - which I told you was recorded - will be used as reference material for our pupils as to understand the nature of men.. and how bad a jerk people can get when they overstep frontiers best not crossed.“

„Now wait a..“

„Good day Mister Wing.“

With a tone of finality the screen went dark , then immediately filled with a blue sign on white ground.

„End of transmission. Your account has been debited fifty thousand credits. Thank you for using Blue Sun Communications and we wish you a pleasant day.“.

„FIFTY-THOU.... Whores“ Wing bellowed and his glass went flying, crashing on the screen. The door slammed open and a member of his personal houseguards as well as his personal assistant stormed inside, the houseguard a drawn weapon in hand, his eyes scanning the room for an intruder.

„Sir?“ Merial Lender asked.

Wing looked at his Assistant, his jaw working while his fists balled and released.

„I will NOT let a whore dictate me how I run my life. Not now. Not ever!“

Merial looked at the houseguard who returned his stare with dead eyes before putting his sidearm away. Then his attention went back to his employer. „Sir, what.._“

„Merial, I want you to pull depts and claims. Start digging broad and deep. I want to know everything there is to know, from the birthday to the single beautyspots on her skin. But find me information about Inara Serra.“

Atherton Wing slowly turned around. His gaze wandered around until it reached the spot where his glass had broken. Like blood the slightly thicker Nappanian Wine ran down the screen.

„She should know there is a price for crossing me. She will know before long. And we will make sure the price will be memorable, long and painfull. Very painfull“

--» Insert here Firefly-Theme «--

Excerpt of Chapter 1 When his laugher faded though Inara knew the banter was over and business would follow next. "Please tell me, My Lady, do you perchance know the Initiation Rites of the Warrior Women of Vinaer?" Inara's smile became a bit sad. "Yes I do" she breathed. "I seldomly get asked for them, but I do know them." Sir Gerald briskly nodded "I would be overjoyed if you would perform the rites for me...for us, but do understand if you rather would not accept."