Usual disclaimers apply: I don't own the 'verse. Kudos to those who do. Some characters are mine, but what the hell.

This is my first try at fanfic here, so please comment. Criticism is good, guidance is better. :)

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“A jewelry box?”

“Yeah. This dame’s all bent out of shape about it. Says she’s going to file a complaint with the federales as well as one with the Elders. Je suis étonné qu'elle ne m'a pas remis ma tête, dong ma?

“Mais oui.” There was silence for a moment. “What’s missing?”

“Pearls.”

“Pearls?”

“Mais oui. Four black strands.”

“I'm surprised you're still breathing. Anything else.?”

“Aside from a few lesser gemstones, not much. Imperative I see the Elders before the wave comes through from this dame. She’s even lost the jewelry box.” She heaved an exasperated sigh. “I’ve got other jobs in the bin; I don’t need this kind of mark on me, comprende?”

“Complètement. Coordinates are being sent. Bonne chance.”

“Patch me through to the Old Dealer?”

“Patching.”

She clicked off the com for a moment, trying hard not to take note of the numerous eyes boring a hole through her skull.

Suddenly the com buzzed to life: “Fantôme Gris, this is the Old Dealer. I understand you have troubles?” The voice was as she remembered it, full of warmth and focus, but there was a tell in it that something was amiss. It seemed more cautious, more worn. What has been going on since I left? she thought.

“There’s trouble with a client, Old Dealer. Is this line secure?”

“As it can be. Things have been changing rapidly in a short span.”

Alliance trouble, she thought. That didn’t take long.

“I need an audience. A private one. Is there any way I can speak with la premier de marchand de nouvelles?” She got a few quizzical looks and a poke in the back from what she believed was a gun barrel, but still maintained her composure.

“He is unavailable, but an audience can be granted. Follow the stars home.” The com crackled, then fell dead.

She turned to face the small crowd standing behind her, filling up every inch of bridge space. “We’re cleared for landing on Isis. If you don’t want to believe what I’ve said, take it up with the Elders. I’m known to them, and given your situation, they probably will hear you out.

“And why wouldn’t they do that in the first place?” demanded Mal, who was not at all happy with this latest round of developments. “Seems maybe you’re not telling us everything?”

“Would you?” she asked simply. “I mean, there’s quite the tale about all of you, if I’m not mistaken. I wouldn’t know---I’ve been, ah, ‘removed’ from the world a good long while. Some of it, I know. Your mouths aren’t the only things that have something to say.”

Jayne let his arm drop and released the trigger. “Aw, hell---not another crazy reader?!”

She rolled her eyes. “Hardly.” She then scanned the small bridge, taking in the expressions of everyone there. Some were upset. Some were afraid. Some were just pissed. But one face wanted some answers, and answers she could give.

“To answer your question, Captain, they may not trust you because you’re not a Shadow.” After seeing a couple of explain-yourself looks, she clarified, “Creole, like I was telling you before.

Mal took a step towards the girl. “This had better be worth the trouble you've brought."

Chase stared out at the waiting space dock. "I hope so, too," she whispered.

>>>>>>>>>

Translations:

French:

Je suis étonné qu'elle ne m'a pas remis ma tête: I’m surprised I haven’t had my head handed to me

Mais oui: but yes

Complètement: completely

Bonne chance: good luck

Fantome Gris: Grey Ghost

la premier de marchand de nouvelles: the head of the news dealers

Spanish:

Federales: federals

Comprende: understand

Chinese:

Dong ma: understand