Quote:

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Cut scene:
37 Int Councilor's House .. Night

Inara waits in the foyer of this opulent home, uncomfortable about being there. The Councilor enters, a bit blindsided by Inara, who approaches ..

Inara: I'm sorry to come unannounced.

Councilor: What can I do for you, Miss Serra?

Inara catches the none too subtle tone.

Inara: I was hoping for a min of your time; is there somewhere private we could talk?

The Councilor is starting to worry about where this is going. She pulls Inara aside.

Councilor: What do you want?

Inara: Do you know the name Adelia Niska?

Councilor: Unfortunately.

Inara: He's holding Captain Reynolds.

The Councilor reacts .. she's actually relieved that this is why Inara came.

Counclior: I'm sorry for your loss. [off Inara's look] There's nothing I can do.

Inara: What about your contacts in the Council, I'm sure one of them..

Councilor: I'm sorry. Miss Serra. Good Night.

Vanilla Husband off screen: Sweetie, have you seen my .. [he enters and sees Inara .. regards her with obvious contempt.]

Vanilla: We're getting solicitors at the house now?

Inara: I was just leaving. Councilor, thank you again for your generosity to the children's shelter. Good night. [as she gets the Councilor's coldness she descends the steps]

Councilor: Inara, Thank you. [off Inara's blank look] You had me in an awkward situation, you didn't press your advantage.

Inara: I'd never take advantage of a client's confidence.

C: I .. I appreciate it. I'm just sorry I can't do more to help you.

Inara: (temper rising) Then do more .. help me. The council has jurisdiction over Niska's Skyplex. There must be something you can do.

C: A year ago, maybe, but Niska's become .. he's bought off half the council.

Inara: Then what about the other half?

C: A friend on the council tried to stand against Niska. He went to meet with him and was mailed back to his family. His head, arms, legs .. each in a different package.

Inara: So call in the alliance .. have them send the armed squads in.

C: Alliance won't risk a firefight with Niska. They'd lose too many men and that's not in the budget. (beat) I'm sorry about Captain Reynolds. There's just nothing I can do.

Inara: [Keeps her anger in check .. she hates the impotence of the system, her own helplessness. But she keeps up the veil:] Thank you for your time. [turns to go]

C: Inara. I hope I'm not out of line, but .. I was under the impression that Companions weren't allowed to take lovers.

Inara: He's not my lover.

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Quote:

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"When I said my quarters were cold, I did not mean: 'Oh, I think it's a little chilly in here, perhaps I'll throw a blanket on the bed.' No, I said it was cold! As in: 'Oh, look, my left arm has snapped off like an icicle and shattered on the floor.' This is highly inappropriate, Captain."
"You are right. There are several other parts of your body I much rather see snapped off."

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