Heart of Darkness - Chapter 5
Title: Heart of Darkness
Author: psycholizard
Rating: PG13
Warnings: violence, some swearing, non-graphic torture
Summary: Sequel to "Time and Space". River is kidnapped by a psychopath named Sylar. In order to rescue her, the crew of Serenity needs the help of Peter Petrelli, the only man in the 'verse who knows exactly who they're up against. Meanwhile, a psychic bond between Mal and River surfaces, which could have deadly consequences for our favorite Captain. Mal/River.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Never was. Never will be. All hail Joss.
Inara narrowed her eyes as she watched Zoe, the Captain, and a man she didn’t recognize, walk down the ramp toward her. It had only been a year since she had said goodbye to the ship and her crew but the Captain looked older and more worn than she remembered. He was tired. Then again, judging by the message he had sent her, he had every reason to look this way.
"Captain," she said with formality. She turned and looked at Zoe and gave a slight nod. Zoe stood tall and proud beside her captain, giving him her unwavering support. She acknowledged Inara with a curt nod and a steady glare. The Companion didn’t garner much respect with the Soldier since her departure last year.
Peter picked up on the cool exchange; there was a lot of anger and unspoken feelings on both sides, but Zoe felt it keenly. She was a soldier and loyalty meant everything.
"Who is this?" Inara questioned, looking at Peter.
"This is Peter Petrelli," Mal replied. Inara curtsied and smiled.
"Mr. Petrelli, it’s a pleasure to meet you," she replied.
"Likewise, Miss Inara," Peter replied as he took her hand and bowed slightly. Inara quietly sized him up. He was handsome enough and did not look like a threat, but the long sword strapped to his back told a different story.
"If you follow me, I have tea waiting inside," she said as she turned and walked into the House of Madrassa.
Peter followed closely behind Mal and Zoe as they walked toward the grandiose Training Centre. He had found out from the bright young mechanic that there had been a Companion on board for nearly a year that knew both River and Simon. Kaylee hadn’t told him much, but from what he gathered, the Companion had betrayed the crew during a job. Apparently, she had returned to Sihnon nearly a year ago.
Peter privately approached Mal shortly after his conversation with Kaylee and suggested they set a course for Sihnon so he could question Inara. Mal had been reluctant but once Peter reminded him that Sylar had visited Sihnon not long ago he had set a course with no hesitation. After all, they were not just dealing with a petty criminal, but a 500-year-old psychopathic murderer with centuries of experience perfecting his sociopathic art.
So here they stood, about to enter the famed House of Madrassa and Peter didn’t have to be a psychic to see that both Mal and Zoe would rather be anywhere else but here.
Inara led them down a long hallway decorated with centuries old art from Earth-that-was into a private room with a low table set-up in the center. One entire wall was replaced by a window, which looked out onto the sprawling landscape below. The room was sparsely decorated allowing the natural beauty to be the focus.
"Please sit," Inara said, pointing to several cushions lying around the low table as she knelt and began pouring the tea.
"I admit, I was surprised to receive your message," she began. "More surprised when I heard the nature of it."
Peter knelt at the table and removed his sword, placing it beside him on the floor. He took a small sip of the tea and tried to hide a grimace at the spicy bitterness of the drink. Five hundred years had done nothing to refine his tastebuds. He still preferred a strong brewed cup of coffee to any sort of flowery brew. Mal and Zoe were still standing hadn’t touched their cups.
"Well, it wasn’t my first choice," Mal replied, giving her a challenging stare.
"I still stand by my decision, Mal," Inara replied after a moment. "I don’t regret what I did."
"Of course you don’t, ‘Nara, that’s why you’re back here and not on the ship," Mal responded.
"This still doesn’t explain why you’re here," Inara replied, placing her teacup on the table in front of her.
"You are aware that River has been kidnapped," Peter said as he leaned against the table. Inara looked at the stranger and nodded.
"Well, we need your help finding her," he continued. Inara stared for a moment at him, then looked back and forth between Mal and Zoe.
"Why would you need my help?" she replied after a moment of silence. "And what could I possibly do, anyway?"
Peter stood up from his position on the floor and paced back and forth across the floor, stopping to look out the giant window. He gazed out at the sprawling landscape below him. It reminded him so much of Japan from Earth-that-was. He glanced at Inara out of the corner of his eye and saw that she was waiting expectantly for him to speak.
"I believe the man that might have kidnapped River may have been a client of yours in the past. If this is correct, he may have attempted to glean information about River from you," Peter said. Inara was affronted. Never in her entire career had she been accused of sharing personal information, even though she was often the recipient of confidential information from clients who felt compelled to share during a moment of intimacy.
"Whatever they may have told you, I never speak about my personal life or the lives of my acquaintances to a client. It is strictly professional and business," she stood as she spoke and walked over to stand beside Peter. Mal opened his mouth to interrupt but Zoe placed a hand on his arm to silence him.
"He’s psychic, Miss Serra," Peter replied, turning to face her. "You wouldn’t have needed to speak. You wouldn’t even have needed to think directly about the matter. He would’ve dug deeply into the crevices of your pretty little mind to find the exact information he needed."
"There are specific Guild laws surrounding the privacy of clients," she responded slowly. "Even if I did recognize who he was, there is a specific procedure surrounding the release of any information."
"I could pull the information that I need from you, but I’d rather you tell me." Inara looked shocked so Peter continued.
"Yes," he said. "I’m psychic, too. But I have more respect for people’s privacy. However, I need to know what you know and I will go to any lengths to get it." Inara narrowed her eyes at him and pursed her lips together.
"Then it appears you leave me with no choice," she answered.
"It appears not," Peter replied. "Now, what do you know about Gabriel Gray?" Inara
"That depends on what information you need," she said, looking at Peter. Peter smiled at her and pulled the capture out of his jacket pocket. He showed her the message left by Sylar and watched carefully for any signs of recognition. She played the message, stifling a gasp when River came on the screen.
"Any information would be preferable," he replied after she had watched the entire clip.
"Garbiel Gray." Inara sighed and paced across the floor. "He became one of my regular clients shortly after I left Serenity. But he hasn’t visited me in over three months. He said he was a collector of antiques from Earth-that-was. Quite impressed with the House collection, if I recall correctly. He told me he spent a lot of time travelling throughout the system hunting for antiquities and was curious as to whether or not I had ever left Sihnon." She buried her face in her hands and took a deep, shaky breath.
"My God," she continued. "I told him I spent time on a Firefly. He was using me." She paused then looked at Mal still sitting by the table.
"Yeah, I reckon that’s exactly what he was doing," Mal said quietly.
"I’d like to come with you," Inara said, her voice subdued. "I’d like to help."
"Go pack your bag, if you’re not out there in ten, we leave without you," Mal replied.
"Thank you," she responded gratefully. Inara walked gracefully out of the room and collapsed against the wall in the hallway when she was out of sight. She felt as though her breath had been stolen from her and needed a moment to compose herself. River had been kidnapped and her kidnapper had used her to gain the information to do it.
Back in the room, Zoe turned to face her Captain.
"You sure that’s the wisest idea, sir?" she asked as she folded her arms across her chest. Mal put his hands on his hips and looked over at her. She rarely questioned him, and only if the situation warranted. But she was ever afraid to state her opinion. That’s one of the reasons he trusted her with his life. He always knew where she stood.
"She knows this guy, Zoe," he replied. "You heard her yourself. He’s been a regular client for months. She could have more information on his behavior that could be of some use to us. At any rate, way I figure it, Peter’ll be able to search for any more information that might be locked away in that brain of hers. At this point, I’d do anything to find River. Even if it means taking that woman back on my ship."
"I can appreciate that, Captain," Zoe responded. "But she nearly betrayed us. Called the Feds on us in the middle of a job. Her actions meant River and Simon could have been recaptured by the Alliance. Not to mention the rest of us locked away for good. You willing to take the risk she won’t do that again?"
"No risk to be taken," Mal said, looking over at Peter, who was still standing by the window. "Peter here’s gonna keep an eye on her for me." Peter looked up at him sharply.
"Excuse me?" he asked and headed over to where they were standing. Mal folded his arms in a defensive stance.
"That’s right," Mal replied facing him. "Way I figure it, you’ll be able to tell if she’s lying or fixing to betray us again, what with you being psychic and all. Look, I’m not aiming to put you on babysitting duty. But I don’t trust Inara farther than I could throw her, which I admit isn’t very far. You’re the best person to keep an eye on her, figure out what’s going on in that little brain of hers. Make sure we don’t have a repeat of last time."
"What exactly did happen last time?" Peter inquired. He could easily pull it from their minds, but he wanted them to tell him outright.
"You can ask Inara later," was Mal’s only response. Peter opened his mouth to speak when Inara walked back into the room and interrupted their conversation. She was carrying a small bag, which Mal assumed was filled with personals.
"That was quick," Mal said suspiciously as he eyed her up and down.
"You seemed to be in a hurry," Inara replied.
They were back on the ship a few moments later and were met by Kaylee and Jayne in the cargo bay. Kaylee took a step back when she saw Inara and gave a tentative smile.
"Hey, ‘Nara," she greeted quietly. She used to like Inara but the incident a year ago had hurt her deeply. River said it stole some of her sunshine. Right now, Kaylee was uncertain how to act toward the woman that used to call her mei mei. Inara smiled softly and returned her greeting. Jayne, however, was not so welcoming.
"What the hell’s she doin here, Mal?" he demanded to know.
"She has information on the man that took River," Mal replied. "For that reason, and that reason alone, I brought her onboard. She’s confined to the passenger dorms for the duration of the flight, except to eat, and Peter will be keeping an eye on her to ensure there’s no repeat of what happened last time." Jayne shook his head in disbelief, unwilling to let this matter go.
"Listen Mal, I know you want to find l’il Crazy real bad," he began to rant. "Hell, you got a better reason then any of us. But this is insane. She called the Feds on us. Coulda gotten us all killed with her antics." Inara looked down in shame. She truly hadn’t meant as much harm to befall the crew as what happened. But there was no denying that her actions were born out of feelings and emotions unbecoming of one of her status. Mal watched her reaction out of the corner of his eye before he responded.
"She’s staying and that’s final," he replied as he strode toward the bridge. "I want everyone to prepare for take-off. We’re heading out."
The rest of the crew watched him leave, then dispersed to perform their duties. Peter and Inara were left alone in the cargo bay. Peter slung Inara’s small bag over one shoulder then took her by the arm and led her toward the passenger dorms.
"You sure pissed them off," he said, looking back at her trailing behind him. She shot him an annoyed look and wrenched her arm free.
"I know my way around this ship, Mr. Petrelli," she responded as she marched ahead of him and into the room. "And I’m sure you got a very one-sided version of the story. I was only doing what I thought best at the time." Peter chuckled and dropped her bag on the bed.
"Don’t call me Mr. Petrelli. Makes me think of my father, and I didn’t much like his company," he replied with a smirk as he turned to leave. Before he shut the door, he looked at her, sitting on the bed.
"For the record," he continued. "I prefer to have both sides of the story before I make any judgments and as you pointed out, I only got one. Good night, Miss Serra."
Peter slid the door shut and locked it from the outside. Inara listened to the sound of the door being bolted and slid down onto the bed. Taking a shaky breath, she tried to quell the tears that threatened to spill over but was unsuccessful. In the quiet of her room, she thought of the life she too quickly gave up and allowed the tears to flow freely.
Author: psycholizard
Rating: PG13
Warnings: violence, some swearing, non-graphic torture
Summary: Sequel to "Time and Space". River is kidnapped by a psychopath named Sylar. In order to rescue her, the crew of Serenity needs the help of Peter Petrelli, the only man in the 'verse who knows exactly who they're up against. Meanwhile, a psychic bond between Mal and River surfaces, which could have deadly consequences for our favorite Captain. Mal/River.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Never was. Never will be. All hail Joss.
Inara narrowed her eyes as she watched Zoe, the Captain, and a man she didn’t recognize, walk down the ramp toward her. It had only been a year since she had said goodbye to the ship and her crew but the Captain looked older and more worn than she remembered. He was tired. Then again, judging by the message he had sent her, he had every reason to look this way.
"Captain," she said with formality. She turned and looked at Zoe and gave a slight nod. Zoe stood tall and proud beside her captain, giving him her unwavering support. She acknowledged Inara with a curt nod and a steady glare. The Companion didn’t garner much respect with the Soldier since her departure last year.
Peter picked up on the cool exchange; there was a lot of anger and unspoken feelings on both sides, but Zoe felt it keenly. She was a soldier and loyalty meant everything.
"Who is this?" Inara questioned, looking at Peter.
"This is Peter Petrelli," Mal replied. Inara curtsied and smiled.
"Mr. Petrelli, it’s a pleasure to meet you," she replied.
"Likewise, Miss Inara," Peter replied as he took her hand and bowed slightly. Inara quietly sized him up. He was handsome enough and did not look like a threat, but the long sword strapped to his back told a different story.
"If you follow me, I have tea waiting inside," she said as she turned and walked into the House of Madrassa.
Peter followed closely behind Mal and Zoe as they walked toward the grandiose Training Centre. He had found out from the bright young mechanic that there had been a Companion on board for nearly a year that knew both River and Simon. Kaylee hadn’t told him much, but from what he gathered, the Companion had betrayed the crew during a job. Apparently, she had returned to Sihnon nearly a year ago.
Peter privately approached Mal shortly after his conversation with Kaylee and suggested they set a course for Sihnon so he could question Inara. Mal had been reluctant but once Peter reminded him that Sylar had visited Sihnon not long ago he had set a course with no hesitation. After all, they were not just dealing with a petty criminal, but a 500-year-old psychopathic murderer with centuries of experience perfecting his sociopathic art.
So here they stood, about to enter the famed House of Madrassa and Peter didn’t have to be a psychic to see that both Mal and Zoe would rather be anywhere else but here.
Inara led them down a long hallway decorated with centuries old art from Earth-that-was into a private room with a low table set-up in the center. One entire wall was replaced by a window, which looked out onto the sprawling landscape below. The room was sparsely decorated allowing the natural beauty to be the focus.
"Please sit," Inara said, pointing to several cushions lying around the low table as she knelt and began pouring the tea.
"I admit, I was surprised to receive your message," she began. "More surprised when I heard the nature of it."
Peter knelt at the table and removed his sword, placing it beside him on the floor. He took a small sip of the tea and tried to hide a grimace at the spicy bitterness of the drink. Five hundred years had done nothing to refine his tastebuds. He still preferred a strong brewed cup of coffee to any sort of flowery brew. Mal and Zoe were still standing hadn’t touched their cups.
"Well, it wasn’t my first choice," Mal replied, giving her a challenging stare.
"I still stand by my decision, Mal," Inara replied after a moment. "I don’t regret what I did."
"Of course you don’t, ‘Nara, that’s why you’re back here and not on the ship," Mal responded.
"This still doesn’t explain why you’re here," Inara replied, placing her teacup on the table in front of her.
"You are aware that River has been kidnapped," Peter said as he leaned against the table. Inara looked at the stranger and nodded.
"Well, we need your help finding her," he continued. Inara stared for a moment at him, then looked back and forth between Mal and Zoe.
"Why would you need my help?" she replied after a moment of silence. "And what could I possibly do, anyway?"
Peter stood up from his position on the floor and paced back and forth across the floor, stopping to look out the giant window. He gazed out at the sprawling landscape below him. It reminded him so much of Japan from Earth-that-was. He glanced at Inara out of the corner of his eye and saw that she was waiting expectantly for him to speak.
"I believe the man that might have kidnapped River may have been a client of yours in the past. If this is correct, he may have attempted to glean information about River from you," Peter said. Inara was affronted. Never in her entire career had she been accused of sharing personal information, even though she was often the recipient of confidential information from clients who felt compelled to share during a moment of intimacy.
"Whatever they may have told you, I never speak about my personal life or the lives of my acquaintances to a client. It is strictly professional and business," she stood as she spoke and walked over to stand beside Peter. Mal opened his mouth to interrupt but Zoe placed a hand on his arm to silence him.
"He’s psychic, Miss Serra," Peter replied, turning to face her. "You wouldn’t have needed to speak. You wouldn’t even have needed to think directly about the matter. He would’ve dug deeply into the crevices of your pretty little mind to find the exact information he needed."
"There are specific Guild laws surrounding the privacy of clients," she responded slowly. "Even if I did recognize who he was, there is a specific procedure surrounding the release of any information."
"I could pull the information that I need from you, but I’d rather you tell me." Inara looked shocked so Peter continued.
"Yes," he said. "I’m psychic, too. But I have more respect for people’s privacy. However, I need to know what you know and I will go to any lengths to get it." Inara narrowed her eyes at him and pursed her lips together.
"Then it appears you leave me with no choice," she answered.
"It appears not," Peter replied. "Now, what do you know about Gabriel Gray?" Inara
"That depends on what information you need," she said, looking at Peter. Peter smiled at her and pulled the capture out of his jacket pocket. He showed her the message left by Sylar and watched carefully for any signs of recognition. She played the message, stifling a gasp when River came on the screen.
"Any information would be preferable," he replied after she had watched the entire clip.
"Garbiel Gray." Inara sighed and paced across the floor. "He became one of my regular clients shortly after I left Serenity. But he hasn’t visited me in over three months. He said he was a collector of antiques from Earth-that-was. Quite impressed with the House collection, if I recall correctly. He told me he spent a lot of time travelling throughout the system hunting for antiquities and was curious as to whether or not I had ever left Sihnon." She buried her face in her hands and took a deep, shaky breath.
"My God," she continued. "I told him I spent time on a Firefly. He was using me." She paused then looked at Mal still sitting by the table.
"Yeah, I reckon that’s exactly what he was doing," Mal said quietly.
"I’d like to come with you," Inara said, her voice subdued. "I’d like to help."
"Go pack your bag, if you’re not out there in ten, we leave without you," Mal replied.
"Thank you," she responded gratefully. Inara walked gracefully out of the room and collapsed against the wall in the hallway when she was out of sight. She felt as though her breath had been stolen from her and needed a moment to compose herself. River had been kidnapped and her kidnapper had used her to gain the information to do it.
Back in the room, Zoe turned to face her Captain.
"You sure that’s the wisest idea, sir?" she asked as she folded her arms across her chest. Mal put his hands on his hips and looked over at her. She rarely questioned him, and only if the situation warranted. But she was ever afraid to state her opinion. That’s one of the reasons he trusted her with his life. He always knew where she stood.
"She knows this guy, Zoe," he replied. "You heard her yourself. He’s been a regular client for months. She could have more information on his behavior that could be of some use to us. At any rate, way I figure it, Peter’ll be able to search for any more information that might be locked away in that brain of hers. At this point, I’d do anything to find River. Even if it means taking that woman back on my ship."
"I can appreciate that, Captain," Zoe responded. "But she nearly betrayed us. Called the Feds on us in the middle of a job. Her actions meant River and Simon could have been recaptured by the Alliance. Not to mention the rest of us locked away for good. You willing to take the risk she won’t do that again?"
"No risk to be taken," Mal said, looking over at Peter, who was still standing by the window. "Peter here’s gonna keep an eye on her for me." Peter looked up at him sharply.
"Excuse me?" he asked and headed over to where they were standing. Mal folded his arms in a defensive stance.
"That’s right," Mal replied facing him. "Way I figure it, you’ll be able to tell if she’s lying or fixing to betray us again, what with you being psychic and all. Look, I’m not aiming to put you on babysitting duty. But I don’t trust Inara farther than I could throw her, which I admit isn’t very far. You’re the best person to keep an eye on her, figure out what’s going on in that little brain of hers. Make sure we don’t have a repeat of last time."
"What exactly did happen last time?" Peter inquired. He could easily pull it from their minds, but he wanted them to tell him outright.
"You can ask Inara later," was Mal’s only response. Peter opened his mouth to speak when Inara walked back into the room and interrupted their conversation. She was carrying a small bag, which Mal assumed was filled with personals.
"That was quick," Mal said suspiciously as he eyed her up and down.
"You seemed to be in a hurry," Inara replied.
They were back on the ship a few moments later and were met by Kaylee and Jayne in the cargo bay. Kaylee took a step back when she saw Inara and gave a tentative smile.
"Hey, ‘Nara," she greeted quietly. She used to like Inara but the incident a year ago had hurt her deeply. River said it stole some of her sunshine. Right now, Kaylee was uncertain how to act toward the woman that used to call her mei mei. Inara smiled softly and returned her greeting. Jayne, however, was not so welcoming.
"What the hell’s she doin here, Mal?" he demanded to know.
"She has information on the man that took River," Mal replied. "For that reason, and that reason alone, I brought her onboard. She’s confined to the passenger dorms for the duration of the flight, except to eat, and Peter will be keeping an eye on her to ensure there’s no repeat of what happened last time." Jayne shook his head in disbelief, unwilling to let this matter go.
"Listen Mal, I know you want to find l’il Crazy real bad," he began to rant. "Hell, you got a better reason then any of us. But this is insane. She called the Feds on us. Coulda gotten us all killed with her antics." Inara looked down in shame. She truly hadn’t meant as much harm to befall the crew as what happened. But there was no denying that her actions were born out of feelings and emotions unbecoming of one of her status. Mal watched her reaction out of the corner of his eye before he responded.
"She’s staying and that’s final," he replied as he strode toward the bridge. "I want everyone to prepare for take-off. We’re heading out."
The rest of the crew watched him leave, then dispersed to perform their duties. Peter and Inara were left alone in the cargo bay. Peter slung Inara’s small bag over one shoulder then took her by the arm and led her toward the passenger dorms.
"You sure pissed them off," he said, looking back at her trailing behind him. She shot him an annoyed look and wrenched her arm free.
"I know my way around this ship, Mr. Petrelli," she responded as she marched ahead of him and into the room. "And I’m sure you got a very one-sided version of the story. I was only doing what I thought best at the time." Peter chuckled and dropped her bag on the bed.
"Don’t call me Mr. Petrelli. Makes me think of my father, and I didn’t much like his company," he replied with a smirk as he turned to leave. Before he shut the door, he looked at her, sitting on the bed.
"For the record," he continued. "I prefer to have both sides of the story before I make any judgments and as you pointed out, I only got one. Good night, Miss Serra."
Peter slid the door shut and locked it from the outside. Inara listened to the sound of the door being bolted and slid down onto the bed. Taking a shaky breath, she tried to quell the tears that threatened to spill over but was unsuccessful. In the quiet of her room, she thought of the life she too quickly gave up and allowed the tears to flow freely.