Ties of Blood and Water Chapter 4
Disclaimer: Not mine don't sue
Inara still felt vaguely uneasy in this room which was odd considering everything about it was designed to put a person at ease. From the rich drapes to the running water fountain to the music drifting in from the courtyard, it was supposed to be warm and welcoming. But for Inara, it was always her mother’s room and always felt as chilly as a winter wind.
“So,” her mother started carefully, “How are things on your ship?”
Inara all but rolled her eyes. “You know perfectly well everything that’s happened on my ship, Mother. That’s why I’m here. So how about we dispense with the superfluous pleasantries and discuss what you actually want to talk about?”
Her mother rose an eyebrow. “So, I see you have acquired some rough manners out there on the rim,” she replied dryly.
“I have always refused to suffer foolishness, Mother. I just have greater license to express it out where people have little time for it themselves.”
“From the sounds of things, those people out there are nothing but foolish, expecting The Alliance to help them with every little thing,” her mother sniffed.
“The Alliance never helped anyone unless it suited their ends,” Inara replied harshly. Inside she thought to herself, ‘Buddha, save me, I sound like Mal.’
“Let us not argue about politics. It's beside the point right now. We should be talking about your career such as it is.”
“My career is fine, Mother. I have expanded my client base and my horizons a dozen times over,” Inara answered proudly.
“So you posit that life amongst common thieves is good for you?” her mother replied, incredulous.
“I think living a life of my own choosing is what’s best for me. Yes,” Inara answered. She almost wanted to laugh. Her mother’s distaste was obvious and Inara had expected nothing less.
“You could choose anything you wanted here on Shinon,” her mother scoffed.
“Only if you approve, though. That’s the catch. I couldn’t live with anymore,” Inara replied, “and I didn’t come here to be insulted, either. So you can tell me what the council wants or tell me how you feel. For once, I have a hearing to prepare for and a thousand other things I could be doing right now if you are just going to waste my time.”
Her Mother sighed, stood up from her chair, and faced the window. “Someone higher up is pushing the Guild. I don’t who. They don’t really want your license, they just want you to fall in line.”
“What do they want me to do, come back to Shinon?” Inara asked, uncertain. She had a sinking feeling she knew the answer already.
“They would be satisfied if you went back to the training house you were at before all of this. The Guild simply cannot allow itself to be associated in any way with the infamous Malcolm Reynolds.” She spoke simply this time, devoid of all emotion.
“So you’re saying I have to leave Serenity or I have to give up my membership?” Inara asked quietly. Her mother simply nodded.
Inara still felt vaguely uneasy in this room which was odd considering everything about it was designed to put a person at ease. From the rich drapes to the running water fountain to the music drifting in from the courtyard, it was supposed to be warm and welcoming. But for Inara, it was always her mother’s room and always felt as chilly as a winter wind.
“So,” her mother started carefully, “How are things on your ship?”
Inara all but rolled her eyes. “You know perfectly well everything that’s happened on my ship, Mother. That’s why I’m here. So how about we dispense with the superfluous pleasantries and discuss what you actually want to talk about?”
Her mother rose an eyebrow. “So, I see you have acquired some rough manners out there on the rim,” she replied dryly.
“I have always refused to suffer foolishness, Mother. I just have greater license to express it out where people have little time for it themselves.”
“From the sounds of things, those people out there are nothing but foolish, expecting The Alliance to help them with every little thing,” her mother sniffed.
“The Alliance never helped anyone unless it suited their ends,” Inara replied harshly. Inside she thought to herself, ‘Buddha, save me, I sound like Mal.’
“Let us not argue about politics. It's beside the point right now. We should be talking about your career such as it is.”
“My career is fine, Mother. I have expanded my client base and my horizons a dozen times over,” Inara answered proudly.
“So you posit that life amongst common thieves is good for you?” her mother replied, incredulous.
“I think living a life of my own choosing is what’s best for me. Yes,” Inara answered. She almost wanted to laugh. Her mother’s distaste was obvious and Inara had expected nothing less.
“You could choose anything you wanted here on Shinon,” her mother scoffed.
“Only if you approve, though. That’s the catch. I couldn’t live with anymore,” Inara replied, “and I didn’t come here to be insulted, either. So you can tell me what the council wants or tell me how you feel. For once, I have a hearing to prepare for and a thousand other things I could be doing right now if you are just going to waste my time.”
Her Mother sighed, stood up from her chair, and faced the window. “Someone higher up is pushing the Guild. I don’t who. They don’t really want your license, they just want you to fall in line.”
“What do they want me to do, come back to Shinon?” Inara asked, uncertain. She had a sinking feeling she knew the answer already.
“They would be satisfied if you went back to the training house you were at before all of this. The Guild simply cannot allow itself to be associated in any way with the infamous Malcolm Reynolds.” She spoke simply this time, devoid of all emotion.
“So you’re saying I have to leave Serenity or I have to give up my membership?” Inara asked quietly. Her mother simply nodded.