The Begining

[Arabella Hart]

Bella closed her eyes. “All the staff is prepared to run interference. I wouldn’t risk the crew.” Actually, she wouldn’t risk anyone but herself. But in all terms, everyone there had volunteered and had a plan for almost every situation. They were set and safe.

Bella stepped backwards, nearly tripping on her dress. She hadn’t been doing anything formal in a long time, so she felt odd to be back in a gown. Shaking her head, her eyes grew wide. “I don’t know anything about them. I guarantee about half the invitations sent are people I’ve never even heard of before. If I did meet them, it wasn’t enough of an impact to stay with me. Most who stay with me are the families who had a ‘suitable’ match for me.” From the way it sounded, the Tam’s had no match. She was thankful for that really. She hated the matchmaking and knew that tonight was to be set to put her into the marriageable world. Too bad.

She looked from Mal to Vincent to Daniel and finally River. River would know best. “I swear I had no clue before now.”

[vincentmccloud]

Vincent couldn't help but laugh at how Mal took the news of the Tams being there. "You can't honestly believe that a trap could be even remotely possible, could you? First off, we have an imensly powerful psychic with us as well as another strong psychic. If this was a trap, don't you think they would have noticed something." Mal never was the brightest apple of the bunch. Vincent gave him a smug look, "In any case, no trap could hold me."

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Daniel just looked up and gave Bella a smile, "I believe you," he said softly. "I know there is no way you could ever set us up." He loved her and he knew she loved him back. He had complete trust in her. "You don't need to explain yourself. We were just suprised. Right?" He spoke the last word quite sternly and looked at Mal when he did.

[Arabella Hart]

Mall fell away from Alora, and moved to the edge of the hill. A young man stepped out and put a lantern on the back hook. That was the safety signal. But this needed to be resolved first. They had a good hour to get it all done. The slowest parts would be getting Bella’s things and going through her grandfather’s study.

“Fine. But if this is a trap…” He let his sentence trail to emphasize his point. Trying to ignore Daniel, he was agitated. The boy had been a lot bolder since Bella had come upon the ship. He didn’t like that. “Where’s Inara and James? It’s time to go.”

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Bella was already starting to shut herself down. It was no use arguing anymore. Vincent and Daniel seemed to agree with her. But so far no one else did. Sighing, she rubbed her temples lightly. If Mal didn’t see it soon enough, then she may as well stay. It was the only thing. And the one thing holding her back was Daniel. The only good reason to stay it seemed if she was going to be attacked.

Smiling, she watched CJ bring the lantern out. “We should go Daniel.” Releasing his hand, her voice was even. To climb down the hill she had to lift her skirts up so she wouldn’t trip and fall. Her heels were the worst, getting caught in even the tiniest dips. While she climbed, she wished that Jacob was the one still meeting them. She hadn’t said anything, but the plans were altered slightly. Alex was meeting them at the back door. Jacob had to announce the people arriving.

As she grew closer to the house, she heard ball room dancing music playing. Typical. Laughter rose higher as chit chat flew with each new name announced. It would soon be time for her name to be announced. They were in the W’s. Not many people had last names with X or Z, so it was fairly soon. Opening the French doors more then they crack they were, she silently slipped in like she used to do when she was younger.

[out-ballroom]

[danieltam]

Vincent shook has head at Mal in disappointment. He really should learn to trust people more often, or at least pretend that he does. "Mal this is just a coming out party. Alliance military don't exactly send armed patrols to these things. The 'high-society' folk actually frown upon then if they do, if you get my meaning." Vincent made himself sound posh for a brief moment when he spoke about them. A part of him still couldn't believe he used to be apart of that world.

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Daniel nodded to Bella, "Ok, you go ahead. I'll be with you in a minute." He watched as she started to leave. "Mal," he said as he turned back to him. Daniel looked Mal in the eye at first, but then she turned away. A part of him didn't want to look him in the eye. "Don't you dare ruin this." This was more than just a job for him now. This was technically his first proper date with Bella. Before Mal could speak back to him, he ran off after her.

[Out - Ballroom]

[Dave Cassidy]

Dave had said nothing for the conversation, merely looking at the Compound through the scope he had taken off of his Rifle earlier. He saw a couple of guards, but they where at the main entrance at the far side, and were not even looking this way, too busy checking invitations. He too saw the guy put the lantern out on the back hook, but didnt mention it, as he hadnt been told what his meant, if anything. He merely said "Its clear guys, but I dont like the lack of guards." as he stood up and put the scope away in a pocket.

[Simon Tam]

Daniel stepped off the back of the ramp, and looked around. His hair was a dirty blonde, but had streaks of grey shot through, they had done well with the dyes. He merely said "Sorry I took so long, I got a bit... Sidelined." with a slight chuckle before straightening out his face.

[Captain Malcolm Reynolds]

Mal shrugged. “Either way, we have to be careful. You never know.” running, Daniel was being extremely bold lately. What would it mal dared to ruing? Their play acting? After tonight, Bella could go either way. She could stay or leave. Either way, hey got their money.

But deep down, Mal knew he’d come back for her. She was too much fun around the ship. And lots of good food.

“Dave, best be careful with that. You and Jayne don’t need to be on no shooting spree.” He was joking in some tone. But there was a lack of guards. “There is a high end security system. Scanners and what nots. So they are relying on that. Plus, they were trying to get Bella to come back for the night.” They had heard every end of the conversation so knew it all. Turning to Simon, he couldn’t help but laugh again. “This is beautiful!”

[Dave Cassidy]

Dave nodded to the Captain. "Aye, Sir. Dont you worry about me." he said with a devilish grin, before he clipped the scope back on his rifle and slung it over his back.

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.....Simon Tam.....

Simon looked over to the Captain, straightening hsi jacket. "What do you mean?" he said, looking puzzled.