Chapter Three: Run-In

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“I’m trustin’ that they’re all here,” Mal said with a wary smile as he looked at the small box in his hands.

“They are,” replied the tall, thin man before him as he motioned towards his men to pick up the rather large cooler of meds that Mal had brought with him. “I hope you’ll find better use for them than me. ”

“That’s a certainty,” Mal insisted. “Anyway,” he began, raising his brow curiously, “how exactly did you get a hold—”

“Ah!” Hale interrupted, holding up his hand to silence him. “No questions, Reynolds, remember?”

“Dahng Rahn,” Mal replied. “Of course, I remember…” Each man sized the other up for a moment before both reached out for the handshake that would seal the deal.

“It’s been too long, Mal,” Hale stated.

“No, I don’t think it’s been too long at all, Hale,” was Mal’s sharp reply. “Point of fact, I don’t think its been near long enough.”

“Look, the war was a long time ago,” Hale stated, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Not so long…”

“Mal, it’s been over almost seven years!” he cried and Mal nodded.

“Yeah, but almost seven years ain’t quite long enough to erase the fact that you fought on the wrong side.”

“Please,” Hale guffawed. “You still think I’m a traitor?”

“I surely do,” Mal said.

“Should a known you were holding onto that grudge,” Hale said with a shake of his head. “You never could just let things go.”

“What made you turn thief anyway?” Mal asked, changing the subject before things went any further south.

“I’m not a thief,” Hale said as if he had been insulted. “I was doing a favor for an old friend,” he explained.

“Well, thanks for that,” Mal said, turning to walk away.

“Wait,” called Hale and Mal turned back. “In order to make it a fair trade, I’ll offer some information you might find useful…”

“What could you possibly know that could benefit me, Hale?” Mal asked and Hale shrugged.

“I work for the Alliance, remember? I know a lot that could benefit you…” Hale took a step tow