Yeah, it's been a few months since I added to this series (I was doing robotics competitions). If you haven't read Liberty (6 parts) and/or Aquaphobe (5 parts), I'd suggest you find them and read them (they can be found in the fanfic section here) as it explains some of the things in this story. Disclaimer: anything recognizable is property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, etc. The story, however, is mine. Also, I had to take some creative liberties, but only on stuff not explained in the series. I also used my own translator for the Mandarin, so it may be off (although it's still comical). On to the story:

“Haven’t been here in a while.” Tobias was on the open cargo bay ramp overlooking a small city. We were on Ares, an inner borderworld. It was still well within reach of the Alliance, but we had work. It was something. Everybody was waiting in the cargo bay for orders.

I walked to the center of them. “Alright, how do we want to play this? We meet Geraldo in an hour to find out what the job is. Where do we want to meet him?”

Bill spoke first. “I’d like to stay here. There’s some engine work I’m still doing.”

“Granted. Libby, Tobias, you’re with me. Serra?”

“I’ll be fine here.” Serra walked back toward the dorms. “Just be careful.”

Libby waited until Bill and Serra were out of the room. “Eddie, U-Day started a few hours ago according to the Zulu clock.”

I had an idea. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”

Libby had the same idea. “Bar or strip club?”

I thought about that. “I’m more in the mood for a fight at a strip club this year. Besides, a strip club makes great cover for a meeting about a job.”

“Whoa!” Tobias was now concerned. “We’re starting a fight?”

“It’s Eddie’s Unification Day tradition.” Libby went up the steps to the catwalk. “I’ll contact Geraldo with the location.”

“Do that.” I turned my attention to Tobias. “Why do you think I allowed Bill to stay here? He’d never hold up in a fight like this.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re crazy?