CHAPTER 3

“They don’t seem to keen on chasing us,” Mal said.

“We got lucky, sir,” Zoë answered by way of explanation.

“Lucky?!” Jayne balked. “Did you miss the part were they made off with Vera? And the food?” He added the last as an afterthought.

The crew was sitting around an empty kitchen table. The last of their food had been stolen.

“He’s right, sir,” Zoë said gravely. Jayne grunted at the affirmation. “Without the cargo, we’re not going to be welcome at Newhall.”

“What are options?” he looked around the table.

Wash brushed his hands through his thick blonde hair making it stand on end. “Newhall,” he said, frustration lacing his voice.

“Didn’t she just say we weren’t welcome there?” Simon asked, casting an uncertain glance about the table.

“Newhall is the nearest civilized world,” Wash persisted. “So I guess the question is how hungry are you guys?”

Kaylee cringed, her stomach already growling.

“Newhall, then” Mal said.

Wash nodded and headed to the bridge to set the course.

“Shepherd, what do you know about this Caddock fella?” Mal asked.

“Rumors mostly,” Book answered. “He’s a shrewd soldier. Loyal—“

“Except for that whole mutiny bit,” Mal interrupted.

“Loyal to the Alliance, I should say. The alleged mutiny occurred because the former Captain was going to violate orders from the Alliance.”

“So he mutinied in the name of the Alliance,” Zoe clarified.

“He did.”

“Must’ve been crushed to hear about the court-martial, then,” Mal mused.

“So he turns to piracy?” Kaylee interjected.

“I don’t like him,” Mal said gravely. “Turncoat like that ain’t showing loyalty. He wants glory.”

Zoë nodded, understanding. “If he can’t make a name for himself in battle, he’ll do it as a pirate.”

“Well if he’s so famous, how come none of us ever heard of him?” Kaylee asked.

“Book heard of him,” Zoe said.

“Book’s heard of everybody,” Jayne retorted.

“You knew him, Jayne,” Mal said.

“Tried to kill him once,” Jayne deflected. “Don’t make him famous.”

Mal nodded letting it