CHAPTER 12

In the pre-dawn hours, Serenity landed on Three Hills through a torrent of rain. The landing pad filled with exhaust and steam from the engines. As Mal opened the doors, he saw an old friend, Leslie Maxwell, who had founded a college in the town. Maxwell was an average height man who had gained a small gut since Mal had last seen him. His tailored suit glinted in the lights that illuminated the landing pad. Maxwell’s hands were folded, his index fingers steepled and touching his lip. This was an old “all clear” sign the two held, so Mal let his trigger hand relax.

“Max!” Mal called, adopting a jovial air as he stepped off Serenity. “It’s raining here!”

“What do you expect, Mal? It’s the rainy season.” Maxwell’s voice was a deep base.

Mal wore a wide-brimmed hat which only succeeded in keeping the water out of his eyes. His coat weathered the storm faithfully. Maxwell stepped back, making space under the awning for Mal to stand.

“Just been awhile since I been caught in the rain. Any chance of it letting up?” Mal asked.

“Today?” Maxwell chortled. “Let me educate you on how we predict weather during the rainy season. Look over there. Do you see that sky scraper?”

Mal looked, but the rain fell in sheets so thick, he could barely see ten feet in front of him. “No”

“That means it’s raining. If you could see it, that would mean it’s going to rain very, very soon.”

“No kidding,” Mal chuckled. “What do you do with all that water?”

“What any good business man does. Bottle it up and sell it to the tourists. I hear you’ve run into trouble, old friend.”

“Nothin’ serious,” Mal dismissed. “I’m looking for a ship called the Neptune. Have they landed here?”

“Just last night. They’ve stayed locked down pretty tight. Probably waiting for the rain to let up.” Maxwell laughed again. “Your ship looks a little beat.”

“Well it happens when you’re short a mechanic. If you could lend me some of your services, I’d be happy to repay you.”

“Now Mal,” Maxwell chided. “You know I can’t be bothered to wai