Disclaimer: I just love this little Verse that Mr. Whedon and friends created and own. I am so happy I can sneak in and visit. If you copy elsewhere, please let me know.

Coupla things: It’s a longish story, so I am posting in four parts. Most of this has been written for many weeks and I’ve just been worrying over it. However, if you watched the recent first episode of Stargate Atlantis, there is a bit in this piece that is very similar to a scene in that episode. I did not rip it off. As a matter of fact, I have changed mine so as to lessen the similarity. I couldn’t delete it completely, though. Too important.

The Butcher (1 of 4)

He eased himself slowly into the hot water. The tub was massive, big enough for Mal to stretch out fully, leaving only his head above water when his feet touched the other end. Several small scrapes and cuts stung as they slide into the water. The evening was more than warm, but he didn’t care. This was a rare luxury, and his tired, aching muscles needed it. He ducked his head under the water for as long as he could hold his breath and straightened again, lying back against the sloping tub. He closed his eyes and tried to not think of the last two days.

Three Days Earlier…

“Mal, got a wave coming in from New Taipei.” Wash’s voice crackled a little on the intercom. “Sounds like a job.”

The Captain bounded up the stairs and sat in the pilot’s chair vacated by Wash. He didn’t recognize the man of indeterminate age in the vid screen. He smiled and tapped a button. “Malcolm Reynolds here. Who do I have the honor of talking to?”

“Captain Reynolds, my name is Charles Fong. Sir Warwick recommended I contact you. I have a job, if you’ve a mind to take it.”

Mal leaned forward ever so slightly, still smiling. “That’s very kind of his Lordship. What kind of cargo do you need to move?”

“No cargo to be shifted, Captain.” Fong looked down for a moment. “It is something that should be discussed in person. Can you come here with all possible sp