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.

The Butcher (3 of 4)

“It doesn’t matter. Take my word for it. We have to warn them that Fontaine is here.” Book pulled Wash along by the arm.

“I don’t think we can get a hold of them. Mal said he wouldn’t turn on his transceiver until they wanted to contact us, when the hostages were safe.” The Pilot was astonished at the Preacher’s behavior. This was the most excited he had ever seen him. His own anxiety was also growing, though. He stopped. “Who is this guy?”

“It doesn’t matter. Mal and Zoe will know who he is.” Book urged him into motion again.

Inara, who had stopped in the hatchway, stepped back as they entered. “Wash, please just do as he says!”

He threw up his arms in defeat and started jogging through the dining area. “Okay, okay! It’s going to take a few minutes to get Serenity ready. Someone needs to let anyone outside know we’re leaving. Don’t want to suck any unsuspecting souls into the engines.”

“I have to get the supplies to Simon.” Inara turned and headed for the infirmary.

The Shepherd followed her. “I’ll help you offload them.”

Wash called after him. “By the way, we don’t know where they are!”

Book shouted back. “We’ll just have to find them!”

*****

Rage threatened to overtake Mal. The Butcher was here. How was he still alive? How did he get here? His head ached, and he fought to slow his breathing and steady his aim.

Fontaine was standing on the far side of the camp, talking to a couple of his men. They were between him and his quarry. He waited for Fontaine to move into the open. This position wasn’t going to make it easy to defend, but he needed to be close to the hostages. Needed to be close enough to not miss. Close enough to kill Fontaine with the first shot.

He realized that too much time was passing. Shadows were beginning to lengthen and light reflected from the moon high overhead would