OUT OF GAS OUT OF LUCK

We were 4 days out of port when Billy comes over the com. He found a ship, a Firefly free floating. It’s powered down and both shuttles had been launched, must have been abandoned. She’ll be easy pickings for this crew.

I make my way up from the engine room to see if I can be of help. I hadn’t been with the crew long, just three weeks, and they were being cautious. They had gotten burned bad on a job bout a month before I joined up. By bad I mean, there wouldn’t have been an opening for a mechanic, otherwise. They don’t talk about it much. I over hear a little here and there. They expected more heat after, but it looks like they got away clean.

I hit the bridge to offer my service and everything’s a buzz. They hailed her a few times but no answer. Just as the Captain was giving the orders to board her, they got a reply.

I was half listening to Jessie filling me in, and trying to place the voice I hear on the com.

I know that voice.

“Well I'm not looking for a ride, Captain. Just a little push is all.”

A quick glance at the screen, yeah I know him, it’s Malcolm Reynolds.

The Captain tells him they’ll do some business, somethin about a catalyzer, I know better.

I tell the Captain I know the man, and that we fought together in the war. He gives me look of disgust and I lower my head.

“Stay on the ship Caleb. Make yourself useful and start some grub.”

As he leads the crew off the bridge I overhear

“Rutting Browncoats, good for nothi…”

Rutting Browncoats, he might change his opinion after he tangles with Mal. Of course, if Mal knew I was here he might just wade through everyone of em to put a bullet in me.

We fought together at Quisan Mesa. The Alliance had been shoving us back for 2 weeks. They were pushing us towards a box canyon. Once there, it would be a slaughter. Another couple of days and it would be over.

Mal had saved my life twice already, and no telling how many others. There was no quit in him. That really knew how to build up moral. Af