Here's Part 3. Enjoy and comment.

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The skyplex was packed.

“So where are we meant to pick up this stuff,” Julien asked Mal as they pushed through a thick patch of crowd.

“Not sure,” Mal answered.

“You know they could’ve baited us out here so they could steal the ship,” Julien stated.

“Why do you think I left Zoe and Jayne behind?” Mal asked.

“Or it could be a trap for you.”

“Why do you think you’re here?”

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Leo was sitting in the dining room reading news-screen when River walked in and sat down.

“Anything interesting?” she asked.

“You’d know,” Leo answered.

River paused. “When did you find out?” she asked.

“What?”

“When did you find out you were psychic?” River asked.

Leo smiled, “Try and find out.”

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“Captain Reynolds,” a voice said.

Mal spun hand on his pistol.

“Relax,” the man said. “This is a friendly face.”

“Maybe,” Mal said. “Where’s the job?”

“Three shops down on the left,” the man said. “Password’s 42. You two should call for back-up. Cargo ain’t light.” The man walked away.

Mal lifted his radio. “Jayne, get Kaylee and the mule over here. Shop 947.”

“Copy that,” Jayne answered.

“Let’s get us some contraband,” Mal said to Julien.

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Leo had to admit, River was good, considering what she had been through. But Leo hadn’t, and she’d had training.

River’s face hit the table. She looked up at Leo. This person was reading a news-screen and she couldn’t even break through the very rim of her mind.

“Keep trying,” Leo said without looking up. “You’ll get there.”

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The mule baked up to the loading around the back of Shop 947. Mal signed for the cargo and loaded it onto the mule. The shop owner said that the crates were not to be opened until they were aboard their ship.

“Any problems?”