Dark ‘Verse

Part 2: Offspring

Jayne’s hand rested a bit when he saw four million credits laying a few feet away from him. Maybe this guy wasn’t so bad, he thought. Mal, however, still looked suspicious. Kaylee, Simon, and River had remained quiet while Behn, still on the catwalk, was a little nervous.

“Who says we can trust this guy anyways?” said Behn, clearly nervous.

“I haven’t said anything yet,” said Mal though the money was sure enticing.

The Operative, realizing he had piqued interest, began to walk a little more freely around the cargo bay.

“I am a free man Mal--Captain Reynolds. I have no agenda…,” he paused and looked at River, “I just wish to fly free and preferably away from Alliance patrols whenever it is possible.”

“For once we have agreed on something.” Mal was still suspicious. “Behn, count this cash and see if its legit. Check for any hidden surprises.”

The Operative breathed a sigh of relief. Mal looked a little disheveled but in control. Though he didn’t respect the Operative in the least, Mal still rode on the confidence that he had ‘beaten’ the man before. The Operative didn’t mind. Where he himself found honor and respect, Mal found personal pride and self esteem. For a man who lost his first mate and a few good friends, Mal lived off what joys he could. So far it was knowing he had beaten the Operative and battling the Alliance everyday that kept him going.

A few moments went by and Behn came back in. “It’s all there.”

Mal smiled a fake smile towards the Operative. The Operative gave it back. The rest of the crew looked weary, as if they would wake up with a knife in their throats on any given morning. “We meet in the dining hall for a little go-over of rules.”

The crew filed out while Mal stayed put. The Operative went to move towards the dining hall when Mal grabbed his arm. For a split second, the Operative felt the pain Mal had caused him on Mr. Universe’s world. But it was only a split second. Mal, with hell fire in his eyes, stared (and held) hard at the Operat