Chapter One: Something Familiar Something Peculiar

"Change of plans," Captain Malcolm Reynolds said as he strode down the steps into the cargo bay. First Mate Zoe Washburn, Pilot Hoban "Wash" Wasburn and Mercenary/Public Relations officer, Jayne Cobb, all looked up in surprise.

"What kind of change?" Jayne asked suspiciously.

"You're coming with us on this run," Mal said, pointing to Wash.

"Me?" Wash stared at Mal and then glanced at Zoe. "Since when you voluntarily take me along?"

"Since our contact just waved me and said that he wants to meet our ship's pilot. Apparently he doesn't deal with anyone until he sees what kind of pilot they have."

"Strange request," Zoe commented.

Mal shrugged. It was a new contact that they had been referred to by Badger. Now normally Mal wouldn't have gone near anyone that Badger had recommended but after checking with some other contacts, Mal had decided to give this guy a chance. "He's a former pilot, claims that any idiot can buy a ship and that he doesn't deal with anyone until he knows who's flying."

"What's his name?" Wash asked.

"Raptor," Mal said. "Or at least that's what he goes by."

"Used to have one of those," Wash commented. At the confused looks he was getting, "Raptor-vicious dinosaur from Earth-That Was, I had a model of those when I was a kid, my favorite one but it broke when I was ten."

"Right," Mal said. "Well you and our contact can trade dinosaur stories all you want, as long you convince him that you can fly his cargo from here to wherever he wants it."

"I think I can manage that," Wash said.

Mal nodded, "Alright, lets go then."

Mal, Zoe, Jayne and Wash left the ship, Serenity, and walked towards the bar where they were going to meet their contact. They all sat down in a back corner, ordered drinks and looked around the bar.

"We early or is he late?" Zoe asked.

"We're a little early," Mal admitted. "We've never dealt with this guy before, wouldn't hurt to show up first, see who he is."

"Think it's an ambush?