“I slapped him.”

“Didya?”

“Sure.”

It was cold in the valley. Zoe and Mal had one of those funny little conversations which kept them going in this war.

Suddenly someone yelled at them from the east flank.

“Another five bit the apple, Sargent!” Language changes during war.

**few hours later**

“It's getting dark Sir. Campfire?”

“Campfire.”

It never needed many words between them if it's a military topic.

“What do we have to eat?”

“Well, here are beans with onions, onions with beans and a liquid mix of both.” Zoe tossed the cans over her shoulder as she read. Mal wasn't very happy with that menu, especially the after effects part.

“Zoe, go get some wood for the fire.”

“Anything else honey? Perhaps a fresh beer from the fridge?”

**One hour later**

Mal returned with enough wood for at least five decent campfires.

“Always over the top, aren't we?”

“Guess we are.”

**20 minutes later**

“All right, everything is ready. Set it on fire Zoe.”

“Me, Sir?”

“Of course you. It's your turn.”

“This is really breaking my heart Sir, but you are wrong. You must have the matches since our last five star bean meal.”

Mal checked all his pockets including the smuggling ones he secretly added to his coat.

“Seems an awful lot like I don't. Must have lost them when I threw away that shackle.”

“That might not be our only problem, Sir. Someone's coming.”

Zoe was right. A person came from behind a little hill walking directly towards them.

“Doesn't look like one from our platoon.” Zoe was very cautious and put her right hand on 'the big damn gun in the ridiculous holster' as she called it.

“Yeah, but his coat has a brownish color to it!”

A few moments later the young man with the brown coat stood right in front of them. Zoe took the initiative (as usual).

“Who the hell are you?”

“Erm, Zoe, maybe this not-so-friendly attitude might not be a wise idea right now.”

Mal turned towards the stranger.

“Now, tell us who you are or I'll shoot you.”

Zoe nodded

“Very friendly, Si