Mal stood there, Zoe was to his left, while Simon was caught at the tip of the Strangers' blade. Mal could easily just unload two shots from his pistol into this guy and be done with it. But, this guy seemed different. He was an Alliance lacky, and yet, he wasn't. Mal couldn't piece it together just yet; but he knew he had to do something, and quick.

"Operative." Voiced Mal in an attempt to gain the stranger's attention.

The oriental man turned his cold gaze towards Mal. "Operative, me? Please. I am not some *lui quan* who just recieved a promotion for butt-kisser of the year, Captain."

Simon took the oppertunity to make a dash away from the man and back to Mal and Zoe. Sad to say, but the Doc wasn't as fast in his step as he should've been. Without even looking the assailent extended his left arm foward, and jolted his wrist, causing the tip of his thirty-seven inch katana to stab into Simon's right shoulder. Simon jerked with pain and dropped to his knees.

"Son of a!" Mal shouted as he removed his side-arm and shot out two rounds towards the man's chest. He took both rounds and stumbled back a bit; but his body armor prevented any further penetration.

"wwwwhhheewwwww. You're a mighty quick one there Capn' Reynolds. Why, I's bet your the fastest gun this side of this here rim." The man mockingly said to Mal, in a very bad southern draw.

Mal aimed his weapon dead for the stranger's head. "See, you done and did it. I don't know who you are, but you will burn in a gorram *diyu* for this."

"Is that so? Well, take..."

The man's words were cut short as Mal opened fire with two more rounds.

"Shenme?!?" Zoe said with utter suprise in her voice. The man had managed to avoid both rounds.

"Captain. You have no idea... You know, I'm tired of that line. It's something the bad guy always says, and I am not the bad guy here. I am mearly........No...wait. hehe, I am the bad guy."

With that sai