Life’s Too Short- Part Four

These characters aren't mine... :(

Author's Note: I know I said this one would be

really long, but it kind of isn't. So I lied.

It's pretty long, though, and the next one will have to be long because it'll be all actiony and exciting. So for all of you who like to read a lot at a time, by tomorrow afternoon (I hope) there should be more. :)

* * * * *

“It’s come to our attention that you have had dealings with a Captain Malcolm Reynolds, of the Firefly-class transport vessel-”

“Serenity. Reckon I know the name,” said the gray-haired woman with the lined face and the flinty eyes. She sat at a wooden table, watching the screen expressionlessly as the Alliance commander narrowed his eyes.

“We’re also aware that you and Captain Reynolds did not part on… friendly terms.” Patience didn’t move a muscle. Her tired, pinched face didn’t give an inch, and her eyes were far from old and far from tired. They were calculating and hard and totally unafraid. The Alliance commander was taken aback by this calm, controlled woman out here on a Rim world, staring him down like a crocodile.

“And?”

“We’d like to offer you a job.” Patience smiled at the commander, and it was a sweet smile. It even reached her eyes. Somehow, the commander was not taken in by the smile. It seemed almost as dangerous as the stone face he’d seen before.

“I’m quite fond of money, Commander Nolson.” Of course you are, he thought.

“We’ve become aware of the fact that you are arranging a job with Captain Reynolds in the near future. What we want is simple: when and where the rendez-vous is to take place, and your full support.”

“You want me to set up an ambush for your people, is that it?”

“It is.”

“Well, son, how much in payment are we talking?”

“How much would you like?” Patience leaned forwards on the table, clasping her hands in front of her like a woman at prayer. Perhaps she was, though her god would never appear in any church.

“Now, I ordinarily don’t