Chapter 2

Present Time

“Alright folks, listen up.” Mal stood in the cargo bay, addressing his crew as the fading light of evening crept in through the open door. The rest of the crew spread out around him, standing or leaning against boxes and crates. “As ya all know, Wash’s a little too late getting’ back for my liking. Might be nothing, might be trouble, but either way, we’re gonna go find out. Jayne and Zoë, yer with me. The rest of ya hang out here, but keep yer eyes open.”

“I’d like to go with you,” Shepard Book spoke up.

“Preacher, I appreciate the offer but-”

“Captain,” Book cut the man off mid-sentence. “Another pair of eyes will significantly increase the search area, and the doctor and ladies are more than capable of watching your ship. I’d like to help.”

Mal paused, thinking. He didn’t like being interrupted, or having his orders questioned, but Book had a point. It was getting late and they needed their pilot back.

“Fine,” he agreed curtly. “You ‘n Jayne go check the taverns and bars. It maybe Wash just got a mite distracted. Zoë, you ‘n me’ll go scout out the marketplace.” He tossed Jayne one of the hand-held comm. units. “Anyone see somethin’ interesting, or find the man, holler. Iffin he beats us back ta the ship, Kaylee give us a wave.”

Book and Jayne nodded then left, Jayne’s swagger as he marched down the ramp strangely complimentary to Book’s steady, purposefully gate. As he watched them leave, Mal motioned Kaylee over to him.

“Yeah, Cap’n?”

“Keep yer eyes open, little Kaylee, an’ keep the doc and his sis outa sight. This ain’t an Alliance planet, but Wash being this late is makin’ me nervous. Better safe ‘n sorry. You notice anything suspicious, anything at all, you lock this boat down tighter than a drum and call us back.”

“Okay, Cap’n,” Kaylee agree, nodding solemnly. She could tell Mal was worried about their friend, even though he was trying not to let it show. “We won’t do nothing stupid, I promise.”

Mal gave her a ge