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The Meeting “Well, everyone, welcome to New Site,” Wash said, turning as the door of the cargo bay opened.
Simon studied the dry, barren landscape. “New Site, what an imagination these people have.” “Oh, come on,” Kaylee said, punching the doctor lightly on the arm, “it can’t be all that bad.” She shot a look at the captain. “Right?” “She’s the only dirt you’ll be seeing for a while,” Mal replied, addressing everyone. “So, I suggest you enjoy it while you can. Now, while Zoe and I make the drop-off, the rest of you will be buying whatever supplies we need. Don’t be going and getting into trouble.” “Trouble? Us?” Kaylee gave the captain a grin. “Yes, you, all of you, which is why I’ll be leaving someone in charge of you lot while I’m gone.” “Finally,” Jayne muttered. “Okay, this what—” “Shepherd,” Mal said, interrupting the mercenary, “I wish you luck. Now, everyone get a move-on.” “The-the shepherd,” Jayne sputtered. He glared at the preacher before stalking off after the captain. “Mal, you can’t be serious! You’re putting the shepherd in charge?” “I believe that’s what I said, Jayne,” Mal answered, helping Zoe lift a crate unto the mule. “Keep arguing with me, and I’ll keep you on the ship.” The taller man closed his jaw with an audible snap, physically cutting off a heated remark. He stormed off. He didn’t look at any members of the crew as he stomped off the ship. “Captain,” Zoe started. “Not now,” he replied. “Now, I expect everyone back on ship before sundown.” “That shouldn’t be a problem,” Book stated. Mal frowned. “Somehow, it always manages to be one.” “Perhaps today will be different.” “Perhaps. Come on, Zoe, let’s go.” “Yes, sir.” “Have a good time smuggling, honey,” Wash called as his wife brought the mule to life. She smirked. “Always do, dear. See you tonight.” Kaylee grabbed Simon’s arm as the mule drove out. “We should get going, too. We got a lot to do before sundown.” “Yes, I guess we should.” He looked down at their linked arms, surprise evident on his face. However, he let her lead him off the ship. He glanced back over his shoulder. “River, are you coming?” She frowned. “If you go into the woods today, you will be in for a big surprise.” “Well, let’s hope it’s a good surprise,” Book said, wrapping an arm around the girl. “Maybe we can find something pretty to buy. Perhaps a new dress?” “Oh, that would be nice!” Kaylee glanced up at Simon. “Don’t you think so?” He gave her a rare, true grin. “I’m afraid I’d look rather silly in a dress.” “Well, we’ll just have to buy you something different.” Book chuckled at the pair as he and River followed behind them. New Site wasn’t a large place. How much trouble could the settlement pose? * * * * * She eyed the good of the general store critically, ever mindful of just how few coins she had. Whatever she purchased would have to last. Who knew when she could find a job—safe or otherwise—again? Jobs hadn’t been easy for her to come by out on the Rim, even with her skills. Her prospects wouldn’t fare well on this barely named rock or this clump of buildings people were trying to call a town. The term settlement seemed pretentious. ‘Focus,’ she told herself. She could fell the shopkeeper’s eyes on her as she moved through the store. The only other customers were a local couple. She, as the outsider, drew the attention. ‘I don’t need any undue attention right now.’ As if to answer her prayers, the door creaked open and a group of five entered the store. The shopkeeper moved from behind the counter to prowl the floor in order to better protect his wares. She used the opportunity to drift to a more secluded corner of the store. “Oh, look at this,” one of the girls cried. “Shiny! I could use this to augment the compression coil.” “Fei wu,” the slimmer of the young men commented. “It is not junk!” The older man sighed. “Let’s start with the list. If we get everything, then we can think about extras.” She added a few food tins to her basket. They weren’t the best quality but the seals were good. Between them and the nutrient capsules she should be to last awhile. “I’ll start with the foodstuff,” the slim one stated. “Don’t buy any fei wu,” the girl teased. “I’ll see if I can find something to use on the modulator.” She quickly moved away from the tin bin. The last thing she needed was the strangers’ attention. The shopkeeper was suspicious enough as it was. The door was thrown open, its creak crescendoing as if to protest its abuse. Heavy boots thudded against the wood floor as more men entered the store. She glanced in their direction, and her heart stopped. “There she is! Woman, we have business with you!” She turned, running towards the back of the store. She collided with one of the strangers from the first group. He grabbed her shoulders to steady her as they both got their footing. She glanced up at stranger. Her order for him to release her died on her lips. She could only gasp. “I’m terribly sorry. I wasn’t watching. . .” He finally looked at her face, tightening his grip on her shoulders as his jaw drop. “Mikiko?” Her luck had finally run out. Here, on this barely named moon in this sham of a town, her past had caught up with her. And once again, she found herself cursing Simon Tam. * * * * * Chinese to English translation from http:// fireflychinese. home. att. ent Fei wu—junk |
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