Disclaimer: I just love this little Verse that Mr. Whedon and friends created and own. I am so happy I can sneak in and visit. If you copy elsewhere, please let me know.

Coupla things: It’s a longish story, so I am posting in four parts. Most of this has been written for many weeks and I’ve just been worrying over it. However, if you watched the recent first episode of Stargate Atlantis, there is a bit in this piece that is very similar to a scene in that episode. I did not rip it off. As a matter of fact, I have changed mine so as to lessen the similarity. I couldn’t delete it completely, though. Too important.

The Butcher (1 of 4)

He eased himself slowly into the hot water. The tub was massive, big enough for Mal to stretch out fully, leaving only his head above water when his feet touched the other end. Several small scrapes and cuts stung as they slide into the water. The evening was more than warm, but he didn’t care. This was a rare luxury, and his tired, aching muscles needed it. He ducked his head under the water for as long as he could hold his breath and straightened again, lying back against the sloping tub. He closed his eyes and tried to not think of the last two days.

Three Days Earlier…

“Mal, got a wave coming in from New Taipei.” Wash’s voice crackled a little on the intercom. “Sounds like a job.”

The Captain bounded up the stairs and sat in the pilot’s chair vacated by Wash. He didn’t recognize the man of indeterminate age in the vid screen. He smiled and tapped a button. “Malcolm Reynolds here. Who do I have the honor of talking to?”

“Captain Reynolds, my name is Charles Fong. Sir Warwick recommended I contact you. I have a job, if you’ve a mind to take it.”

Mal leaned forward ever so slightly, still smiling. “That’s very kind of his Lordship. What kind of cargo do you need to move?”

“No cargo to be shifted, Captain.” Fong looked down for a moment. “It is something that should be discussed in person. Can you come here with all possible speed? The matter is extremely urgent.”

Mal’s smile faded. “Well, Mr. Fong, I…”

“Captain, it is entirely legal. And, even if you decide not to take the job, I will pay you a thousand credits for your effort.” The image moved closer. “Please, Captain, time of the essence.”

“Th th…thousand?” Wash gasped behind him. Then he hurriedly whispered. “Take about…twelve hours to get there.”

Mal glared at Wash then nodded at Fong. “We’ll be there in about twelve hours, Mr. Fong. Can you upload landing coordinates for us?”

Fong was obviously relieved. “Thank you, Captain. I’ll send them now.”

The screen went blank. When Mal moved aside, Wash sat down and they both waited for the transmission. As Serenity began a tight turn to her new heading, Wash looked up at the Captain who had not said anything.

“A grand ain’t bad for a half day’s trip.” The Pilot said cheerily. “Or, is it?”

Mal was stepping through the door before he answered. “No, it ain’t. And, that’s what’s worrisome.”

*****

Serenity settled in the only flat area large enough for her bulk near the homestead, on a low hilltop about two hundred yards from a group of buildings lit faintly by pre-dawn light. A sprawling two-story house sat in the middle of the compound. It was just before sunrise on this part of the planet, but still, hot air oozed over the crew as the cargo bay ramp touched the ground. Mal looked over his shoulder at the others as he and Zoe started down the ramp.

“Close up while we’re gone. Somethin’ don’t smell quite right here.” The ramp clanged shut as they headed for a single, small figure approaching from the direction of the homestead.

Zoe’s eyes continuously roamed the brightening countryside. She kept her voice low and a hand on her weapon. “You’re not wrong about that, Sir. Looks like there was some kind of fight here. Windows broken, dead animals, and somethin’ got burned down.”

The Captain followed the nod of her head. “Don’t see no folk, though. Only one or two lights on.” They stopped as the figure neared.

“Captain Reynolds?” A tiny, elderly woman bowed low before them. “You and your friends are most welcome in my Master’s house. Please, Sir and Lady, come with me.”

“Whoa, wait a minute! Who are you and where is Mr. Fong?” Mal glanced around again before focusing on the woman, who bowed again.

“Apologies, Sir. I am Franka, the housekeeper. Master Charles has been injured. He urgently begs your presence. Please, Sir and Lady. We must hurry. The young Master…” She bowed again and scurried toward the house. “Follow, please.”

Mal and Zoe looked around again, and seeing nothing threatening, followed her. Both continued to scan the area. The sun had crested the hill behind them. As they neared the homestead, they could see the damage was more extensive. There had been a lot of shooting. The smell of gunfire and smoke from the burned-out building hung in the hot, unmoving air.

Franka led them into the house. There didn’t seem to be a window left intact or wall without bullet holes. There was chaos everywhere. As they were led up a staircase, Zoe caught sight of several sheet-covered forms in what looked like a parlor. She nudged Mal and he turned to look just in time to see a young woman enter the room and stop at one end of the row, arms full with a large basin.

The door to a darkened room opened slightly after the diminutive housekeeper tapped softly. She bowed low again and disappeared back down the stairs.

A young man with an arm in a sling pulled the door open wide, revealing a spacious bedroom. “Captain, Miss, please come in. Master Charles is very happy you are here.”

Mal and Zoe hesitated at the door. They couldn’t see anyone in the bed, but movement in large chair in the far corner caught their attention. Someone was trying to stand. The young man at the door rushed to aid the struggling figure.

“Sir! You must rest. Do not get up, please.” He coaxed the man back into the chair and arranged a blanket around him. When he straightened, the young man half bowed towards Mal and Zoe. “Charles Fong, this is Captain Reynolds.”

Mal did not step forward until the man nodded. “This is my first mate, Zoe. What happened here?”

“Thank you, Peter.” The old man squeezed the boy’s arm. “Now leave us, please. I must talk with these people.”

Peter handed Mal an envelope as he closed the door. Fong waved Mal and Zoe to nearby chairs. Mal stuffed the enveloped, unopened, into his pocket.

“Please be seated, Captain, Miss Zoe. I am sorry you are seeing my home in such a state. It is a result of the reason I contacted you. My grandson and his tutor have been kidnapped and I want you to get them back for me.”

Mal’s eyebrows went up as he and Zoe sat on a small sofa. “We’re not the law, Mr. Fong. Shouldn’t you call in the sheriff?”

“I would, Captain, if he was alive. The regional Sheriff and two of his deputies were killed two weeks ago. I believe by the same men who came here yesterday. The Sheriff in Formosa, which is about a thousand miles south, has his hands full and cannot come for at least a week. That will be too late. The authorities in the capital cannot be bothered with such a small incident. Please, Captain, I beg your help.”

Mal and Zoe glanced at each other, the latter barely nodding. “What happened? What do you know about these folk?”

Fong closed his eyes and touched his chest with his fingertips. “Thank you. There were twelve of these huh choo-sheng tza-jiao duh tzang-huo. We think the leader’s name is Simmons. They rode in and started shooting, giving us no warning. Most of my hands are spread all over the ranch and driving a herd to sale. We are not skilled in the art of war, Sir. Five of my people are dead and many more are injured, even my daughter-in-law. She tried to protect the boy and they shot her.

“Captain, Miss Zoe, my wife and son died long ago. Lucas and his Mother are all I have left of them. He is but eight years old. If you can, please bring him, and Kevlan, back to us. The envelope Peter gave you contains the promised credits. I will pay you another nine thousand if you bring them home safely.”

Mal stood again and walked to the window. “Mr. Fong, your grandson and his teacher may already be dead.”

“Perhaps, Captain, but I have to try. If it is the case, the payment will be four thousand more than you already have if you can bring their bodies home, and that of Simmons.”

“How do you know we won’t just try to collect the four thousand? It would be easier.”

Fong searched his face for a long moment. “I do not think you are such a man, Captain.”

Mal pulled a transceiver from his pocket. “Wash.”

“Captain?”

“Tell the Doctor to get over here. There’s some wounded folk at the house.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Now, how were you supposed to exchange the money and the boy.” Mal dropped the radio into his pocket and sat down again.

*****

Two boys rode up to the house with several horses as Jayne approached on the mule with Simon, Inara and River. The Doctor grabbed a couple of cases and went inside with Peter, who waited at the foot of the stairs. Both Inara and River looked at Mal as they followed Simon into the house with more bundles. Their expressions conveyed worry and fear.

“What’s goin’ on?” Jayne looked around at the damaged property, then at Mal with suspicion. “Looks like all the excitement’s done happened. I thought you said we had a job.”

“We do. Owner’s grandson and his teacher got snatched yesterday. We’re goin’ to fetch ‘em back.”

“There a big reward?” Jayne demanded.

Book frowned at the mercenary as he walked up. “Does it matter?”

“Sure as hell does, Preacher.” Jayne glared at him like he must be insane.

Mal perched on the back of the mule as Zoe started the engine. “Big enough. It’s a job and we’re getting paid. Come on, Jayne, we gotta get our weapons. You’ll need your best hunting rifle.”

Now Jayne looked a little confused. “We ain’t just gonna take a shuttle?”

“Can’t. These guys get one look at it and they’ll kill the boy and teacher.” Mal nodded towards the horses being saddled. “We’re going to do it the old fashioned way.”

Jayne grumbled that horses were better for eating than riding and sat on the back platform of the mule.

Book stepped forward. “May I come with you, Captain?”

Mal opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. After looking slowly around at their surroundings, he spoke slowly. “No, Shepherd, I want you to stay here.”

“You expecting trouble, Sir?” Zoe turned around, eyebrows raised.

“Never know.” He gave the Preacher a brief lopsided grin. “There ain’t too many folk around here at the moment that can handle a gun. And, we all know that you can. I need someone here that can keep an eye on things. Don’t let anyone follow us unless you hear from me. And, post guards. Don’t want no surprises. Dong ma?”

“I know what to do.” Book nodded and turned toward the house.

Mal snorted. “I’ll bet you do.”

Jayne hooted. “More reward for me!”

“Nope. Everyone’s gettin’ a share on this one.”

“What!” Jayne began to protest, but a hard look from Mal curtailed more. He folded his arms across his chest and scowled as he sat next to Mal and Zoe steered the mule towards the ship.

A short time later, Mal, Zoe and Jayne came back down the ramp with a variety of guns, long and short. Wash and Kaylee followed closely. They watched as a grey haired man rode up with three horses, each saddled with blanket rolls, water and food in saddlebags. He dismounted and bowed low.

“Captain, my name is Miguel. Master Charles has asked me to act as guide for you.”

Mal frowned as he settled a broad brimmed hat on his head. “Miguel, no offense, but…”

“Sir.” He stood his ground. “I have worked for this family since I was a boy. Young Master Lucas is the same age as my own grandson. I know this land and I am fair with a gun. I will come with you.”

“Well, I reckon you can tell us who is friend or foe, but you’ll do exactly what I say, when I say it. Dong ma?” When the old man nodded in agreement, Mal turned to Wash and Kaylee. “I’m not expectin’ there’ll be any trouble, but be careful. Keep Serenity locked up tight and carry side-arms. Preacher’s down the house with the others. He knows what to do. We’ll keep radio silence until we have the boy and his teacher.”

Jayne stuffed his hat on and swung up on one of the horses. Miguel held out the reins for Mal and Zoe. When they were all mounted, they turned northeast and set off at a slow gallop. They only knew the direction taken by the marauders until the nearby hills. Mal did not want to lose the trail.

*****

Simon found many wounded in the house, five on makeshift bedding in the various rooms downstairs, watched over by several women and girls. Fong and his daughter-in-law were upstairs in their bedrooms, along with a couple of other seriously wounded in other bedrooms. Each had at least one caretaker hovering nearby. Even some of the caretakers, like Peter, were bandaged in one way or another. Elderly women and children were among the wounded.

“What happened here? Is there a war going on?” He asked of no-one in particular. “Women, children! What kind of liou mahng shoots women and children?”

The Doctor triaged the wounded, bedridden or not. All had been tended to as best as possible by lay folk. Bleeding had been stopped, but the bullets were not extracted. And, one or two wounds were warming with infection. Inara followed closely, her face composed, but eyes not able to completely mask the anger and horror she felt at the savageness of the attack. River was right behind her, face composed, but hands tightly clutching bandages and bottles.

Simon turned to Peter, who was showing him around. “I need a large table to use as an operating table. We have to get these bullets out quickly. What kind of medical supplies do you have here?”

Peter shook his head. “Very little is left, Doctor. Mostly bandages. No drugs. We used everything we had just tending everyone. And, it will take about forty eight hours to get any transported out here.”

“We’ll have to make do, then.” Simon stopped at the most seriously injured person, a small boy with a bloodied bandage low on his stomach. “I’ll take this boy first, then the woman upstairs, then the man with the shattered food and Mr. Fong.”

“I’ll see to getting the dining room cleared for you immediately.” Peter turned to the housekeeper and they walked towards the door, speaking quickly in low tones.

*****

The grass on the low rolling hills was browning under the relentless sun. It was almost a foot tall and swooshed quietly as the horses moved through it. It made tracking a little easier for the most part. The small group of riders slowed their horses to a walk. Humans and animals were sweating profusely. They needed to give their mounts time to cool some. The heat had increased steadily as the sun rose high. Now it was well over a hundred degrees.

Zoe scanned the horizon while Jayne and Mal studied the trail. They had reached a particularly hard area of ground and the hoof prints all but disappeared. The ground was further complicated by signs that a small herd had been driven through recently. Miguel explained that some of the cattle sent to market a few days before came from this area. After weaving about for a few minutes, they moved off again. The trail veered east for a few miles before swinging slightly to the north.

“There’s two more. These fellas don’t seem to be takin’ any trouble to hide their trail, Mal.” Jayne took off his hat and pointed to a couple of dead cattle a short way ahead. Buzzards squabbled over the carcasses. He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand and pulled the hat on again. “Tzao gao! They’re already beginning to stink! What a waste of good steaks!”

“Chao-shang tza-jiao duh tzang-huo!” Miguel said through clenched teeth.

“Yeah. I expect they don’t feel they need to worry about it.” Mal squinted into the distance. “Miguel, is there any cover up ahead. Some place they can hold up in?”

“No, Captain, there ain’t no cover for a hundred miles. But there is an old well used for waterin’ the livestock they may be headin’ for.”

“A well?” Mal nodded slowly.

“Yes, Sir. No cover, though, just a wellhead and trough. Not much of a well, really, but it produces enough water for the cattle hereabouts.”

“Good.”

“They’ll sure as hell be able to see us, Sir.” Zoe observed.

“Well, we’ll just have to be careful about that, won’t we?” He glanced at her.

“Think they’ll have riders trailing to watch for someone following?”

Mal looked back at the trail behind them and then forward again. He took a mouthful of water from his canteen. “Maybe, but I kinda doubt it. From what Fong said and what we’ve seen so far, I don’t think this Simmons much believes that anyone would be following. Anyone that’d be a serious threat, anyway.”

“And, he’s got hostages.” Zoe’s voice was grim.

“Yeah.” Mal glanced at the dead cattle again and pushed the canteen back into the saddlebag.

“Ya think they’re still alive? I’m kinda surprised we ain’t come across their bodies yet.” Jayne wiped sweat from his neck with a kerchief.

“The ransom is supposed to be exchanged for them day after tomorrow, so they’d better be breathin’.” Zoe drank from her own canteen.

Jayne glared at Mal’s back. “Well, why don’t we just make the exchange instead of wastin’ all this time ridin’ around the countryside?”

“Cause these guys’ll be expectin’ for something to happen and would start shootin’ the minute they saw us. We gotta do this when they’re not ready and waiting for trouble. The kidnappers are going to tell Fong where the exchange is to happen and the money is supposed to be brought by a small shuttle.” Zoe could see he was not convinced. “Look at it this way, Jayne. We get a hell of a lot more money if the boy and his teacher are alive.”

“Really?” Jayne blew out a breath in resignation. “Well, I just wish it weren’t so gorram hot!”

*****

Simon had worked his way through the most seriously injured, with Inara assisting at every turn. Even River proved to be an able assistant. He knew this was testing both of them to the limit. When he had to amputate the lower leg of a young man, Inara almost lost it. The ankle had been shattered beyond repair, destroying nerves and cutting off almost all circulation to the foot.

“I don’t think I could have saved it even if we had gotten here as soon as it happened. There is just too much damage to repair without specialized equipment.” Simon made an effort to put the loss behind him. There was still too much work to allow it to distract him.

He was now looking at Charles Fong’s wound. The young Doctor had forced the elderly man back into bed with Peter’s aid. Assurances had been made regarding the well-being of his people before he allowed himself to be tended to. The bullet had gone through the man’s left side and seemingly missed vital organs. After cleaning and bandaging the wound again, Simon administered immune boosters and a pain killer.

As Fong drifted off to sleep, the Doctor made his way down the hall and looked in on the daughter-in-law again. One of the household women sat near the bed, closely watching her charge. Simon checked her pulse, breathing and temperature.

“Don’t worry, she is over the worst.” He smiled at the anxious woman.

“Sir, can I sit with her? She needs someone to be here when she wakes up. She does not know about the boy.” She patted the sleeping woman’s hand.

“She’ll probably sleep through the night, but it would be good for you to be here.” He closed his bag and straightened. “I’ll come up again in a little while. Call me if you notice any changes.”

“I will send Jamay if anything happens.” She nodded to a young girl sitting in the corner playing with a doll. She was so quiet, Simon had not even noticed her. He was happy to see that she was not wounded.

After looking in on the remaining wounded upstairs, he made his way downstairs to finish cleaning and dressing the minor wounds. Once everyone had been attended to, he went to find his sister. Simon had not seen her for some time and was suddenly alarmed that he had not kept closer watch on her. He moved quickly from room to room before he heard River’s voice coming from the back of the house. When he opened the door, she looked up and smiled.

“Peas.” She said as she held up a partially opened pod for him to see. River then scooped the peas out with her thumb and the tiny green spheres dropped into a bowl. “We haven’t had fresh peas since we left home. They grow ‘em here!”

A woman sitting nearby with another bowl and a handful of unshelled peas sat nearby smiled up at him. “She offered to help with the dinner, Doctor. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, no! Not at all. I need to fetch a few things from the ship.” He shook his head no when River offered him an open pod. He squatted next to her. “You want to stay here and help a little longer?”

River nodded as she popped a couple of the fresh peas into her mouth. A younger girl sitting nearby giggled and did the same.

As he went back inside, he heard her begin to talk again. She was describing the ice planet she had eaten on the skyplex a few weeks back.

*****

Even at midnight, the heat radiated up from the ground and made sleep difficult. Once the moon dipped to the horizon, Mal made the decision to stop for a few hours. They risked missing the trail if they continued in the dark, and both horses and riders were tired. There had been little talking throughout the long day, and that only when the horses had slowed to a walk.

They stopped just short of the top of a hill. The horses were fettered further down the hill so that they would not be seen or stray. Miguel produced a canvas bag, poured water in and allowed each animal to drink. There was sufficient forage to keep them happy for a few hours. Wells were few and far between, he explained. Their probable destination was the only one within two days ride.

“Sunrise is about five, ain’t it?” The Captain spoke softly to Miguel as they pulled saddles from the horsed backs. The older man nodded in reply.

Mal flipped the saddle pad over and began to wipe the sweaty animal down. Miguel smiled, pulled a cloth from his saddle bag and did the same. Zoe and Jayne watched for moment and then followed suit. Just as the last of the moonlight disappeared, they pulled out bedrolls and settled down.

As they stretched out on the grass, Miguel leaned toward Mal. “You know to take care of the horse first, Captain. That is a good thing.”

“I grew up on a ranch. Learned early on that a hurtin’ horse don’t get you very far.” He pulled some food from his saddlebag. “Sides, they worked hard today and have another hard day comin’ soon enough.”

Zoe swallowed a mouthful of water. “Think we’ll catch up with them tomorrow, Sir?”

“They can’t be travelin’ very fast. The trail’s not more’n couple hours old.” Jayne mumbled as he unwrapped a sandwich.

“Like I said, they don’t have need to worry about the folk here, so there’s no need for them to run. We’ll catch ‘em sometime tomorrow. Get some sleep if you can. I’ll take first watch.” He leaned back against his saddle and looked up at the sky. It was velvety black with enough stars to cast sufficient light for him to see the horses and the people around him. The night was quiet, hot and still. He could almost imagine himself to be on Serenity, except he was not looking out of a smallish window. Here, he could see the whole sky, horizon to horizon.

The scent in his nose was not of humans packed in too close for weeks on end, cooking smells the air scrubbers never really removed from the recycled atmosphere and the ship itself, metal, grease and the odor of whatever cargo they carried. He couldn’t quite decide which he liked most.