PAY DIRT

Part 2

Day three of Serenity’s stay on the mining moon of Hatcher and Malcolm Reynolds, Captain of the Firefly transport vessel Serenity was becoming a little antsy. Mal had been waiting on further news from Shepherd Book. Details of a treasure cache that might be arriving at the small mining town of Mudwater. As of yet no word had come.

Book had explained in his last communicated message that he felt that he was being watched. That may have been the reason for them getting no more mail. Book was just proceeding with caution Mal assumed. No communication over the cortex and no messages of any kind until the Shepherd felt secure. A smart move as far as the ex-independent sergeant was concerned. Still the silence was baffling and unnerving.

That afternoon the silence of their isolated location was broken by the sound of an approaching vehicle.

Mal stood at the cargo ramp to await the coming craft while the rest of Serenity’s crew made ready for action………action of any kind.

Two men arrived shortly on a hovercraft. Malcolm recognized one as Sky, the other, an older gentleman with a graying beard he did not.

“ Howdy neighbor!” The older fellow reported.

Mal walked to within ten steps of the vehicle.

“Hello!”

“ The name’s Dempsey, Reverend Case Dempsey of the Mudwater Holy Worship Mount. Think you know my temple brethren here.” The man nodded toward Sky.

“ Yes, we’ve met.”

“ Good.” The man eyeballed the captain. “Well Mr. Reynolds, I’ve heard a lot of good things about you, and some…..not so good.” The man smiled

Mal’s gun arm had never strayed far from his weapon. The Reverend notice the uneasiness in the captains manner.

“More good than bad I assure you.” He paused, “ please relax, I bring word from your preacher, Shepherd Book.”

“He really isn’t my preacher…” Mal informed the older fellow.

“Well Ship’s Minister then, is that Ok?”

“ Yeah, guess that could do.”

“ He sends a package…..Sky!”

The younger fellow produced a new envelop……same as the old only this one stamped with a fresh date. He passed it to Mal.

“Book and I go back a long way……even before the wa…” He stopped abruptly. “ Even before the monastery. He is a most trusted friend. I won’t propose know anything of the contents of that folder. But know this Mr. Reynolds…..if your secret is known and trusted by Darrel Book then it is trusted and safeguarded by myself and my brethren servant of the almighty here as well.” He gestured again to Benton then continued…..

“ Now my friend, we are off again to oblige in the Father’s work,” He scanned Serenity, “….. and IF YOU ALL ARE STILL HERE THREE DAYS HENCE I’D ENJOY YOUR FELLOWSHIP AT SUNDAY SERVICES!”

Mal looked at him in question.

“ Yes that means all onboard, especially the young lady inside the cabin with the pump action rifle aimed at my head. “ he gave Mal a wink.

Zoe came out and stood at the top of the cargo ramp, weapon eased across her shoulder.

“ Good day to you fellow travelers.” Then the hovercraft drifted smoothly past the rugged terrain and out into the distance.

Zoe walked down the ramp toward the captain.

“ Do you believe him?” She asked.

“ Of course, I’m sure he’d love to see you in temple come Sunday blessings.” He smiled

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Back inside Serenity Mal Reynolds opened the package that had been delivered by the clergy of Mudwater. Again the telegram was a bit confusing and a might unmanageable.

“Code.” Mal whispered but all around did hear him. “ It’s written in rhyme or code, I estimate to baffle the prying eyes of others.”

“Yeah, folks that ain’t criminals like us.” Jayne interjected.

The balance of the crew looked his way.

“ Jayne aren’t you supposed the be guarding the cargo doorway?” Mal spoke.

The big man frowned and in a huff shuffled off.

Mal again turned his attention to the letter.

“ Come six days the good “Earth That Was” will again be boxed and the Earth that is will show favor to them that will have it. Good is the ground and the men who toil in it. Their labor turn not into sweat but into riches. Them that know this and gather of this good will gain the favor of the Man and the disfavor of men. From the Good Book-106: Chapter11, passage20.”

“What the hell am I supposed to make out of this.” Mal’s voice showed his irritation.

“ It’s easy!” Simon spoke up. “ Come six days, in six days…..Earth that was will be boxed and Earth that is will show favor. Earth that was and Earth that is are the same…..it means the ground. It’s what we walk on on every planet. Their labor turn not into sweat but riches…..it’s what gets mined out of the Earth, gold, silver, platinum. Them that know this and gather the good will gain favor of the Man……gain favor of me, you , the Shepherd, it means us, and the disfavor of men….the Alliance. 106, Chapter11, passage20 I’m not sure what he meant by that though.”

“It’s time.” River in the corner had been quiet until then. “ It’s the time the mining shipment will arrive. I saw it when I was reading Shepherd’s book chronicles that day it’s pages came out. It’s there…..page 106, time 11:20….and his coat was a patchwork of brown material and his brothers hated him for he was favored of the Father and though lost he become unto wealth and knowledge……”

“I’ll be gorram.” Mal exclaimed, “ I knew I kept you two around for something.”

End Part 2