Hello. Iverik here. Just a reminder: This story uses characters created by someone other than me.

Facing the Black

Captain Anders of the Alliance cruiser Radiant frowned. "Browncoats?" he muttered, looking at his aide through the computer screen.

"Yes sir. Two of them are, anyway. Veterans of Serenity Valley no less."

"And they're volunteering?"

"Yes sir. Them and the other two. Mercenaries, a pilot and a gunman. Gunman's a rough character if I do say so sir."

"Have this... Malcolm Reynolds sent to my office please."

Ignoring his aide's salute, Captain Anders puzzled. Veterans of Serenity Valley joining the Alliance military? It didn't make sense. Surely this was a trick. Yes, a desperate trick to get revenge for the lost cause. Taking advantage of the current crises no doubt... and yet- Captain Anders hesitated. The situation was bad. Perhaps even former Browncoats could see that and had the decency to-

At that moment, Captain Anders was interrupted by his door opening. Malcolm Reynolds entered, flanked by four heavily armed guards. He himself wore no holster, and had no gun.

Captain Anders looked into his former enemy's eyes. There was fear, but not malice. Smoldering grudges perhaps, but not festering ones. There was something else too, an energy about the man.

Dismissing the guards, Captain Anders offered Malcolm Reynolds a seat. "Thank you," said Mal, "I'll be standin' if you don't mind."

Captain Anders hesitated for the briefest pause. "Not at all," he assured his strange guest, "but I am curious. What brings you here? To us?"

"How long have you been out here?" Malcolm asked, "Five years?"

"The Radiant has been on patrol here for four point three years."

"In that time, have you seen the people out here?"

"How is this relevant?"

"I've been among these people, captain. There are stupid people and evil people... but most of 'em just wanta get by. Captain Frye, who'n give us a ride here- she's a beautiful person. Wouldn't hurt a fly, probably couldn'- I can't live with myself knowing that they're in danger when there's somethin' I could do to protect them."

Captain Anders considered. "Still, your record..."

"Times change," Malcolm explained grimly, "regardless of what you once were, you're now kinda've our only hope."

"Still," Captain Anders pressured, "what assurances do I have that you won't simply stab me in the back when my back is turned? After all, you are a veteran of the valley."

Mal winced. "There's no call for that, captain. We're honest folk now. I'm looking to save the border planets. Assassinating you, betraying your men- it would be useless and you know it. Even once the war ends, all the Alliance would do is send another ship and launch reprisals. While the war's going on, you're our protection. You've nothin' to fear from us."

"Well then," Captain Anders said after a few seconds of thought, "perhaps we can do business, Mr. Reynolds."