One:
The concrete next to Mal’s head exploded causing him to let out a string of curses in Chinese. “Zoe!”
His second in command attempted to look at her captain. “We’re pinned down sir!” She called back.
Some distance back, Jayne shouted something yet Mal couldn’t hear it. “Yes, we are!” Mal agreed. He had all ready twisted enough arms to get this mission. It had come on a secure line for only him and Zoe. And when opened all it had was coordinates and “Serenity”.
Now he was being shot at. “You called for us, Gorramitt!” Mal shouted.
Silence fell in the small cave. Not a shot was heard as Mal’s words echoed in the caverns. Cautiously Mal looked around the corner and saw no one. Standing slowly, he didn’t understand why he couldn’t find anyone.
Behind him, Mal turned hearing the thud and then the cocking of a weapon’s hammer. “Hello niúfčn” The female voice greeted.
And the woman dared to call him cow dung? Glancing up into her dark eyes, Mal’s own weapon slowly lowered to his side. “Niúfčn, jiěmči?”
Smiling, the woman didn’t say anything as she lowered her weapon as well. “Brother.”
“Bailey.”