Tiger and the Cat ----------------------------------------

based on the world of Firefly by Joss Whedon

"You seek a man that I could not kill. How do you possible think you can end his life?" the operative spoke as he watched this woman staring at him through two cold green eyes.

"I know what I'm doing."

"You won't find him. He's a strong man and a good runner."

"From what I've heard, he's done running." She grinned. "Besides, I found you, didn't I?"

"You always were better than me. Are you going to finish what you began?"

Her eyes shimmered slightly, but she refrained from the question. It was, of course, none of his business. "What's with the girl?"

"What girl?"

"River Tam."

"Oh, she's like you, only they made her crazy in the process. It's said she was tortured as they programmed her."

"She was too old for one and she was born of humans."

"You mean she was normal." His statement made her cringe. "She was gifted and they did what they always have done. Exploited it."

"You speak against them. Aren't you in fear of your life?"

"What life, Tiger? The only thing I belonged to that was my choice was destroyed by the very people who ordered the torture and experimentation on a fourteen year old girl. And that's not the worst of it, they also decided it would be a cool thing to add a cannibalistic, psychotic race to the mix."

"You called me by name as if you know me." He spat. "And you insult the very ones who gave you life."

"A name given to a test tube before you were born and will be given again as soon as they confirm your death. Just as we were given a life meant for a slave."

"Yet, you seek a man, who you and I couldn't kill."

"But, you tried. As the stories go, I did not."

"No, it was said you joined his side and then worked your way into his bed. Are you sure you are going to kill him or prove again just how much of a mistake you were in the first place?"" Her hand connected to his face before the sentence had ended.

"Just because Mal spared your life does not mean I will be as generous."

"I should have killed you when i had you in my sights, you and your Independent lover."

"As much as I would love to end this with your blood on my boot, the idea that you are no longer welcome within the circle you so love is more satisfying. Well, I would rather see you squirm."

"He's in love with a whore, a companion and as I see it, she's everything you're not."

"We're done here." She made for the door and tossed back a small beeping receiver. "By the way, catch."

"What's this?" He looked at it before horror fell across his face. "A present from them. Just because I failed one mission doesn't mean I am completely useless. they still find uses for my unusual talents." She smiled as the sound of footsteps approached their location. "I'll tell Mal you said goodbye."