Disclaimer: This is an extremely short work of fiction based on the characters created for the television show "The Magnificent Seven". No copyright infringement intended to Mirisch, Trilogy, MGM, CBS, TNN, Hallmark, or anyone else that has the rights. No profit will be made from this work.
AU
Seven men were clustered together, radiating the illusion of being relaxed.
"There's something in the wind, brothers," Josiah Sanchez said, leaning back against the building.
"Yup," Chris Larabee replied. His gaze roamed from beneath his ever-present hat.
"Like someone getting hurt," Nathan added. "Someone's always getting hurt."
"It's too quiet," Vin Tanner complained. He eyed his surroundings suspiciously.
Buck gave Vin a friendly but not too gentle shove. "Now you've done it. We're all going to pay for that."
"I elect Mr. Tanner to suffer the consequences of his ill-chosen phrase." Ezra glanced up from his solitaire game and grinned. "It's only fitting."
"Aw, hell, I forgot. Saying it's... that word... brings out the worst." Disgusted, Vin shook his head.
"I wonder what will happen this time," JD mused. "Whatever it is, it'll probably be exciting."
Josiah cut off any further discussion. "Enjoy the peace while you can, brothers. When it comes, it'll come with a vengeance."
Hearing the wisdom in the words, the seven men consciously relaxed again, resuming the vigil for the next major crisis.