"So, it's jus' me, Zoe, and Jayne goin' on this one. Like I said b'fore, I don't know the guy too well. Gotta keep some distance." Mal wasn't in his usual "job mood", he had sort of a troubled air about him and Zoe had noticed. "So alls we hafta do is give the man his loot and get paid."
"An ya'll know that aint how its gonna go." Jayne muttered.
"It'll go jus' shiny, right cap'n? I mean we aint got a reason to 'spect this guys bad." said the mechanic, leaning into the doctor's arm as she spoke. "Plus," she said a little more cheerfully "I gots me a birthday in bout a week. Gotta have ya'll here and whole."
"Don't you worry none, lil Kaylee. Everythin' will be fine." Mal said calmly. "We'll be back, right as rain!"
"The rain is acid. It burns and melts away your skin." River said quietly, hugging herself.
"Actually River-" Simon started.
"Doc, we aint got time for-" Mal stopped when he heard the hurried pace of footfalls on the catwalk above. The steady rhythm continued down the stairs where Mal could recognize the creator. "Leavin' us so soon Marcus?" Mal asked.
"I'm not paying for something a whore's not giving." Marcus said stopping in front of Mal.
Before the man had a chance to see it coming Mal's fist connected with Marcus' jaw. The man stumbled backwards. "Ah." he said. "Then you'd be what her problem is, huh?" The man's slender hand clutched his jaw as a wicked grin spread across his face.
"Boy, you better watch yourself or-" Mal said between clenched teeth before being cut off.
"No problem captain. I'm leaving. Hope you get your money's worth with that one." The man seethed as he turned away.
Mal's hand firmly spun Marcus around and punched him square in the nose. The loud crack that reverberated through the cargo bay let all the occupants know that Marcus' nose had been clearly broken. To Mal's surprise Simon did not move to the man's side but to the captain's instead. Simon began examining Mal's fist.
"Marcus!" Inara yelled from the top of the hold. She ran hurriedly down the stairs and to the man's side. "What did you do?" she yelled at Mal before reaching to help Marcus up.
"Get away from me, whore." he said jerking away. He stood and faced Mal who was still except for his hand that was already being bandaged by the doc. Inara stepped between the men.
"Please, just leave Marcus." she said quietly.
"I'm going." he said turning and walking towards the ramp. "Good luck trying to find another job on this planet. Transferring cargo or companion like."
Once he was out of sight Inara turned to Mal. "What were you thinking!" she yelled.
"You're asking what I was thinking?" he yelled back. The rest of the crew stood around the two in awe of the display.
"Mal. I may have ruined my career last night but you didn't need to ruin yours." she said somewhat calmer. "He's already got a black mark, it was none of your concern."
"None of my concern? Sorry 'Nara, I guess I thought that after last night it had become my concern," he glanced at his crew, hoping they couldn't figure out his meaning.
"I-I don't know anymore, Mal." she said meekly. With that she turned and retreated up the stairs and towards her shuttle.
Mal began to take a step towards her and then remembered his crew, who were looking at each other in confusion. Then he turned to Simon. "What the hell are you doing?" he said indicating his wrapped hand.
"Well, I-uh didn't really think he was being very proper, insulting Inara that way. Anyway, his nose is only broken a little." Simon grinned mischievously.
"Thanks, then. I guess." Mal said looking at his wrapped hand. "Let's just get out of here."
As soon as Mal, Zoe and Jayne were gone, the rest of the crew attempted to fill in the blanks. Simon had advised Kaylee to go speak with her best friend. She softly kissed him on the cheek as she left him in the infirmary.
Kaylee slowed her pace on her way to the shuttle as she attempted to find words that would comfort Inara. She gave up as she reached the door. After inhaling deeply, she knocked.
Inara knew that the delicate knock on the door was neither Mal's hand nor his style so she granted access.
"Hey you." Kaylee said putting on her brightest smile.
"Hey sweetie." Inara sniffed. She wiped away tears as she stood to hug her friend.
Kaylee lead the companion to the bed to sit. The companion told her what had happened between herself and the captain the night before.
"That's jus' so shiny, 'Nara!" the mechanic said with a twinkle in her eye. "He's jus' so gorram stubborn sometimes."
"No, mei-mei. It wasn't his fault entirely. He's got a heart of gold. That's why I'm so in lo-" Before the words escaped her lips she stopped herself.
Kaylee's face lit with excitement. "Nara, you in love with my cap'n?" Questioned the girl beaming from ear to ear.
"Shumma? No, mei-mei! That's not what I was going to say!" Inara protested, her voice thick with seriousness that was betrayed quickly by the smile growing on her face.
"Oh Nara!" Kaylee hugged the companion. "That's so shiny! An' the cap'n loves you too. I just know it."
"Lao-tyen boo, I hope so." she mumbled.