Weaving their way through a seething mass of human flesh, Mal, Zoe and Jayne were on constant guard. On outward appearances they were simply some common folk trying to get where they were going and who were instead getting increasingly irritated by the large progression of people that were hurrying by and jostling into them on their way through Eavesdown Docks. In reality they were on high alert, their hands never straying far from a readily accessible weapon of either bullet or blade. Besides the increased risk of running into a less than amiable friend from a previous job, there was always the threat of your run of the mill cutthroats and pickpockets which gravitated towards the roughest and seediest parts of the docks. Naturally, the bulking mass of Jayne did wonders to persuade individuals of that caliber that there were other marks easier than them.
"Well here we are, wallowing among the unwashed hordes of humanity. This is just one of the many things which I have no regrets about leaving behind when we are out in the Black." Mal remarked melodramatically, arms sweeping about theatrically in an attempt to take in all of the local color, and odor, which encompassed the Docks.
"Hell, I wouldn't mind wallowing among some whores about now, even if they are unwashed." Jayne said noticing several of the nearby women who were hawking their services. Eyeing them up and down before his eyes settled comfortable right around their upper mid-region, Jayne's attention was focused on only one thing, well actually a couple of things in particular, but none of which was the task at hand.
"Jayne," Zoe barked curtly, smacking him on his heavily muscled bicep. Distracted from his daydream of lovely things he hoped would be soon forthcoming, Jayne wondered just what they hell was wrong with making this business trip a bit more…pleasurable.
"What? Ain't nuthin' wrong 'bout considering my options since I'm needin' a bit of female familiarity about now. No reason to go hittin' a man over it. Damn right inconsiderate, that's what it is." Jayne muttered
"Well somehow I don't think Vera'd take too kindly to the idea of sharing her man." Mal said "and I think she's one lady you wouldn't want to rile up."
"Well why not? She's sleek, sexy, responds to the slightest touch and right deadly. She'd be more than welcome to join in if I had somethin' to say about the matter. More the merrier." Jayne mumbled.
Zoe and Mal caught each other's eye. Volumes were exchanged in just that one glance, both agreeing with the other completely. No more was needed to be said about that topic, ever.
The crowd of average, mostly law abiding citizens thinned out as they drew closer to their target. Additionally, the increase in armed presence surrounding Badger's center of operations was a dead giveaway that they had reached their destination, and hopefully their next business transaction. Although if you'd ask the Captain he would've explained how the pervasive stench exuding from Badger and his lair should have been more than enough of an indicator as to its location even from the outer rings.
Finally, arriving at the entrance to Badger's den of thieves they were confronted by a barricade of muscled goons and gun barrels. No, actually a barricade of Lackeys, Jayne concluded to himself. And he would know. Goons, Lackeys, Mercs, Hired Muscle and Hired Guns as well as all of the other job positions which involved the ability to look tough, hold weapons of all manner of deadly and not to ask questions, of which either Jayne was employed as, killed, or knew somebody who fit that category; of all of those positions Lackeys were his least favorite. Mercs were the top of the food chain and the Hired Muscle and Guns had their place as well. The Goons were more permanent and, if possible, a shred more loyal and had longer term employment than Hired Muscle and Hired Guns, although they were not as reliable or valuable on an important job. But the Lackey was the scum of scum in the kill-or-don't-get-paid hierarchy of employment. Any ol' rough and tough wanna-be or muscled thug with a gun could become a Lackey. With practically no attachment to anything other than coin, lacking any form of finesse and hardly any pride in a job, the Lackey was the lowliest, least skilled or reliable echelon, therefore the cheapest and easiest to come by. Scanning Badger's minions, Jayne picked out only the lone Goon or two among a mass of Lackeys. Cheap hwoon dahn, Jayne thought. Appearances and intimidation. Just a big show of less-than-second-rate force, but nothing of skill. Still, even a Lackey could hit what they were aiming for eventually and could make their situation a mite touchy should the bullets start to fly. Flexing muscles, Jayne felt the familiar comforting rub of his holsters and bandoliers as he assayed the reassuring weight of his guns as they lay slung across his body. Far in the back of his mind he was considering a comforting rub of another type he planned to have shortly, but at the moment Jayne was all business as the head Goon parted the sea of Lackeys to meet them.
"You, Malcolm Reynolds" the head Goon stated with a snarled, forearm muscles bulging and his hands firmly clasped around a very large and intimidating firearm, he motioned them forward with a gruff wave.
In Jayne's professional opinion the Goon was laying on the whole masculine testosterone overdose a little thick, and seriously, a gun THAT big. Obviously the Goon had some major inadequacy issues he was overcompensating for, but Jayne didn't well give a damn what size pecker the guy had since they were being escorted through Badger's warren towards the impeccably dressed mustelidae himself.
Snaking thorough the various corridors and hallways in Badger's complex, they were uncomfortably aware of exactly how much of a warren the complex had indeed become. Concerned about their ability to find their way out themselves should somehow the meeting end with Badger's crew hunting them down with deadly projectiles, Mal was trying to absorb all of their twists and turns but quickly realized he had no clue what direction they had even come from initially since the grimy debris strewn halls and walls all appeared the same. Looking to Zoe she returned his questioning glance with a reassuring, yet barely perceptible nod. All was under control; Zoe had it covered as always. Mal gazed towards Jayne to see him scowling at Badger's men with a look that bordered between disgust and utter disregard for the men. With Zoe handling the escape route and Jayne the armed men, Mal was left free to handle the trickiest component, Badger. This ought to be all manner of fun. Well let's let the good times roll, Mal thought, as long as it's not our heads doin' the rolling. Hell, maybe Badger will surprise us, well good surprise not the usual deadly and bleeding surprise, and this just might end up kinda shiny…nahh, now that would be the day.