It took months before Captain Malcolm Reynolds finally trusted Kali entirely. Of course his trust for her had formed shortly after she had helped Simon remove a bullet from his butt cheek and hadn't tried to shoot him herself. That wasn't the only reason though. She had proven herself on many jobs to be able, reliable and could talk herself out of most any stick if need be. Kali had become an asset to the ship and the women on board seemed to enjoy it too. Especially Zoe, who preferred to discuss guns than hair and make up.
This particular job had been different though as news of the return of Mrs. Malcolm Reynolds had spread through the ship like wildfire. Inara, knowing of her training and who she really was, was doubtful of their plan and knew that the Captain would be overshadowed by the sum of money up for grabs. A job was a job in his book. But he was smarter than sometimes even Inara gave him credit for and Mal, herself and Kali came up with a plan to ensure the job went without a hitch and to make sure Mal didn't get shot again.
The plan was simple. 'Saffron' as she had once called herself would no doubt double cross Mal and seek the bounty for herself. It was common knowledge that she had done so before and would easily do it again, without remorse. So when the garbage capsule had been re-routed to a location far from prying eyes, Inara and Kali had been waiting. They both stood atop the ridge, looking down upon the garbage capsule as it sat amidst the still settling red dust, the smell permeating their nostrils, even from this vantage point and Kali grimaced and crossed her arms.
"It smells like..." Inara began, wrinkling her nose up in disgust.
"Cow poop." Kali finished for her, sighing before making her way down the small slope and using the electronic control to lift back the lid before handing it to Inara to hold on to. She lifted herself up and over the side of the capsule and fell amidst the garbage, letting out a disgusted holler as she did.
"Why do I always get the gorram stinkin' jobs!" Kali protested loudly, rummaging around the garbage capsule before pronouncing, "Got the loot!"
Her head appeared over the top of the capsule and she tossed the gun to Inara who caught it awkwardly and tried not to touch it. Kali slid back out of the capsule and landed on her feet, brushing garbage and grime from her clothes.
"I smell like a monkey's butt!" Kali stated, sniffing herself.
"Let's get back up the ridge. Saffron should be here soon." Inara stated and Kali merely nodded and followed her back up the slope. Not long after, Saffron appeared in the shuttle, landing it close by the capsule before stepping out and checking her surroundings. Inara went to confront her but Kali grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"At least let her roll around in this here filth for awhile." She whispered and Inara grinned and stifled a laugh. They waited fifteen minutes before Saffron stuck her head over the rim of the capsule with an annoyed growl and when she spotted the two women on the hill, the one she knew as Inara clutching her bounty in her hands, she let out an angry holler.
"Sorry, darlin'. It's garbage day." Kali merely stated with a smile before using the remote to close the lid on the capsule. Saffron screamed in alarm before banging against the container as it was swept away again. Kali and Inara laughed together for several minutes before finally being able to get a grip on themselves.
"Time to pick up the Cap'n." Kali said, her eyes to the sky as Serenity circled over head before landing.
Captain Malcolm Reynolds sat back against the large rock beneath him and sighed happily, a pleased grin on his face and his hands behind his head. It didn't matter that she had stolen the shuttle and taken all his clothes. Because they had a plan and he was sure that Inara and Kali were picking up the bounty as he spoke. He looked up as the sound of engines got closer and saw Serenity landing not too far from where he sat. He continued to laze about on his rock, awaiting his crew to open the cargo hull, greet him and tell him the good news.
"That's a real good look, Cap'n." Mal looked up, noticing the cargo doors open and an amused looking Kali walking toward him, her arms crossed and her eyebrow raised as she grinned from ear to ear.
"Thank ya, ma'am. What's with those fanciful drapes?" Mal asked, gesturing to her clothes before getting to his feet and revealing himself in the raw for all to see. Kali couldn't help but take in his naked form approvingly, noting the tattoo on his right thigh and the small, thick scar across his chest, amongst other things. Kali looked down at the peach, satin dress she was wearing and grimaced, not catching the appreciative gaze of her Captain eyeing her up and down steadily.
"Apparently my clothes were a lil' too aromatic for everyone's liking." Kali explained, noticing Mal staring at her with a strange smile on his lips.
"You checkin' out my drapes, Cap'n or what's underneath 'em?" She retorted teasingly and Mal broke his gaze and rolled his eyes.
"Lookin' shiny, missy. That's all." Mal rebutted, walking side by side with her toward the ship.
"How's the butt cheek?" Kali said conversationally, though her expression was amused even when Mal turned and scowled at her.
"Why don't you see for yourself." He replied, walking ahead of her with a swagger in his step, showing off his rear end in the process.
"Looks mighty fine to me." Kali muttered under her breath as Mal reached for the comm.
"Wash, let's get this bird in the air."