Little Murders 13 - Trouble Brewing
The same four that had gone to the Joker's Card the first time, gathered in the Cargo Bay, ready to make the drop-off. Zoe and Mal were there first, both dressed as they would for any normal Job. The small wooden crate from the derelict had a rope looped through it, making a sort of long handle. Mal had it tossed over his shoulder roguishly. They both looked up as River slowly strode into the room wearing her costume from the previous visit. Crimson dress slit up the sides with golden dragons swirling on the fabric and a Mandarin collar; loose black pants completed the outfit.
Yup, just as unsettlin’ as it was last time.
Clomping footsteps from above made all three look up to see a neatly groomed Jayne in a white dress shirt with a nicer, newer spare holster looped through the black leather belt and his long black slacks ended at glistening black shoes. He was struggling to tie the ropelike necktie at his neck, a crimson vest matching River's dress was tossed over his arm as he worked.
Zoe and Mal starred as he reached River and with a scowl at both of them he turned to her and let his hands fall to his sides, “A bit of help here little one?” She smiled and took a few steps up the stairs so she could reach his neck; her deft little fingers tied the knot perfectly.
“There, Jayne looks quite nice now.”
“Thanks, you look damn fine yourself” a trademark crooked smile spread across his lips as he pulled the vest on, adjusting the hem so the gun was on the outside and the belt and top of the holster were on the inside. They strode together towards the Captain and First Mate, River's arm through his as he slowly worked the buttons on his vest.
“Why they gawkin?”
“Previous interchange has had little effect on them. They do not comprehend the situation, though Zoe understands more and more as the moments pass.”
Jayne looked up, noticing she was right. Zoe was no longer looking with awe and confusion, but with a small, reserved smile.
Mal however, was still staring at him like he had grown a second head and had started singing in harmony with his'self.
“Jayne...you wanna tell me why you’re wearin-”
“It was the girls idea” River stepped in front of Jayne, cutting the captain off. “She though that appearing as they had before would please the Clown-man. Maybe cause things to...’go smooth’” a small smile played across her features.
Mal looked from her, up to Jayne, then back.” Per-maybe-haps yer right little witch. Let’s just do this job and get on with things.” He turned, his coat swishing in the still air of the hold.
The doors hummed noisily as they opened. Mal and Zoe strode up the slowly lowering ramp. Jayne and River parted, but remained side by side as the four made their way towards the town.
“Wait!” they all turned back to see Wash, Inara, Kaylee, and Simon following them. Kaylee was nothing but smiles as she rushed to catch up. A glowering Simon and a serene looking Inara followed at a slower pace while Wash engaged the lock.
Kaylee reached the group. “Just got a Wave! Some strange clown faced man says 'The Doctor would be honored if the whole crew came out today.' I thought they was talkin’ about Simon! But Wash told us that you was off to meet a Doctor and well we don’t wanna disappoint him do we?"
Mal sighed deeply “Never goes smooth...”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The crew was gathered in Dr. White's office. Mal and Zoe were seated in the center of a large couch in front of the desk that dominated the space. Wash was sitting on the floor by Zoe's leg, Inara was seated on the arm of the couch next to Mal. Simon and Kaylee had paired off and were sitting in chairs just to the left of the couch, River and Jayne stood to the right.
“Way I see it. We did the job, we get paid.” Mal was in a no nonsense sort of mood.
“Yes, Captain... That is your mode of operations isn’t it? Don’t worry, you will be paid. But before our account is settled, I have an offer.” He smirked as he caught sight of Mal glowering.
He stood, the smile painted on his face mirroring the small smile underneath. “You see... tonight is the Championship Match. The best 15 contenders from the past year will compete in a Battle Royale to see who is the “Best Under the Big Top”. And, the patrons all agree; your two beauties here are a definite favorite from this last season, albeit latecomers. Captain, I will offer another 15 percent on top of your fee, if they will wrestle tonight.”
He strode around the desk and leaned against the front edge, he really was smaller then his presence seemed.
The crew had all heard about what had happened on their previous visit to The Jokers Card. Simon and Mal both looked murderous.
Dr. White continued, “Unlike our last involvement, this choice is entirely voluntary, we had a bit of a pressing matter that day, and I do apologize for the inconvenience. It was merely a-”
“The Girl will play your game” River interrupted.
Everyone turned to look at River. Mal started to stand, “You don’t have to do this little one...we got plenty a coin without you riskin’ yourself doin’ this.
River turned her eyes from the clown to her captain. “The girl wishes too. Last time was fun.” She smiled a bright sunny smile, as if she had just agreed to a picnic in the park.
“Well, and how about the handsome fellow, will he be participating as well?”
Jayne scowled at the little man. A gentle hand touched his forearm. He looked down into the girls’ impossibly large brown eyes.
The scowl became a smirk. “Yeah, but only if me and the girl enter as a team. I done seen things like this back on the homestead moon. Teams ain’t unheard of”
The smiling face somehow conveyed a sense of contemplation and after a moment Dr. White stood straight. “Well, I had called you all here so you could discuss it amongst yourselves, so there would be no delay. I realize now I had no need. However,” he pulled a large, worn, leather bound folder from a stack of similar folders. He flipped it open and examined the first page, “if you all would like, the 3rd executive box is still available - seats six; just enough room for everyone to cheer for your crewmates.”
Jayne had spent too many years being double crossed to not have an issue good and settled.. “You ain’t never said whether we is a team or not.”
The clown looked up, blinking owlishly. “Yes, of course you may enter as a team.” A wicked grin spread across his face “however you may only enter the ring one at a time and the order of appearance will be random - your restrictions, your risk.”
Jayne glanced at River, then nodded.
“Now Captain, if you would be so kind as to hand over my property.”
Clunk. The small wooden box came to rest on top of the mirror bright desk.
“My pleasure Doc.”