Dark ‘Verse

Part 2: Offspring Jayne’s hand rested a bit when he saw four million credits laying a few feet away from him. Maybe this guy wasn’t so bad, he thought. Mal, however, still looked suspicious. Kaylee, Simon, and River had remained quiet while Behn, still on the catwalk, was a little nervous. “Who says we can trust this guy anyways?” said Behn, clearly nervous. “I haven’t said anything yet,” said Mal though the money was sure enticing. The Operative, realizing he had piqued interest, began to walk a little more freely around the cargo bay. “I am a free man Mal--Captain Reynolds. I have no agenda…,” he paused and looked at River, “I just wish to fly free and preferably away from Alliance patrols whenever it is possible.” “For once we have agreed on something.” Mal was still suspicious. “Behn, count this cash and see if its legit. Check for any hidden surprises.” The Operative breathed a sigh of relief. Mal looked a little disheveled but in control. Though he didn’t respect the Operative in the least, Mal still rode on the confidence that he had ‘beaten’ the man before. The Operative didn’t mind. Where he himself found honor and respect, Mal found personal pride and self esteem. For a man who lost his first mate and a few good friends, Mal lived off what joys he could. So far it was knowing he had beaten the Operative and battling the Alliance everyday that kept him going. A few moments went by and Behn came back in. “It’s all there.” Mal smiled a fake smile towards the Operative. The Operative gave it back. The rest of the crew looked weary, as if they would wake up with a knife in their throats on any given morning. “We meet in the dining hall for a little go-over of rules.” The crew filed out while Mal stayed put. The Operative went to move towards the dining hall when Mal grabbed his arm. For a split second, the Operative felt the pain Mal had caused him on Mr. Universe’s world. But it was only a split second. Mal, with hell fire in his eyes, stared (and held) hard at the Operative. “Now, I’ve let you on my crew but I need to know one thing,” asked Mal in a deeply serious tone. “What’s that?” asked the Operative. “If you had anything to do with Shepherd Book’s death, in the sense that you laid a hand on him, then you’ll be filled with holes letting the emptiness of space fill the gaps. You understand?” Mal was all fire. The Operative, who for the first time in his life vowed to lie, looked at Mal in as sincere a fashion as he could and said: “I know nothing of your clergyman.” Mal didn’t look completely satisfied with that remark but he let it go. This guy was going to be safe for the moment and he also had given the crew the most credits they had seen in a lifetime. He planned on giving the crew raises since there was less of them. Keep Jayne happy by giving him 15%. That’s all Mal needed to do: keep people happy. By adding this Alliance Operative, or former Alliance Operative, he wasn’t doing the best job possible. *** In the dining hall, everyone sat or stood around the table as Mal went over some ground rules. Inara couldn’t concentrate as much since the Operative was looking at her. Just staring. He didn’t keep doing it the entire time but he certainly looked with a lust Inara had seen in inexperienced men when she was younger. The Operative was, for at least a moment or two, giving in to the emotional suppression he had held up for however long he was an Alliance Operative. Thankfully, his momentary outburst of sexual energy was gone and Inara felt safe again. Mal, who didn’t notice these things, finished up his speech and looked at everyone. Only River hadn’t been paying attention. She was off in some distant world. Simon, as always these days, didn’t seem to notice her. Mal, not a man of deep convictions or cares, was troubled by Simon’s lack of care for River as of late. Truth be told though, everyone was scared of her. But, he had business to conduct and thinking about some 18 year old loon wasn’t his priority. He had to get to Persephone. Badger had insisted they come as soon as he dropped word that the deal with Taylor had fallen through. Mal didn’t like Badger’s inside sources but Badger for surely had some dangerous task for them to fill. Soon, if the millions lasted, he wouldn’t have to deal with Badger. “I am glad we are heading towards Persephone. I have some business to conclude there,” said the Operative which made everyone perk up a bit, especially Behn and Mal. “What kind of business, mate?” said Behn, still nervous. “Not official let’s say. Clean my desk out, if you will,” said the Operative which didn’t make everyone feel any better. “I promise not to draw any attention to you. We shall be out as soon as possible.” “Better be quick otherwise we leavin’ you. . .and takin’ the coin,” said Jayne in his Jayne-like manner. The Operative remained unmoved even as he saw River giving him a stare. There were too many significant glances on this ship, the Operative thought, and not enough action.

*** On Persephone, Badger had met Mal and Jayne at the dock and escorted them in 1st class fashion: by gunpoint. Jayne snarled a bit, which sent a few people to go backwards while Mal remained calm and silent, more annoyed then anything else. Badger, a scrappy fellow, wore his signature black hat and cheesy duds. Mal liked to laugh a bit when he saw the man but remained (somewhat) courteous. “Captain Reynolds,” Badger said with a sly smile. “Badger. What work from the bowls of Persephone?” said Mal. “I can ask you the same thing mate. Why is my cattle lying all bloody-like on the ground at Kerry?” Mal and Jayne looked at each other. “You’re cattle?” “That’s right. Remember how we talked about how I was better than you. Well, I can keep rising while you keep falling below the line.” Badger’s somewhat sinister face gave Mal a little pause but he wasn’t going to jump to any conclusions. Badger continued: “I rounded me up a few drug cartels, hired a bit of muscle, even got me a few new offices. Badger, my friends, has moved up. And soon, if I keep losing cattle, and yes, the deal with Taylor was done through one of my syndicate, I’ll be kicking you and your little ape-man out into the street.” “Beautiful speech. Taylor was your middle man?” asked Mal. “And because of this failure I brought new meaning to the term ‘eliminate the middleman.’ Badger said it with a sincerity that, for just a moment, gave Mal pause. But just a moment because the Operative strode in. “Well, I hired a little muscle myself,” said Mal ignoring Jayne’s hurt expression. The Operative, aware now that his presence was an aid to Mal, stood in his most oppressive manner. Badger’s guards, as if they had seen a ghost, backed down a step. Jayne smiled despite the feeling of inadequacy and leaned in to the Operative. “They did that for me awhile back ya know. But they stopped.” “Clearly,” said the Operative only mildly amused by Jayne’s hurt ego. Mal now stepped closer to Badger. Badger, a bit taken aback, back up one step. “Now, I’ve had a load of trouble as of late and I don’t need anymore distractions. So, save the speeches for lackeys. I run my ship my way and I choose whether to take jobs from you. The Alliance has gotten my number and jobs are hard to complete,” said Mal in a very angry tone. “I understand. Do you want a job then?” said Badger with the most sincere fake-smile Mal ever did see.

*** When the crew back on the ship, Mal and Jayne went straight for the dining hall to get some grub. After Badger’s they had encountered some problems with Alliance security and had to take the long way. The Operative, who had gone his own way, returned at the same time but approached the weightlifting bench, where Behn was lifting. “Hello, Mr. Behn.” Behn got up from his bench presses and stared the Operative down. “Fancy seeing you here. . .what’s your name?” “Oh, it’s not important. I was thinking I could spot you.” “Okay then.” Behn got back under the bar and put his hands at the ready. Silently, the Operative, in a way only an Operative could, added six times the weight to the bar. Behn, didn’t know it. The Operative was too fast. “Are you ready,” said the Operative. “I may need to help you with the first rep.” Behn, confused, stared at the Operative but soon regretted it as the bar came crashing down on his neck. He was dead from the impact. The Operative had let it fall from the bar onto Behn’s neck. A nasty death but necessary. Then, the Operative called down Mal. A few moments later Mal had come with Jayne. They had been weapons inspecting while they ate and they carried their guns for good measure. As soon as they saw Behn dead on the bench they both drew their weapons. “I was wondering how long it would take!” said Jayne. Mal nodded as if in agreement. “It is not as it seems.” The Operative wiped a bit of blood that was on his cuff. He hadn’t noticed it before but now he used it as evidence. “The Alliance never intended for me to live. I hold too many secrets. For a while I accepted my fate but then, for just a while, I had faith that my life was granted to me. A few weeks went by and I found solace in the thought of joining your crew even though you hadn’t answered the question I was going to ask, “can I come aboard.” “Now you got ask yourself why I shouldn’t end it all for ya right now,” said Mal. The Operative smiled. “Remember when the Alliance checked every place you would possibly go to escape detection during the Miranda crisis?” Mal nodded. “Well, they did the same for me. I have dispatched most of my would-be assassins. I had two on Persephone and I must give them credit for assuming I might come here. A few weeks ago, when I was freed, you signed another assassin to your ship.” Mal and Jayne looked at Behn’s dead body. They made the connection quickly. “Now I have become just as much as a rebel as you have Captain. And if you are still interested in playing message boy, I have a lot to say.” Mal lowered his weapon and listened. “If it means hurting the Alliance more, I have no complaints.” “Well, first things first then. Have whoever can fly head to Shadow.” “Why Shadow?” asked Mal. “Ever thought about a Reaver’s offspring?” said the Operative.

End Part 2