“Now come on Stinky, we agreed on 45 platinum straight up for these. Ya ain't gonna back out on our deal are ya? Cause then I'd have to let it known in this sector that Stinky Ray and Cyrus ain't the trustworthy type,” Mal gave them his most charming captain smile.

“We're already known as the untrustworthy type, like ya said. Ain't no skin off our nose,” Stinky sneered. He was the runtier, smarter, and definitely the stinkier of the two. Cyrus gave a consistent nod to whatever he said.

“Now come on boys. Went through a lot of trouble to keep your cargo in tact. Specially the pillows. Ain't gonna find no goose downy filled pillows out here on the Rim. So unless you keep to your word, my crew and I'll be sleeping with the softest pillows tonight this side of the system. Not to mention drinkin' some of the finest whiskey and smoking the best tobacco around,” Mal said in a friendly like manner.

He'd rubbed his temple in an absentminded way. But Jayne had caught the sign and gripped Lulu tighter. His thoughts lingered on Vera hanging above his bed or Phoebe who was almost as nice as Vera. Naw, he didn't need to bring out his best girls for these two idiots. Mal was doin' some more talkin'. Jayne rolled his eyes, he knew these dumb asses were gonna make Mal do somethin' stupid unless Jayne did something about it.

"Cap, can I start shooting em now? I'm gettin' a bit bored," he cocked Lulu menacingly.

Stinky and Cyrus gave him very nervous looking glances. They'd both reached for their pitiful revolvers. Mal scowled at Jayne, but gave him a small smile when the other two weren't looking.

"Jayne, cut it out. Can't ya see I'm tryin' to do some business here. I swear if Zoe were here... "

"Sorry Cap, just get real excitable, is all," Jayne caressed Lulu again and gave Stinky a hungry look.

"Uh... look Reynolds," Stinky rubbed the back of his neck. "Seeing as we're kinda in a rush... got a fella that needs some a this stuff for a wedding and all... forty-five platinum it is," he tossed Mal a leather