Ship - Shadowheart - Cargo Bay (6 months ago)

[Hollywood Heidi]

Cargo Bay

Events taking place 6 months before Serenity comes to the Shadowheart's aid.

[Lady Lee-o]

The plan was in motion and this would be a test to see how far Dex would go. It would seem like an ordinary pickup but this was more about the feeling. Madison couldn't get a read off him, she felt like there was something there. If anyone could get a read on Dex, it would be her old friend Ziyna. She planned everything out, her friend would get a read and then go from there. If Dex could be trusted she would have a new acquaintance, if not, Dex would be fertilizer.

"...I would go myself but Sally is up to her old tricks again. I need to stay here and keep an eye on her, so, this will be a good first job for you. Ziyna will meet you at the greenhouse just outside the main building, she is expecting you and the others will direct you if you get lost. Take the shuttle down, two is the better pod. Any questions?"

[Ariel]

"...I would go myself but Sally is up to her old tricks again. I need to stay here and keep an eye on her, so, this will be a good first job for you. Ziyna will meet you at the greenhouse just outside the main building, she is expecting you and the others will direct you if you get lost. Take the shuttle down, two is the better pod. Any questions?"

A stable place to seek solitude between 'expeditions' in exchange for odd jobs and a bit of muscle work. Those were the conditions on which Dex agreed upon since day one when Captain Madison came across the explorer in need. At least, that's what she thinks, and Dex would rather keep it that way if he wanted to find Wendy Carter and gain his freedom back. Or keep his head. Mads was warm but protective and seemed to know her way around her position of authority. The last thing Dex wanted to do was to set off his new Captain and screw up his mission.

"Only one," Dex interjected after Captain Madison inquired about any questions or concerns he might have before performing his first job on the Shadowheart, "You haven't exactly told me what it is I am looking to retrieve from the greenhouse. Is it some sort of plant or somethin' ?" Dex had a slightly funny feeling about this mission but kept his intuition to himself and proceeded to do as he was told.

[Lady Lee-o]

Madison smiled at his curiosity, "Ziyna grows a variety of plants and herbs that are slightly- unorthodox. I have someone who is willing to buy them for a good price. When you meet with Ziyna, try to attract no attention." She place a neatly folded bundle of clothes on the table. "When you land, put this on. You'll blend in," Once he opened the bundle, he would see fine male companion clothes. Loose silk pants, an open vest shirt, a shall if he so chose, and a pair of slip-on shoes.

Madison wanted to see his willingness to fit in. She wanted to see how far he would go, it was all a test and this would be his first one.

"Actually, go on and get dressed, let's see if it fits you." Madison was curious to see what he had to offer in other ways. It was the wicked woman in her, she could not help herself. She walked over to a few crates to check over some of her inventory. "I'll give you some privacy."

[Ariel]

"Ziyna grows a variety of plants and herbs that are slightly- unorthodox. I have someone who is willing to buy them for a good price. When you meet with Ziyna, try to attract no attention."

Dex nodded intentionally, assuring the Captain that he understood her every word. The secrecy of which particular plant Madison was after made him even more curious, yet he did not press her further for information. The specifics were her business alone, and he had to remind himself that a new crewmate did not have authority knowing. Getting the job done was the part that would impress her, and he needed her to trust him.  

"When you land, put this on. You'll blend in," 

Dex received the bundle from his Captain and unraveled it. In both hands, he held of garments of exquisite quality, "My, this is fancy," As he touched the fabric, fragments of his former lavish life poured in, the life of a wealthy politician's son. That boy died a long time ago, and all he was left with was flashes of memories taken out of context triggered with smells and sensations. But he recognized the quality of the clothes in his hands, usually worn by the high upper class or companions. Companions...Dex suddenly felt uncertainty around this mission Madison was sending him on. What exactly was this all about, anyways?

"Actually, go on and get dressed, let's see if it fits you." "I'll give you some privacy."

Dex nodded, beginning to undress as Madison turned to venture away from him. Dex threw a glance over his shoulder to see that she had disappeared from eye's view but could still hear her present in the room as he threw on the open vest shirt, "So, how exactly will I be paying for the goods retrieved, Captain? Y'Know, just reckon I be prepared." Dex asked Madison, which at this point he was prepared to hear just about anything. Dressed from head to toe, Dex jumped into the slip-on shoes before he turned the corner to allow his Captain to assess his new uniform.

[Lady Lee-o]

Madison wasn't completely innocent in many aspects. She had always been one of the more free spirited companions in the business. She had standards like any other but she was always willing to try out new and exciting things. Dressing up a man in nice fine clothes, it tickled her always. "only the best for a companion in training," She teased before turning to give him privacy.

As he dressed she got together a parcel for him.

"So, how exactly will I be paying for the goods retrieved, Captain? Y'Know, just reckon I be prepared." Madison turned back around to see him and smiled. He looked just like a companion, ready to please and he would blend in.

"All taken care of," She placed the bag on the table before walking over to Dex and fussing with him. "I'm not to worried too much. You hold yourself well, you have an underlying grace that will work well. Madison cupped his cheek, "How does this feel? I want to make sure you feel comfortable... as one can in these clothes."

[Ariel]

"All taken care of,"  "I'm not to worried too much. You hold yourself well, you have an underlying grace that will work well."  "How does this feel? I want to make sure you feel comfortable... as one can in these clothes."

Dex was both comforted and alarmed by the fact that Madison had been actively analyzing his character since the moment he had become apart of the crew. It surely was her job to make sure everyone checked out to not screw her over, yet little did she know that he was not afraid to put her in that kind of position if the success of his actual mission depended on it. He felt her continuing to read him as she placed a hand on his cheek. Dex had mastered the art of concealing his emotions, though he did allow her to experience the nervousness he felt upon voyaging on a task where he had no choice but to trust that the outcome would work out in his favor. "Oh y'know, peachy keen. Never felt fancier," Dex commented lightly. He managed to hold himself together with confidence and determination to not let Madison down. "Is that what I'll be delivering?" Dex pondered, his gaze pointing in the direction of the parcel which Madison had placed down before she made her way over to him.

[Lady Lee-o]

"Oh y'know, peachy keen. Never felt fancier, Is that what I'll be delivering?" The goods he would be picking up were your run-of-the-mill spices, seasonings, and a few exotic tobaccos. Madison was running low on a few things and this was her way of getting a taste of home. Again, if he could not be trusted- the goods would be delivered either way, and Madison would pay the difference.

"Yes, this is the payment for the goods you'll be bringing back to me." Madison took another good look at him, making it seem like she was just fussing over him. Still, she got nothing, nothing but nervousness and it worried her. It could mean he was nervous about being caught, perhaps someone would recognize him? Either way, Ziyna would get a feel on him and she'd know for certain. "I think you're ready but give me a little walk back and forth. Just to see how graceful you can be..."

Again, she couldn't help herself.

[Ariel]

"I think you're ready but give me a little walk back and forth. Just to see how graceful you can be..."

Dex wasn't surprised, he had seen this coming. Madison had been seemingly enjoying herself with dressing Dex up in the extravagant getup like a doll. An inkling had come over him that she would milk the situation for all it's worth, out of his expense of becoming the entertainment of course. He played along, figuring this may be some part of a test or something. Swiveling around in place on his feet, Dex inwardly rolled his eyes as he nonchalantly cat walked away from her down the cargo bay, only to twirl around again from a distance to face her, "Enjoying the show, Captain?" Dex remarked cheekily, grinning in good fun as he held his hands out to his sides. He slowly approached her once more, waiting for her approval.

[Lady Lee-o]

Dex was a very handsome man and Madison could not help her gaze. She also knew Dex would catch her staring at him, "Enjoying the show, Captain?" Madison's smile grew as he closed the distance.

"I can not tell a lie, Mr. Wilder. This style does indeed suit you and I think you will do just fine." Madison pulled out one more piece and helped him drape it over properly. "It's a bit cool this time of year, most will be wearing these types of shawls to protect you." This would help conceal him as well.

[Ariel]

"I can not tell a lie, Mr. Wilder. This style does indeed suit you and I think you will do just fine." It's a bit cool this time of year, most will be wearing these types of shawls to protect you."

Dex allowed Madison to drape the warm and lavish shawl properly over his shoulders. He didn't necessarily have a keen eye for style and detail, so he did not mind her placement help at all. His gaze glanced to the side, catching his reflection in a glass case nearby. An unnerving feeling rose within his throat as he stared at himself, in which he attempted to swallow away. Yet, he couldn't help but to feel utterly sick as he realized in this getup that his long, luscious locks of hair were the only concealing detail that set his features apart from his father's. Though, Dex had been out of the public eye for a couple of decades, so he was sure no one would make the connection. Not where he was going, at least.

"I won't let you down, Captain," Dex turned back to face Madison, vowing a successful return whether she would believe it or not. Even though this entire act was a façade, a part of him was actually beginning to adore his Captain and wanted to see the smile in her eyes when he returned victorious. 

[Lady Lee-o]

These moments were the moments that Madison lived to see in all those she came across. The small moments that played behind their eyes, peak into their soul. Something about his reflection struck an emotion, it was small but it was enough for her to see.

"I won't let you down, Captain," Madison found herself closing the distance, she cupped his chin again and looked him in those mysterious eyes and gave him her best smile.

"I certainly hope you don't, Yīngjùn." Madison wanted to believe Dex meant well but a part of her had pause. "Now, off you go." She walked back over to the table and grabbed the pouch and held it out to him.

Yīngjùn = Handsome

[Ariel]

"I certainly hope you don't, Yīngjùn."  "Now, off you go."

Dex reached forward and grabbed the bag from Madison. Yet, halfway through the grab his hand froze as his gaze got caught in hers. He could see that she wanted him to succeed, and even though he was a double agent, the compassion in him truly did not want to let this beautiful and protective soul down in any sort of way. Looking right at her, Dex shed a warm half grin and gave a single nod that spoke trust me, before completely receiving the bag into both hands. Turning around wordlessly, Dex pressed onward to the shuttle that was docked and waiting for him to board. He could have only hoped he sparked some sort of human connection between them, instilling faith in a soon to be job well done, to keep her off of his secret trail.

*** Dex exits to the shuttle ***

[Lady Lee-o]

Madison just watched him go and stood there until she heard the shuttle disembark. The sound of footfalls behind her and a single-arm wrapping around her waist. "Can we trust him, Mads?" Sally was standing on her own two feet and just fine, sober- as Sally could be.

"Time will tell," Madison caught Sally reaching for her flask, sighing and grabbed it just as Sally went to take a sip. "You promised."

"I said I'd try. I'm shakin' just need a smidge. Can't fix the damn ship with the shakes and aches." Sighing, Madison handed the flask back to Sally before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I got a good feeling about him, he'll do alright."

"You're worrying for nothing." The figure of Jebediah appeared in the archway, he gave a smile.

"Perhaps you are right. Very well, let's see where this goes."

[Ariel]

***Four days later***

Dex heaved a sigh of relief as the Shadowheart came into view. He was about a day late, but better late than never. Dex could only imagine what might be going through Maddison's mind as he toggled the controls to prepare to land at launch bay. Going in and getting the job done was easier than he thought it would have been. Being able to blend in with a particular crowd like the chameleon he had evolved into had come naturally to him and the exchange had been made with ease, for the most part. Of course certain questions and queries had been raised, but Dex assumed that was normal. Suppliers trying to avoid being conned and their businesses infiltrated by scammers was very understandable, especially when a multitude of comings and goings by strangers everyday was a regular occurrence. Yet little would anyone know that even after the mission had been complete, Dex had ventured on a minor side mission himself to report to a station of the Alliance in regards to everything. His location, the people he's met. The ship that he had been residing on and the Captain he had been serving under. Dex was nowhere close to finding Wendy Carter, but he had a feeling that the opportunity would unveil itself soon. He wasn't sure what kind of excuse he would make in regards to why he would be returning a day late, but he knew that something would come to him on the whim. At this point, his focus was making a safe landing back on the Shadowheart.

[Lady Lee-o]

***A Day Before***

"He's late but," Madison stood at the terminal and stared into the eyes of her old friend Ziyna. The woman was pleasant to look at, with long black hair, and blue eyes with some age behind them. "-how did he do?" Madison was worried that Ziyna would say he was dirty and couldn't be trusted, but that was far from the truth.

"I'm sure everything is fine and he did well, everything went smooth and he kept a low profile as he was told to. I must say, you do find yourself surrounded by gorgeous people. He certainly pulled off the look well."

"It's all I needed to hear, so we can trust him?"

"I believe he can but just like with everyone else; keep a close eye on him."

***Present Day***

The Shadowheart crew had been put to ease with Ziyna's approval. They waited patiently for Dex to return- a day late but he was back and they went to meet him at the shuttle door. When the door opened, Madison had her arms crossed and a serious look on her face. "You are late, Mr. Wilder."

"Mads don't like it when things ain't on time." Sally added.

[Ariel]

"You are late, Mr. Wilder."
"Mads don't like it when things ain't on time."

Dex allowed his boots to carry him through the opening door of the shuttle and into the lion's den. Madison was the first person he saw once he had stepped foot back onto the Shadowheart, and the look she gave him made his chest twitch in guilt. Not for the secret side trip, but for making her feel the need to become hardened and stern. Though, he expected nothing more, and nothing less from a Captain who had an expectation bar set. Dex could only hope that his late arrival would not taint his opportunity to continue to stay aboard the ship, "Captain. Sally. I uh," Dex addressed both the ladies as he halted in front of them. Stuttering awkwardly, he threw a glance back over his shoulder at the shuttle that he had just landed before returning his gaze back to Madison, "Apologies for my tardiness, Captain. Good news is, I got'er done. Smoothly, might I add. The plants are all on board and ready to be unloaded. The bad news is I'm late. But I can explain," Dex lead the good news into the bad news. A relieved demeanor that got a job done successfully changed it's tune as a half frown formed on Dex's face, his eyes growing with remorse, "Well, truly I had already launched take off from the planet once the plants were retrieved, however I found myself flying over this lake sitting in a crater - the water's edges were glowing a moon's glow. Both mysterious and mesmerizing all at once. Long story short, my heart for exploration caught the best of me and when I landed to give 'er a quick study I got wrapped up and lost a day. I'm sorry." Dex spoke with such passion about his 'discovery' and refused to miss a single beat. He hoped that Madison could feel the amount of genuineness in his expression, especially in the apology. Even though his story might be a work of fiction, deep down his remorse was true. 

[Lady Lee-o]

"Captain. Sally. I uh, Apologies for my tardiness, Captain. Good news is, I got'er done. Smoothly, might I add. The plants are all on board and ready to be unloaded. The bad news is I'm late. But I can explain," Sally couldn't wait to hear this excuse, she watched both Dex and Madison carefully for their reactions. "Well, truly I had already launched take off from the planet once the plants were retrieved, however I found myself flying over this lake sitting in a crater - the water's edges were glowing a moon's glow. Both mysterious and mesmerizing all at once. Long story short, my heart for exploration caught the best of me and when I landed to give 'er a quick study I got wrapped up and lost a day. I'm sorry."

"Sounds mighty pretty, recon we'd stop and take a look ourselves if we saw something like that," Sally smirked, taking out her flask and giving it a swig before Madison could stop her.

[Lady Lee-o]

"Captain. Sally. I uh, Apologies for my tardiness, Captain. Good news is, I got'er done. Smoothly, might I add. The plants are all on board and ready to be unloaded. The bad news is I'm late. But I can explain, Well, truly I had already launched take off from the planet once the plants were retrieved, however I found myself flying over this lake sitting in a crater - the water's edges were glowing a moon's glow. Both mysterious and mesmerizing all at once. Long story short, my heart for exploration caught the best of me and when I landed to give 'er a quick study I got wrapped up and lost a day. I'm sorry." Madison was about to comment when Sally chimed in.

"Sounds mighty pretty, recon we'd stop and take a look ourselves if we saw something like that," Madison saw Sally take a sip from her flask but didn't react to it. She found herself nodding in response to both of them and gave a smile.

"We are curious creatures by trade, Mr. Wilder, I can not fault you for it. It would not be the first time something of the sort distracted us, just glad everything went smooth." His words moved her, she could see the passion and that sealed it for her. She could trust him, "welcome to the crew, Dex." at least she hoped so.

[Ariel]

"Sounds mighty pretty, recon we'd stop and take a look ourselves if we saw something like that," 

"We are curious creatures by trade, Mr. Wilder, I can not fault you for it. It would not be the first time something of the sort distracted us, just glad everything went smooth."  "welcome to the crew, Dex."

Dex was relieved that they bought the story. Crafting believable alibis had become part of his work in his previous life, he simply had surprised himself when he learned that he was still a natural. He gave the Captain a single nod of gratefulness as he addressed her once more, "Thank you, Captain. I do promise to be on better behavior next job," Dex grinned widely, looking over in Sally's direction to give her a nod of thanks for helping him out in his nerve wracking circumstance. He may have passed without Sally's help, but her faith in him had solidified Madison's decision and officially secured him a permanent spot on the Shadowheart. His next task would be a challenge, but he was confident that he'd succeed in getting the job done: Wendy Carter.

***