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[center][h1]The Captain and the Companion Pt. 3[/h1][/center]
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There was something about her candor that matched that pristine, angular face of hers. "Alright, I'll choose my words good and careful, then," Cal said, turning to face her from his spot leaning against the railing. Now was his chance to learn if there were any mines to be tread on.

"What does a woman like you do for a living?" Her presence aboard the China Doll told him that she worked indeed; otherwise if money weren't an object, a cargo ship mightn't live up to upper-class expectations, no matter how pretty the Firefly was.
 
It was the question she had been expecting. She had intended to hide what she did at first. But he had only asked what she did for work, not why she did it, not what she was hoping to find in Pelorum. So what did it hurt to open up a bit?

“I’m a Companion, though I’m sure a smart man like yourself could have put two and two together on that. Heading to Pelorum for some work, as it turns out.” She left it at that. If he wanted to know why she sought a Firefly cruiser instead of her own ship or a luxury liner, he would have to wait until his next question.

"A Companion? Now that makes more sense," he said, pulling out his silver flip case and plucking a cigarette. Mind at ease, the Captain lit his smoke as Quill asked her question. Least now the woman's demeanor made sense; a high class prostitute like her was trained to be sharp and keen, least that's what he'd heard, a workin' man like hisself never havin' met one in the flesh.

“Okay, my turn again. Let’s get into some nitty gritty stuff. You got a sweetheart? Flying can get lonely and there’s no shame in spending time with many people. But you strike me as a “lock ‘em down when you find ‘em” type.”

"Man's got needs, but I'm all set for the moment, darlin'. If I need a whore, I'll be sure to let you know."

Quill bit back a quick retort. It was not uncommon that many people assumed that those in her profession were nothing more than prostitutes. She shouldn’t expect a Firefly captain to be any different. “You made several mistakes there, Captain. First, I was not propositioning you. You couldn’t afford my services. Second, you made the brash assumption that the profession I hold is merely that of a prostitute, or whore, as you so eloquently put it. Not uncommon an opinion, I’ll grant you, but I advise you keep your mind open to other possibilities. They may surprise you. And lastly, you dodged the question with a non-answer. I’ll let it slide if it’s a touchy subject.”

"My mistake. So, why's a Companion slummin' it on a cargo ship like mine--a question I feel completely justified in asking now that I've taken your money, by the way." Cal took a drag on his cigarette, exhaling as Quill considered her answer.

“Since you asked so nicely, I’ll tell you. I’m not going to Pelorum to be a Companion. I am going for my own reasons. I trust you to accept that answer since you have not been as open with me. You took my money, as you stated, and that should be all that is required.”

The game suddenly turned less fun. “I have no further questions for you Captain. Would you mind showing me to where I will be sleeping so i can get settled and make some calls to get the rest of my stuff sorted?”

Cal chuckled, he'd struck a nerve, though which one exactly he was unsure. He'd ruffled the feathers of the beautiful woman before him with his pronouncement, but given her graceful recovery, he doubted she'd hold a grudge. His amusement reached his eyes as he tucked his hat back around his ears and continued the tour.

He showed her to the infirmary, the galley and pantry, and finally the shared showers and toilets before terminating their tour at her double bunk secured by a pocket door with a lock. Inside, there was enough space for two single beds, a bulkhead dresser, and a night stand shared between the bunks.

"This is your stop. If you need anything, let one of the crew know and we'll get your sorted. Any cargo you got coming in can be stored, and supper's at nineteen-hundred if you're keen. Welcome aboard Cassidy Quill [i]Shao Jeh[/i]." Knowing that Quill wouldn't be taking clients while aboard, Cal bit his tongue on any further mentions of her profession, though his eye did linger on those cheek bones while he bid his farewell.