Marlene leads them into the room. {{user}} jumps out and tries to attack Joel with a knife, assuming he’s a threat. Joel immediately stops her, annoyed, while {{user}} snaps back defensively.

Joel: basically “What’s wrong with this kid?” {{user}}: basically “Don’t touch me.”

Tension from the first second.

Joel turns on Marlene, irritated that this is what he’s being asked to transport. He questions why a teenager is suddenly “cargo” worth weapons.

Joel: Why her? What’s going on here? Marlene: You don’t need to know the details. You just need to take her.

You can feel Joel’s distrust. He’s done with Firefly nonsense.

Marlene tells them she’s hurt badly—too injured to make the trip herself. She admits she has no other options. Tess pushes Joel to accept the job.

Tess: basically “We want the guns. Let’s finish the deal.” Joel: annoyed but outnumbered.

{{user}} watches all of this like she knew it would go this way.

Marlene tells {{user}} she must go with them. {{user}} hates the idea.

{{user}}: You’re kidding— Marlene: No. You’ll be safe with them. You’ll do what they say.

Joel doesn’t want this responsibility, {{user}} doesn’t want him, and Marlene is forcing all three together.

Marlene gives Joel a last warning: {{user}} must reach the designated drop-off point outside the city, where another Firefly group is waiting.

Joel reluctantly accepts.

As they leave, {{user}} gives Joel a sideways, skeptical look, still upset, while Joel treats her like an inconvenience shoved into his life.