Kaylee presses the console that closes the airlock and raises the ramp.

Simon descends the stairs and approaches Kaylee as she stares at the closing doors.

KAYLEE: I don't think I'll ever not worry when they head out on a job.

Simon wraps his arms around Kaylee's waist from behind. She closes her eyes and rests her head on his shoulder.

River slips up silently next to them. Without a word she presses the button to re-open the doors and drop the ramp. Inara starts down the stairs with a curious expression.

INARA: River, why are you...?

SIMON: (alarmed) River, what are you...?

The ramp begins to lower, revealing a man standing outside.

PAUL GIBSON stands with his hands clasped behind his back. He is in his mid-thirties, medium height, and chiseled build. His hair is close-cropped and crisply trimmed.

The ramps touches the ground, revealing the boots seen earlier.

Paul stands quietly, apparently calm as he glances at all the faces within the cargo bay before his gaze rests on River.

River walks slowly down the ramp. Simon starts to protest, but Kaylee holds him back.

River stops three feet from Paul, a small measure of wonder on her face.

RIVER: Paul...

PAUL: River.

They stare at each other for a few more seconds. Suddenly, River darts forward and grabs Paul in a fierce hug. After a moment's hesitation, Paul returns the gesture gently, almost fatherly.

Simon and Kaylee have disengaged from each other with looks of amazement at one another, then at River and Paul. Inara approaches from behind and stops next to them.

INARA: I'm not sure what question to ask first...

Simon glances at her for a moment then back at his sister.

SIMON: Um... River...?

River finally lets go of Paul, who takes a small step backward. River looks over her shoulder at her shipmates.

RIVER: This is is Paul.

Paul smiles and politely bows his head a moment. Simon steps forward and places himself protectively between Paul and River.

SIMON: How did you find us?

Paul's face takes on an ironic look.

PAUL: Not to sound dismissive, but... I wasn't looking.

Kaylee finally steps forward, taking Simon's hand.

KAYLEE: Simon, River's obviously giddy to see him. She'd know if he had any bad intentions.

River steps around Simon, who still doesn't look convinced as he holds out an arm to hold River by his side. Inara simply observes the scene.

PAUL: I bear no ill intent toward your sister, Simon. In fact, you will come to find that precisely the opposite is, and always has been the case. (off Simon's look) Simon, do you recall a particular wave, a very secure wave that informed you of the precise room in which your sister would be undergoing tests? I believe the number was C-26, otherwise known as the "Black Room."

Simon's eyes widen considerably. Pan around to see others' reactions.

Click to go to Ch. 3

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