EXT. SERENITY CARGO RAMP

Simon stares at Paul, his eyes still wide.

SIMON: How...there's no way...

PAUL: I admit the odds of us meeting at all were strikingly low. Yet, here we stand.

Inara steps forward.

INARA: We purposely landed a good distance from town. How did you even know we were here?

PAUL: Since my youth I've had a keen eye and ear for craft, land as well as air. The moment your Firefly broke atmo, I picked it up. I'd heard recently through a closely-guarded channel that River had taken refuge aboard a Firefly-class vessel. Logic and curiosity led me here.

River pushes past Simon to stand near Paul again. Paul's face softens a bit when she draws near.

PAUL: I'm not prone to worry. You know that better than anyone...

RIVER: But you worried for me.

PAUL: Yes.

RIVER: (whispering) Xie-xie, Sifu.

KAYLEE: Sifu?

PAUL: I was River's primary hand-to-hand combat instructor.

INARA: Then I think we all owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Paul's left eyebrow raises.

SIMON: I have...questions... a lot of questions.

PAUL: And I will answer every last one to the best of my ability. In the mean time, we really should keep an eye out for other folk from town. If I can find you, other can as well. I can't say their intentions would be as good-natured as my own.

SIMON: You're right. River,it might be a good idea to run a scan of the area,just to be safe.

River gives Simon “the look.” She has read his true intentions.

Kaylee steps forward.

KAYLEE: I'll run the scan. Simon,you need to downgrade your threat level.

Kaylee disappears into the cargo bay. Paul approaches Simon with a meaningful look.

PAUL: I'm sure your position has been an exhausting one, Simon. I wish I could have done more than simply relay information, but I was closely watched, for many reasons.

Inara offers a hand to Paul.

INARA: Please, Paul,come aboard so we can continue this conversation in a more civil manner.

Simon does not look happy with the idea, but he also appears curious. The group ascends the ramp into the cargo bay, Inara in the lead. She closes the bay doors once again, taking one last wary look at the landscape.

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