EXT. TOWN - STREET

Mal strides down the street, squinting into the distance to see Maxine’s sign.

OS - a cheer rises from a couple blocks away. Mal cocks his head for a beat, continues walking.

EXT. TOWN - STREET

Troop #1 lies at Paul’s feet, unconscious. The crowd cheers again. Paul looks slowly around, sees the smiling faces of his crew-mates. He gives them a single nod, then disappears into the crowd’s open arms. Simon, Kaylee, Inara, and River are then engulfed by the happy throng.

SIMON - (to Inara) Now what?

INARA - I suppose we could enjoy their hospitality for a brief span...

Kaylee opens her mouth to speak, only to be nearly smothered by a group of young women. Their jubilation is evident. Kaylee stands on her toes to speak over their heads.

KAYLEE - Is this what it feels like to be all heroical?

Simon stays close to River in spite of the crowd.

SIMON - I suppose so. I really wouldn’t know.

The Large Man steps up in front of the group. He raises both hands in a quieting gesture and the din dies down.

LARGE MAN - As you can see, you are welcome as the angels here. (a brief cheer of agreement arises from the crowd) If we’da known you were comin’, we could’ve prepared a proper welcome.

Simon puts an arm around River. Kaylee steps up beside him, putting an arm around his waist and a hand on his shoulder.

SIMON - We’d much rather keep a low profile, sir. This...incident was most unfortunate.

The Large Man nods.

LARGE MAN - I get it. Don’t you worry. Me and the rest of these folk will take full responsibility for the goings-on here.

INARA - That’s very kind of you.

The Large Man nods again.

LARGE MAN - But I tell you what, the true tale of that fight will cheer up many a cold night ‘round here for some time to come. Who was that hooded fella, anyway?

INARA - Let’s say he prefers anonymity even more than the rest of us.

The Large Man shrugs as the crowd voices its mild disappointment. A couple of very young girls attach themselves to River’s leg. She grins down at them, tussling their hair. She bends down and whispers something in their ears. They squeal and run off.

SIMON - Honestly, sir, we should be going...

LARGE MAN - Of course. Ya’ll take care now, ya hear? (to the crowd, much more loudly) Okay, folks. Let’s haul these purplebelly sacks o’ go-se outta here. Give these people a nice clear path.

The crowd splits, allowing the small group through. Simon looks at Kaylee, who still hasn’t let go of him.

SIMON - Bao bei, that was amazing. Remind me not to ever, ever upset you in any way.

Kaylee gives him a playful punch in the ribs. River beams at them. Inara laughs.

INARA - We should get back to the ship before our fame catches up with us again. River...?

RIVER - Joy. Nothing else. It Jiangyin again. Like... dancing.

SIMON - Before the impromptu kidnapping, of course.

River gives Simon “the look.” He holds up one hand defensively. A look of realization crosses Simon’s face as he turns and looks back down the street toward the alley.

SIMON - Crap, I almost forgot...

Fade out, then fade into...

INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY

Paul stands before Mal, his gaze unwavering. Zoe observes from a few feet away.

MAL - As I said, a spot of fun. A spot of fun your Captain woulda liked to be in the know regarding, since it had the ripe old chance of mucking up our chances of becoming gainfully employed. Ever again.

PAUL - Which it didn’t.

MAL - True enough. If you intend to keep a berth on this boat, you need to keep me informed. Had to hear about the big damn heroics from my loquacious mechanic six ruttin’ hours after the fact...

Paul clenches his jaw, but remains calm.

PAUL - I understand. Won’t happen again.

MAL - Shiny. (voice drops, face tightens a fraction) And just for the record, anyone ever points a gun at our little Kaylee again, you feel more than free to shove their head up their pee-goo. Sideways.

Paul nods, then turns to exit through the rear of the cargo bay. Mal turns to Zoe.

MAL - Let’s get off this ice cube. Can hardly feel my own ears.

EXT. SERENITY - DAY

Serenity lifts off from the snowy ground, sending white plumes in all directions. With a graceful heave, the ship turns and heads skyward.

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