INT. NILS HOUSE

Pan around Nils and Mal then track across room through door to next room over. Swing to the left and track toward window. Stop at CU of window. Window fills frame. A large shadow appears.

Jayne and another man equal his size suddenly crash through the window, rolling on the floor in a flurry of punches. Jayne still has his rifle slung across his back.

The other man ends up on top of Jayne, draws back his fist for a huge punch, only to be bucked off by Jayne at the last instant. Jayne rolls backward and springs to one knee, bringing his rifle to bear on the man.

Nils storms into the room, Mal, Zoe, Zig, and Jack close on his heals.

NILS: What in the name o' gui is goin' on?

Jayne doesn't take his eyes off the man.

View down barrel of Jayne's rifle, from muzzle to Jayne's tense face.

JAYNE: Mal, this guy jumped me.

Whip to Nils.

NILS: Mal, he one o' yers?(Mal nods) Jig, is that true? You attack this man without cause?

JIG stands up slowly, his hands in view.

JIG: He was snoopin' around, actin' all wierd. I thought he was plannin' on aidin' in a double-cross.

Nils shakes his head and looks at Mal.

NILS: I've had many a talk with this boy 'bout his thinkin' and how it ain't never been good for my business. (quietly to Zoe) Boy's loyal as a pit bull, but dumber 'n sack o' stones.

MAL: Sounds a mite familiar. Jayne, stow that firearm.

Jayne hesitates to respond, then does as he's ordered. He, too rises to his feet.

JAYNE: I was doin' what you said, Mal. Just watchin' the perimeter, mindin' my own.

Nils slaps Mal on the back, nearly doubling him over.

NILS: (mildly indignant) Mal, you didn't think you couldn't trust me, now did ya?

MAL: With our unsullied history of loyalty and faith? Could ya really blame me for holdin' out?

Nils laughs planting his hand on Mal's shoulder. Mal shudders from the impact, but tries to remain straght-faced.

NILS: Mal, I ain't the man I once was. I found me a cause, a reason to keep on. I had to