INT. SERENITY BRIDGE

Mal stands at the rear of the bridge, arms crossed, muttering. River sits in the pilot's chair, pressing buttons and flipping switches, preparing for takeoff.

RIVER: He's a good man, Captain.

MAL: Well, if he turns out to be an Alliance mole who fancies shootin' at girls for fun, that'll just have to be on your conscience. And he better not have much junk to haul or it goes out the airlock.

RIVER:(smiling)He's lived like a monk for months. Everything he owns would fit in a locker. And he despises guns.

MAL:Just the same, he'd better not cause no ruckus. I ain't in the mood.

Zoe walks onto the bridge, a small satisfied smile on her face.

ZOE: All of our newest passenger's things are on board, sir. We're ready to fly.

MAL: (gruffly) Damn right we are. River, take us out of...

With a graceful heave, Serenity leaps from the ground and tears into the sky.

Mal and Zoe reach out a hand to the nearest bulkhead for support, though little is needed, the takeoff being so smooth.

MAL: That's still a mite unsettlin'.

INT. SERENITY PASSENGER BUNK

Paul is unpacking a large plastic container. He tenderly removes three Bonzai trees and places them on a shelf. He then places his clothes in the available drawers. A small electronic device he places on a shelf near the bed. He presses a button on the device and soft stringed music fills the small room.

Paul closes his eyes and listens.

INT. SERENITY DINING AREA

Simon and Kaylee sit at the table, sharing a quiet meal. Kaylee is smiling at something Simon said when Jayne enters.

JAYNE: Hey, lovebirds. Save any grub for the rest of us?

KAYLEE: By “us” you mean “you.” Yeah, there's a nibble left.

Jayne grins like a schoolboy and charges into the kitchen, banging around for a minute.

JAYNE: A nibble? This ain't a even a bite!

Kaylee simply closes her eyes and shakes her head while Simon squeezes her hand with a smile.

JAYNE: You got cookin' detail this week, girl. Why ain't you co