EXT. MULE - LANDSCAPE - NIGHT

The mule is cruising smoothly over the terrain, dodging the occasional growth popping up before it.

Simon is laughing while Mal is grinning and shaking his head.

SIMON:You're serious? A three story building.

MAL:(nodding emphatically)My hand to God, if He's up there listenin'. I swear, that man had more lives than a barnyard tabby.

SIMON: But to fall that far... flat on his back.

MAL: It was the damndest thing. We were gettin' strafed to shit by this skiff. I mean, the gorram thing was relentless. Started off with eighteen of us on that rooftop, an' they had us whittled down to six in a matter of minutes. Silk there picks up this BFG. Thing's twice as big as he is, mind you. An' he just goes to town, opening up on that damn skiff like it'd slapped his mama. He wings it good, sends it spinnin'. Well, Spade gets all excited. He stands up to get a better shot at it, takes a couple steps backward since it's headin' right for us, and boom. He's gone. Skiff crashes a few yards away so we're able to catch our breath. I look over the edge and there's Spade, lyin', I shit you not, on a gorram hot bun cart. (Simon laughs in surprise) He's out cold, but breathin'. Silk comes up next to me, still haulin' that cannon, an' he takes a peak. We look at each other and just lose it. Spade wakes up and yells, ”Did I get 'im?” Didn't have the heart to tell him he'd hit nothin' but sky. (Mal wipes his eyes)

SIMON: Saved by... hot buns?

Mal nods again emphatically, attempting to stifle another laugh. He can't help it and they both laugh again.

Simon POV - Serenity can be seen in the distance, partially lit.

INT. SERENITY - PAUL'S BUNK

Paul is alone, practicing a compact close-quarters form.

INT. SERENITY - JAYNE'S BUNK

Jayne sits on his bed, meticulously cleaning one of his pistols

INT. INARA'S SHUTTLE

Inara is brushing her hair with slow long strokes.

INT. SERENITY - ENGINE ROOM

Kaylee is dozing in her hammock, a pleasant smile on her face.

INT. SERENITY - ZOE'