EXT. SIHNON LANDSCAPE - NIGHT

Paul is running full out, quickly approaching the mule. He is about thirty yards away when he jams to a halt and crouches low.

Paul's POV - Looks ahead ten yards to the right and to the left. Two identical mounds of underbrush are moving away from him slowly, as if crawling. Paul squints. Rifles protrude from both mounds, one with a grenade launcher mounted beneath it's barrel. Both are aimed at the cloud of dust and smoke that has enveloped the mule.

CU Paul's face. He takes on a very determined look. He looks over his shoulders.

Paul's POV - no other mounds are visible. Whip back to two original mounds.

EXT. - MULE - NIGHT

Mal and Simon are still next to the mule, trying to see through the cloud.

MAL: We gotta get outta this soup. (takes Simon by the arm)

Mal pulls Simon in one direction, which ends up being away from the crawling mounds. Mal waves his hand before his face, attempting to see through the cloud. The dust is beginning to settle and blow away as they stumble a few more steps.

They both call out in surprise as they suddenly tumble into the small crater created by the explosion. They are a tangle of arms and legs for a few seconds before they extricate and end up on their backs, looking up out of the hole.

Mal/Simon POV - Two forms materialize from the haze, humanoid figures dressed head to toe in heavy camouflage consisting of thick clothing, rags, and shrubbery pieces. Their rifles are aimed squarely between Mal and Simon's eyes.

CU of Mal's eyes as they widen. Whip to same shot of Simon, eyes also wide.

EXT. SIHNON LANDSCAPE - NIGHT

Zoe and Jayne are jogging across the landscape, weapons at the ready. Jayne is peering through his rifle scope.

JAYNE: Too much smoke. Can't spot a gorram one of 'em.

ZOE: Just keep it quiet. Whoever hit 'em must still be out here. (beat)Let's flank.

Jayne nods and branches out to the right. Zoe swings wide to the left, never taking her eyes off the smokey scene before her.

EXT. SIHNON LANDSCAPE - CR