INT. SERENITY CARGO BAY

Kaylee and Inara stand on the catwalk near the entrance to Inara's shuttle. Both look anxious. Whip-pan down to airlock as the group ascends the ramp. Mal and Simon are dirty and a little cut up, Mal looking angry and motivated in the lead. He hits the intercom.

MAL: River, take us out of the world. And no need to be delicate-like.

RIVER: Aye, aye, captain. I'm very glad you're okay.

SIMON: (offended, jokingly, maybe) You're glad he's okay?

Mal hits the necessary buttons to raise the ramp and close the airlock doors, giving Simon a smart-ass grin. He hands his newly acquired rifle to Zoe who heads up the fore/starboard stairs, working its action. Jayne follows. Kaylee passes them on her way down to hug Simon. Inara observes Mal and Paul.

Serenity's engine noise increases as she lifts from the ground.

Mal stops to look at Paul.

MAL: Not rightly sure what's to be said at this juncture.

PAUL: Nothing, Captain. I did what I thought was necessary.

MAL: And you'll get no complaint outta me. I'm fair impressed, to be honest. (beat) Sorry your work on the mule was a waste.

PAUL: Your mission was a success, I take it? (Mal nods) Then at least it came in handy one last time. May have even saved your lives.

MAL: It pains me deep to say it, but you've nearly earned a cut on this job.

PAUL: Nearly? I'm fairly curious, then, as to what it would take.

MAL: (starts up the stairs) Can't tell you that. Lose the mystery, you might stop tryin'.

Paul shakes his head and heads toward the rear of the cargo bay.

Mal reaches the catwalk to find Inara waiting.

INARA: Are you all right?

Mal beats some more dust from his coat.

MAL: Not missin' any parts. Head's a-ringin', though.

INARA: We felt the blast in here. I...we... didn't know what to think.

MAL: You mean if we were sent burnin' into the next life or not.

Inara nods.

KAYLEE: (to Simon) You okay?

SIMON: Yeah, surprisingly. I thought it was all over when I stared down that rifle barrel. But then...

MAL: Seaf