INT. SPADE'S HIDEOUT

Spade slams the mic on the table, then angrily holds it up to his mouth.

SPADE: Gorrammit! I said meet with him and deliver a simple message, not frag his ass into kingdom come!

NISKA (VO radio): I sent usual team with clear instructions. This method has always worked in the past, however not so good outcome this time.

SPADE: You mean strong-armin' 'im. That wasn't part of the deal. I'm thinkin' you and he have history you neglected to mention.

NISKA (VO radio): One of unfortunate consequence, I'm afraid.

SPADE (sighing, sounding defeated) Woulda been good to know that yesterday. Tickles me deep to know your men got bested, though. What a shame. Serves you right for muckin' up a simple message transfer.

NISKA (VO radio): May I inquire as to what exactly is to be delivered...?

SPADE: No way in heaven or hell.

EXT. SERENITY VFX

Serenity swoops in over the ravine, her belly opening up to rain debris on and around the crashed cry-baby. The ship then lands a hundred yards away.

INT. SERENITY CARGO BAY

Mal is descending the fore/starboard stairs dressed in the Alliance uniform, hat tucked under his arm, and the case in his other hand. Inara watches from the catwalk.

Zoe and Jayne descend the stairs not long after Mal, Jayne carrying a very large weapon. Simon and Kaylee sneak in from the Infirmary.

MAL: Now, to give my story some dramatic flair... Jayne, light it up.

Jayne drops to one knee on the ramp, aiming the large-barrelled weapon at the debris. He squeezes the trigger and a half second later the debris is rocked and tossed about by a fiery explosion. A ploom of smoke rises from the junk, half of it now on fire.

Paul darts though the aft entrance of the cargo bay three seconds later. Mal holds up a hand.

MAL:Sorry 'bout that, Seafood. Shoulda warned you were aimin' to misbehave.

Jayne grins, hefting the weapon.

PAUL: (unaffected) Need a hand?

MAL: Nope. Just gonna go for a roll.

PAUL: You do look a little too tidy for a crash