INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE

Silence. No one makes a sound for several seconds.

JAYNE: Well, I got nothin’.

SIMON: I believe for the first time, Jayne and I agree. We have no leverage. Not a single bargaining chip. They will find out what Mal delivered and who he delivered it to. Twenty-four hours with no restraint is more than enough time.

ZOE: I’m aware of that.

KAYLEE: But we can’t just leave him there.

PAUL: You don’t have to.

All heads turn to look at Paul. He meets the scrutiny unflinchingly. River looks especially surprised.

ZOE: And why is that?

PAUL: Because I am the leverage you need.

JAYNE: How so?

PAUL: I’m thoroughly acquainted with the Captain of that ship.

ZOE: And the nature of this "acquaintance" would be...?

PAUL: As I said; thorough. I need you to trust me, Zoe. I can get Mal out. But we’ll need to head back, and we’ll need to announce our approach to the Paladin.

Zoe looks at River who is staring at Paul, her gaze pleading.

RIVER: Sifu, you can’t...

PAUL: Everything will be all right, nian qing day.

ZOE (gaze locked on Paul, her tone neutral): My previous statement still holds true, Sifu.

PAUL: I have no doubt.

JAYNE: Aw, hell. If they take to shootin’ at us, least it’ll be quick.

PAUL: They won’t.

KAYLEE: How do you know?

PAUL: Because I will politely ask them not to.

INT. COMM. PLEX - MONTROSE’S OFFICE

Montrose sits behind an efficient desk. Beautiful art work decorates the walls.Two large men in plain uniforms stand before him, their hands clasped behind their backs.

MONTROSE: His ident scan checked out. We went so far as to scan the indentifiers on the crate that flew him in. They were out-dated, but clean. His story was quite plausible. It is recognized protocol for a Level Three Dip. Cour. to have unrestricted access in order to make their delivery. Out of courtesy and standard security procedure, I either escorted him myself, or instructed security to do so. He was accompanied by our personell or monitored by vid