INT. PALADIN – BRIDGE [/u]

A tech turns to Madsen who stands on the middle level reading an electronic clipboard.

TECH: The investigators are aboard sir, plus one suspect.

MADSEN: Excellent. Set course for Londinium so that we might off-load this fresh load of refuse.

The view screens show Sihnon’s horizon disappear from their lower halves. There is the slightest tremble on the bridge as the ship powers up to break atmo.

EXT. PALADIN

Swing view to rear of Paladin to reveal five tremendous thrusters firing up, propelling the ship skyward.

INT. PALADIN – BRIG ENTRANCE

Kaylee assists Mal as before while Simon and Inara attempt to drag Jayne. Zoe trudges along, coughing raggedly. They are being led at the end of five rifles back into the Brig. Kayner and Jaxx are picking themselves up off the floor, shaking their heads. One of the new troops, Pinteray, scoffs.

PINTERAY: Heroes of the Allied planets you boys sure as shit ain’t. Lemme guess, the women-folk kicked yer pee-goos?

They guide the crew back to their cells. Kaylee assists Mal into Cell One. Inara and Simon dump Jayne in Cell Two, then Simon is led into the next cell with Zoe. The cell doors slide closed.

JAXX (nursing his bleeding nose): If a one o’ you asks to use the john, I’m gonna shoot you in the gorram knees.

INT. PALADIN – HALLWAY

Paul jogs down the hall with the troops flanking him. His expression is stone-cold, purposeful.

INT. SERENITY – CARGO BAY

River is suspended from the crane cable above the airlock, one of her pistols in hand.

CU River’s face.

PAUL (VO mind): RIVER!

River’s eyes widen and she nearly drops her pistol.

PAUL (VO mind): River, can you hear me?

RIVER (VO mind): Sifu!

PAUL (VO mind): River, if you can hear me, I need your help. Shut up, you coward! River... River...

INT. PALADIN – HALLWAY

Paul is still jogging ahead of the troops, expressionless.

INT. SERENITY – CARGO BAY

River places bot