INT. PALADIN – HANGAR

Paul and the troops charge through the bay door. Paul leads the men across the expansive deck, past the occasional curious tech, up to the two troops roving around Serenity.

PAUL: There’s one more on board.

TROOP : We searched already. There ain’t nobody in there.

PAUL: I’m inclined to disagree. Let’s go.

Paul gestures for the four troops to climb the ramp ahead of him. He climbs the ramp, discreetly glancing around the hangar. The techs have returned to their work.

INT. SERENITY – CARGO BAY

The four troops lazily enter the bay, weapons hanging loosely in their hands.

River drops on the two in the rear of the formation, ramming her elbows into the shoulder/neck juncture of each just before her feet touch the floor. As their bodies sag inward toward eachother, she cracks their heads together, their helmets clunking loudly.

River then cartwheels over them toward the other two troops who are just starting to turn around. As one brings his rifle to bear, River inside-crescent kicks it back toward the other soldier, the weapon going off and striking him in the chest. He catapults backward from the sonic round into a stack of crates. River follows through with a reverse roundhouse kick to the soldier’s chin. He spins away from the impact exposing his back. River then rams a two-step side kick into his lumbar spine, bending his back into a painful u-shape. He falls hard on his face and doesn’t move.

Paul steps up behind River who spins, ready to do battle. He holds up his hands in surrender.

PAUL: Beautifully executed.

RIVER (relieved): Sifu!

River grabs Paul in a hug.

PAUL (returning the hug gently): I can’t thank you enough, mei-mei. I owe you my soul. Now, we have one more rescue to execute.

RIVER: I know.

Paul and River quickly pick up the downed troops and carry them behind some crates.

PAUL (carrying a soldier fireman-style): I must admit, it’s a real privelege watching you perform what I’ve imparted, plus a few improvements