INT. SERENITY – CARGO BAY

Paul and River enter through the common area doorway, moving quietly. They re-check the four unconscious soldiers. Paul chooses the smallest one and flips him on his back, unclipping his flak vest. He holds it out to River.

PAUL: Here, mei-mei. No need to take unnecessary risks.

River accepts the vest slips it on. Paul helps her tighten it until it fits snugly. River moves her arms around, testing its reach.

RIVER: Good fit.

PAUL: You’re everything, little one. Without you, this is all for nothing. No matter what...

RIVER:...protect myself. I will. You too.

PAUL: I plan on it. Now, I’ll head aft...

RIVER: I’ll head forward.

Paul nods.

PAUL: The primary hangar doors are critical. Sealing them will drastically reduce the number of men you'll have to repel. Keep an eye on the maintenance entrances.

RIVER: I will.

PAUL: I have to report to my father before he gets suspicious.

RIVER (gaze shifted): Too late.

PAUL: Is it? Usually he’s more patient.

RIVER: It’s his second in command. He doesn’t want to take unnecessary risks, either. (squints uncertainly) And there's something else about him... Something uncertain...

PAUL: How many are coming?

RIVER (refocusing): Ten. They’re entering the aft entrance now.

PAUL: Well, let’s give them a proper greeting.

INT. PALADIN – BRIG

Gibson opens his mouth to say something to Mal when Jaxx steps up and whispers something in his ear. Gibson nods, his mouth taking a hard line.

GIBSON: We’ll talk later, Mr. Reynolds.

Gibson exits the Brig with Jaxx.

KAYLEE: Cap, what did he mean, "extract?"

MAL: You don’t wanna know, Kaylee.

JAYNE (groggily): What do we do now?

JAXX: You shut your mouth before I put a boot heel in it.

Jayne attempts to shoot the man a dirty look, but wavers and collapses on the cot.

INT. SERENITY – CARGO BAY

Paul and River step into the center of the cargo bay, weapons tucked away, hands behind their backs. The ten troops cross the hangar at