INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY

Overhead shot of rear of Cargo Bay, the sound of metal-on-metal repeatedly ringing throughout the bay. Pan over to see River and Echo One battling viciously, their movements crisp and deadly, the tide of battle appearing even for several beats.

Echo One snaps out a low front kick at River's shin. She shifts her leg only two inches to dodge it, then brings her sword up in her left hand to block the vicious overhead swing of his baton. With a swirling motion of her short sword, River guides the baton out to her left side (Echo One's right) and follows through with a whistling right roundhouse kick to his blond head. Echo One stumbles a beat, then attacks again, this time stabbing the end of the baton straight at River's face.

Using her empty right hand, River deflects the baton around her head, spinning into the deflection with her entire body, slamming the butt of her sword into Echo One's head. It strikes him in the same spot just kicked. River finishes the spin with a low roundhouse kick to the rear of Echo One's knees, taking them out from under him.

River steps back, sword at the ready.

RIVER: You might want to re-think your strategy.

ECHO ONE (slowly standing, in obvious pain): Even if you win this battle, where do you think you'll go? You'll never get off this ship.

RIVER: Let me worry about that.

Echo One swings at River’s head. His baton is blocked, and he swifly drops into a crouch, swinging at River’s knees. With a flick of her feet, River leaps over the baton, leaning her body toward Echo one and slamming the butt of her sword onto the top of his head. She continues into a forward flip, landing gracefully on the other side.

Echo One starts to stand, but stumbles, taking a knee. River stands, her back to Echo One, sword hanging by her side.

INT. PALADIN - HALL

Madsen marches purposefully down the hall, drawing a pistol from its holster. He checks the clip and chambers a round. He rounds a corner to find Bravo Team just coming