INT. PALADIN - HALL ADJ. TO HANGAR

Paul is dressed in a radiation suit with the hood hanging behind his back, working on the hangar entry panel, punching in codes and algorithms.

A pair of pilots round the corner and spot Paul working on the panel. They walk up, helmets in hand, curious expressions on their faces.

PILOT ONE: We heard there was a problem in the hangar. What’s…?

Paul drives a side-kick into Pilot One’s abdomen without looking up from his work. The man folds and drops to his knees, expelling a small amount of vomit. Paul fires a hook kick across Pilot Two’s jaw, the thick boot from the rad. suit jarring his head sharply to the left and spinning his body to the ground. Both men are still conscious.

PAUL: In a moment, this door is going to rise, allowing Radion emissions to seep into this hall. I suggest you two grab that dolly around the next corner and push it as far away as you can manage.

The men shakily climb to their feet. Paul points down the hall. They limp away, concerned looks between them.

Paul continues working on the panel. With a nod of satisfaction, a familiar green glow returns to the panel. Paul presses another button and the heavy door begins to rise.

INT. PALADIN - BRIDGE

The tech slams both hands down on his panel.

TECH: Sir, someone's broken the encryption! They’re opening the aft Hangar door.

MADSEN: Shame. How we looking, Powell?

POWELL (typing furiously): Twenty-five seconds.

Madsen nods.

MADSEN: Now, the only two places the exterior bay doors can be opened are Hangar Observation and here, by your voice command. So, (cocks his pistol) release Serenity.

GIBSON: No.

INT. PALADIN - HALL ADJ. TO HANGAR

Paul hits the panel again, halting the door once it’s a foot open. He flips his hood closed then jumps up and presses himself into the upper corner, digging his boots into the wall to support himself.

INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE

River flips a couple more switches, maneuvering the yoke at an