LOST CONVERSATIONS X

1. WHERE ZOE, JAYNE AND BOOK SECURE THE UNCONSCIOUS DOBSON IN “Serenity”

INT. CARGO BAY

Simon and Mal pick up the injured Kaylee and move toward the infirmary as Inara leads the way.

Zoe stands guard over the unconscious Dobson as Book stands nearby.

ZOE

Who knocked him out?

JAYNE (O.S.)

Shepherd did. Got a mean right jab.

Book doesn’t even look at him as Jayne approaches with a roll of duct tape.

ZOE

Shepherd? What happened?

Jayne bends to secure Dobson’s hands as Book talks.

BOOK

I heard the Captain and Doctor Tam arguing. He seemed to be accusing the Doctor of being a Federal agent. When I entered the cargo bay, I notice Dobson standing on the stairway with a pistol. (beat) He’s a lawman.

Jayne and Zoe look at each other in surprise.

JAYNE

A what? A lawman? No ruttin’ way.

ZOE

Did he say he was?

BOOK

He told the Doctor he was bound by law, so I assumed he was. He did not deny it when both the Doctor and I called him lawman. Said the cruiser was en route. He had called them.

ZOE

The Doctor? Bound by law?

BOOK

Yes.

JAYNE

What the hell for?

BOOK

We didn’t get into the details before you and Kaylee entered and he...panicked.

A beat of silence. Book looks toward the infirmary. He closes his eyes and says a silent prayer. Zoe and Jayne say nothing, their expressions full of worry and then hate as they look at Dobson.

ZOE

Pick him up. Let’s put him in a passenger room for now.

Jayne doesn’t like this.

JAYNE

Airlock’s good enough for likes of him.

ZOE

Jayne, you ain’t in command of this boat. Till we know the truth he stays alive.

Jayne gives a snort of disgust and moves to pick up Dobson.

JAYNE

Led a hand here, Shepherd.

Book bends and helps Jayne pick him up. Dobson gives a small groan. They start to drag him to the passenger dorm.

INT. PASSENGER LOUNGE

They struggle with Dobson over the stairs and past the infirmary. Simon doesn’t even look as he fights to save Kaylee’s life. Inara and Mal take notice. Zoe stops by the door. Mal’s face is a mask of w