LOST CONVERSATION XII

1. WHERE THE ALLIANCE OFFICER LETS SERENITY AND THE CREW GO FREE IN “Bushwhacked”

INT. SERENITY, DINING AREA

The derelict’s survivor that turned into a Reaver lies dead at Mal’s feet. Mal looks at the shocked Harken.

MAL

Now you believe me?

Harken doesn’t move. One soldier moves to help Harken as the other talks into a mic.

SOLDIER 1

Sir? You OK, sir?

SOLDIER 2

(shaken, into mic)

Back up! Need back up in the Firefly! Get a med team here now! Upper level!

He then moves to the soldier with the slashed throat.

MAL

He’s dead.

Soldier 2 checks and then looks back at Mal and to Harken.

SOLDIER 2

He’s dead, sir.

Harken starts to get to his feet, straightens his uniform.

HARKEN

(terse)

Thank you...Captain Reynolds.

MAL

(sarcastic)

Always glad to do a favor for the Alliance.

(indicating handcuffs)

Be much obliged.

Harken nods his head to the soldier, who moves to take off the cuffs.

MAL (CONT’D)

So, now what?

HARKEN

It appears you we’re perhaps telling the truth about the Reavers.

MAL

Guess you can see that for yourself.

Mal moves farther into the dining room, stepping aside the dead Reaver and soldier.

Running footsteps come and more soldiers and medical personnel enter from the fore hall, stopping, seeing the carnage. Mal turns in surprise but they seem not to have found Simon or River.

HARKEN

(to his people)

Remove the bodies. Return to the ship.

They set to the task. Someone looks at Harken’s face, cleans the blood from it.

MAL

And my crew and ship?

INT. CARGO BAY

An Alliance soldier takes the crates they took off the derelict back through the air lock as all the crew stand looking at Harken, standing with two more soldiers.

HARKEN

You are free to go, Captain. My report will indicate your attempt to save that man.

MAL

And that’s it?

HARKEN

That cargo is Alliance property now. Be thankful I am only taking it and not you and your ship, also. Good-day.

With that he turns and his men follow. Mal steps up and closes the door.

KAYLEE

(worried)