LOST CONVERSATIONS XX

1. WHERE SIMON ENTERS THE ALLIANCE FACILITY TO RESCUE RIVER SOMETIME BEFORE “Serenity”

EXT. SKY - DAY

A small shuttle approaches an island in the distance. Close on shuttle to window. Focus on Simon, dressed in the uniform of an Alliance official, looking out the window.

EXT. ISLAND - DAY

The shuttle lands on an open landing space near a series of buildings. Several armed guards approach as the door opens and Simon steps out. He gets a worried look and then sees Dr. Mathias approaching hand out.

DR. MATHIAS

Welcome to Athenian Island, sir.

They shake hands.

SIMON

Thank you, Dr. Mathias.

DR. MATHIAS

I’m sorry, sir, but I must see your identification. You understand.

Simon reaches into a pocket and pulls out a plastic ID card.

SIMON

Of course. Security is of paramount importance.

He hands the card to a guard who puts it in a scanner device. Simon looks a little nervous. After a second the guard nods and hands the card back to Simon.

DR. MATHIAS

This way, please.

INT. ELEVATOR

Simon and Dr. Mathias ride down an elevator and we get the feeling they are going down many floors.

INT. GYM

Simon and Dr. Mathias stand near a door in this large gym like room. Many young people, River’s age, are here, some exercising, others practicing martial arts, including sword play and other hand weapons. They wear similar clothes, t-shirts and shorts, light blue in color. Several older men and women are instructing them. Simon’s eyes are everywhere looking for someone but she isn’t here.

DR. MATHIAS

This is one of our combat training facilities where the subjects learn hand to hand combat before they are sent into the field.

SIMON

What other training do they receive?

DR. MATHIAS

When they are ready, firearms use, scouting and intelligence gathering, communications and computer systems, operation of basic land, water, air, and space craft, language training for some. We are also hoping to have some trained in seduction but that is not yet possible.

SIMON

And the subjects, have they t