ACT II

FADE UP TO: EXT. SERENITY , at station-keeping some distance from the skyplex.

CUT TO: INT. SERENITY , where Inara and River are looking out of the cockpit windows for any sign of Shuttle II.

River : They’re overdue.

Inara : It isn’t time to worry yet. The passenger didn’t give a definite time, I gather.

River : Something’s wrong. They haven’t called. Hide and seek.

Inara : Well, whatever they’re playing at, I hope they’re having fun.

River (with a look of foreboding) : They’re not...

CUT TO: EZRA’S UPPER ATMOSPHERE - Shuttle II is beginning to skim the atmosphere. She briefly ascends, then descends again - skipping as Jayne suggested in Act I.

Mal (cheery) : Lookin’ good, people! We’re almost slowed enough to try re-entry!

Zoe (doubtfully) : Sir, I don’t like the look of our hull temperature.

Mal (nonchalant) : So we’re gettin’ hot. Bound to. She can take it.

Zoe’s look says she’s not so sure. Mal’s talking more to hear himself than to seriously reassure them, and she knows it. Pragmatic as ever, though, she drops the matter.

Kaylee (tactfully) : Maybe a little shallower, cap’n? Hull’s still tight, there’s no rush.

Mal : Makes sense. (Zoe throws Kaylee a look, i.e. ‘What the hell? He listens to you, but not me?’ Kaylee answers with a shrug) Okay, apply a li’l trim here...

He fires thrusters; the shuttle responds by tilting her nose up a little. The inferno raging outside the hull eases off a bit. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief as the internal temperature drops somewhat.

Mal : What’d you reckon, Mach 12 or thereabouts?

Zoe : Be happier with 10, sir. These things ain’t gliders.

Mal : Least we got power.

Zoe : With everythin' else that's gone wrong, you just had to go an’ say that, didn’t you, sir?

Mal : Huh? (Then he loses attitude control!) Whoa! Kaylee?!

Kaylee unfastens her harness and is thrown to th