They have just started to work on plans on how to spread their newfound knowledge when River makes a startling announcement; “I have decided to stay on Earth. I want to learn more of the galactic civilization. I also think I can be of more help to the rest of you from here, as I can study Blue Sun minds to discover details of their organization and feed Serenity data about their plans while staying perfectly safe.”

No amount of discussion can dissuade her, and she eventually convinces them that she can be of great value.

But as they plan, suddenly their chance for an organized passage home disappears! As they sit around the dining table, a shadow appears through the windows above them…

Mal looks up incredulously; “ How shi sung chung! (Now here’s a happy development!) There’s a huge cruiser overhead – and it’s wearing Blue Sun decals!”

No one’s sure if Simon is serious as he asks; “What are they up to?”

Simon may have questions, but Zoë doesn’t. “I don’t know exactly, but I’m pretty sure it’s not a welcoming committee.”

Mal’s more concerned about what he is going to do. “It’s about a half hour to dark. Let’s sit tight, then it’ll be time for River, Jan, and whoever else is staying on Earth to get off, and we’ll make a run for it!”

But Jan’s answer is a surprise; “I want to come with you. What you’re planning is for a good cause, and life here is tedious. I need adventure. And with River leaving, you’re short a pilot.”

Zoë adds some reality; “Be careful what you ask for. We’re probably lookin’ at more ‘adventure’ than you can imagine.”

But it turns out Jan is just as adamant as River was, and he's soon convinced Mal that he's serious. Inara says "There must be something in that pilot's seat."

Mal’s plan to get off Earth takes a combination of old and new tech; “Kaylee, set up the old drive – we need to light out quick – and we don’t want to be seen, so get whatever cloaking we’ve got ready to go. But don’t fire it up until we lift off. I want it all to be a surprise.”