The posse was at least fifty men strong, and they barged into the yard on horses and hovercrafts, weapons a-blazing. They weren't targeting the house but the thugs attacking it, and they soon had them surrounded and hurdled together like sheep. Those who tried to escape were pursued and easily apprehended, those who were stupid enough to fight back were efficiently killed or wounded. The whole thing was over in a matter of minutes, and then the sounds of battle died away.

Mal had been watching through the windows, and now he staggered to his feet, gently swatting at Simon's fussing hands, and made his way towards the door. Before he could reach it though, someone called out from the other side. "Don't shoot, we're friends!"

"Same to you," Mal shouted back, but didn't lower his gun.

"Radiant, you and yours alright?" the person at the other side of the door continued.

Radiant finally let go of Mattie's arm, then rose and straightened out her clothes before making her way to the door. Mal and Zoë followed her, at least pretending to be ready for more trouble, but when she unlocked and opened it, it was clear that the fight was indeed over. She stepped outside, acknowledging the man who'd called for her with a nod. He looked relieved to see her, albeit a little ashamed.

Before neither could speak a word, Jayne came rushing down the stairs. "Gorramit!" he yelled, barging his way out of the door, pushing away both Mal and Zoë in the process. "Don' let him get away!"

"He won't get far," the man insisted. "He's got nowhere to run."

Jo came too; she was limping a little and clutching her side with a bloodstained hand, but her eyes were at least as determined as her brother's and she bore them into the men. "'Bout time you grew a backbone," she said, but the tone in her voice told them she wasn't totally ungrateful for their intervention.

Mal leaned against th