EXT: Space

SERENITY enters screen from right to left. As it passes camera, we turn with it, and then zoom into:

INT: INARA’s Shuttle

INARA is packing her things, picking up several items and looking at them with obvious nostalgia before putting them in the luggage. The last thing she picks up is a sword, the same one MAL used in ‘a high handed attempt to defend her honor’. Behind her, MAL enters, as usual, unannounced, but stops once he sees what she’s holding. He pauses for a moment, not sure what to do, then backs out and knocks.

INARA: [startled] Just a second. [she hurriedly puts away the sword, then turns towards the door] Come in.

MAL: [doing so] Wash says we’ll be coming up on Persephone in not too long. [looking pointedly at luggage] You...all ready?

INARA: Yes, thank you, captain.

MAL: Well, I just can’t help but wonder one thing. If you’ll be leaving us so soon, then why did I find this month’s rent by my door, which might not have been the wisest choice, considering Jayne’s philosophy on ownership, and I’m not too terribly sure how the Shepherd would have fared, tempting as it looked?

INARA: I shan’t be able to leave as quickly as I had hoped. Hopefully, you won’t mind me taking a few days to prepare. There are certain affairs that need attending to first. Finding a place of residence, searching for a client base...

MAL: Telling the crew.

INARA: [quietly] Yes.

MAL: [with rising anger] Be sure you do. I don’t want you sneaking off with out so much as a word. That’s ho- [he pauses, catching himself] That ain’t right.

INARA: Mal...I’ll tell them.

MAL: Good. [doesn’t leave] Well...I’ve got...things that need to be...thinged.

As he leaves INARA smiles sadly to herself at his foolishness. Cut to:

INT: CATWALK ABOVE CARGO BAY

Outside the shuttle, on the catwalk above the cargo bay, MAL leans on the wall next to the companion’s shuttle door. While he’s there with his head against the cold metal, eyes closed in thought, he doesn’t notice KAYLEE come up.

KAYLEE: