INT. ALLIANCE PATROL BOAT – BRIDGE – SPACE

Wallace approaches Chien.

WALLACE

None of the blockade ships report contact. It’s possible that they managed to make it out of the system undetected…

CHIEN

But more likely that they’re still here.

WALLACE

Apparently a number of the moons here were once used as hideouts for pirates, smugglers and the like.

CHIEN

(philosophically)

If that’s true, they could hide for weeks. Or months.

(beat)

Have we received the support I requested?

WALLACE

(nods)

Captain Pennington is still requisitioning the majority of the forces for the Carousel.

Chien looks away, out the window.

CHIEN

Do you think they’re hiding on one of the moons?

WALLACE

That’s where I’d be, sir.

CHIEN

Good instincts, Wallace. Select the three likeliest locations and send a gunship to each for recon.

Wallace nods, but doesn’t leave.

CHIEN (cont’d)

Something else, Wallace?

WALLACE

Sir, I was reviewing our orders. We’re to capture this vessel intact and quarantine the crew?

CHIEN

Yes. That will make it more difficult, won’t it?

WALLACE

I have an idea, sir.

Chien turns, eyebrow raised in curiosity.

EXT. ZOE’S MOON – FAR SHORE – SUNSET

Simon and Kaylee part, coming up for air. Simon takes a step away and turns toward the ocean.

KAYLEE

(breathless and smiling)

Simon…

SIMON

I’m sorry.

KAYLEE

What?

SIMON

I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry. It’s just… The beach and the sunset, and you looked so beautiful—

KAYLEE

Simon?

He finally turns to look at her.

SIMON

Kaylee, I’m sorry. I have responsibilities. River… I can’t… I shouldn’t…

(beat)

Sun’s setting. We should go.

He heads back to the shuttle.

Kaylee watches him go, somewhere between stunned and angry.

INT. SHUTTLE – SUNSET

Wash and Zoe lie on the floor, looking tired and sated. When there’s a knock on the door, Wash yelps in surprise and they both sit up.

SIMON (OS)

(muffled, through door)

Zoe?