EXT. ZOE’S MOON – NIGHT

Serenity flies over the ocean, driving up, higher and higher, pursued by an ALLIANCE GUNSHIP. The gunship’s fire appears to be directed more toward near-misses than hits.

INT. SERENITY – COCKPIT – SAME TIME

Wash is at the controls, Zoe and Mal behind him.

WASH

They haven’t hit us yet. That’s a good thing.

ZOE

They’re herding us.

EXT. ZOE’S MOON – NIGHT

In the distance, two more gunships join the first. With three of them firing, Serenity’s mobility is seriously impaired.

INT. SERENITY – GALLEY – NIGHT

Kaylee, Simon, Inara, and Book quickly clear the kitchen table while the deck rolls under them. River is still sitting, sort of in the middle of things, and Jayne stands near the forward entrance, looking around nervously.

BOOK

Best we get this all away as quickly as possible.

Simon, a plate of food in his hand, approaches Kaylee.

SIMON

Kaylee, I—

She doesn’t look up, just steps around him.

The ship shudders. Plates and cups skitter on the table. Everyone reaches for something to steady themselves.

JAYNE

(nervous)

What was that? We get hit?

BOOK

Don’t think so, son.

KAYLEE

Just breakin’ atmo, I think.

EXT. SPACE

Serenity sails through the black, leaving the blue orb of Zoe’s Moon behind. The three gunships follow, bracketing it in, driving it in a particular direction.

INT. SERENITY – COCKPIT – SAME TIME

Mal leans anxiously over Wash’s shoulder.

WASH

Back off. I need a little more room to maneuver.

EXT. SPACE – SAME TIME

Serenity pulls away from the gunships. As it does, an Alliance patrol boat sweeps in from the right.

INT. ALLIANCE PATROL BOAT – BRIDGE – SAME TIME

Chien looks at Serenity’s flank as his ship approaches. Wallace is not on the bridge.

CHIEN

Steady. Just close enough to rattle them.

(beat)

Wallace?

WALLACE (OS)

(via the comm)

On the way, sir.

INT. SERENITY – COCKPIT – SAME TIME

Wash sits calmly, steering the ship, Mal and Zoe st