EXT. TALLTREE TOWN— COURTYARD – DAY – CONTINUOUS

Zoe puts her hand on Mal’s arm so quickly that no one appears to see him reach for his gun.

ZOE

Not now, Mal. Another time.

By now, Cariss has approached them.

CARISS

Ah, Captain Reynolds! Welcome to Talltree. I’m glad you were able to land without difficultly.

Cariss shakes hands with Mal, who looks queasy as they do so. Zoe watches the interchange, arms crossed.

MAL

No thanks to you!

CARISS

Yes, well… Unfortunate.

MAL

I’d call it a damned sight more than unfortunate!

Cariss smiles and claps Mal on the shoulder.

CARISS

Please, let’s not dwell on the past. You have our grain, and we have your coin. Let’s finish our business, why don’t we?

Mal waves to the skiff, where the three guards are unloading the barrels with difficulty.

MAL

Rest is yours when I get my coin and my parts.

INT. SERENITY – ENGINE ROOM – DAY

Kaylee, sweaty and smudged, works noisily, loosening an engine part.

KAYLEE

Gorram piece of—

SIMON (OS)

Is there anything I can do to help?

Kaylee looks up, a bit startled. Simon’s in the doorway.

SIMON (cont’d)

Sorry, I was just—

Kaylee leans down on the part and it SNAPS off in her hands, sending some fragments and oil flying at Simon.

KAYLEE

Sorry!

(beat)

Need something?

SIMON

I… I just came to see how you were.

KAYLEE

(dismissive, returning to work)

I’m fine.

SIMON

And to apologize for—

She doesn’t look up.

KAYLEE

Gorrammit, Simon, there’s nothing to apologize for. I ain’t a blushin’ flower.

(quiet)

Not that you’d pick me if I was…

SIMON

What are you working on?

KAYLEE

Jammed-up engine parts.

SIMON

Jammed up? That doesn’t sound good.

Kaylee gives him a “not amused” look, then quickly returns to her work.

SIMON (cont’d)

I mean, it can be fixed, though, can’t it?

He moves forward, starting to crouch down to help.

KAYLEE

I can fix it on my own just fine!

She yank