INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE

Everyone still occupies the Bridge, staring intently at the speaker. Kaylee is impatiently tapping her foot.

KAYLEE: What are they doing?

Simon puts an arm around her and pulls her close.

CAPTAIN (VO radio): Command, this is Paladin. Operation complete. However, there has been a new development. We have one Malcolm Reynolds in custody.

Everyone’s eyes widen as they stare in disbelief at the speaker. Simon’s head drops. Kaylee whispers what sounds like “no.” Jayne snorts. Inara’s eyes well up. River looks down into her lap. Zoe closes her eyes a beat.

Paul is the only one looking calm and unaffected.

VO RADIO: Copy, Paladin. Excellent catch.

CAPTAIN (VO radio): Permission to remain on site to investigate his activities.

VO RADIO: Granted, Paladin. You have twenty-four hours to investigate. Full Command Authority.

CAPTAIN (VO radio): Copy, Command. We’ll begin immediately. Paladin out.

The Bridge is whisper quiet for several seconds.

INARA: “Full command authority?”

PAUL: It’s a pleasant way of saying, “by whatever means necessary.” They have authorization to tear the Comm. Plex apart and use whatever methods they deem appropriate in questioning the Captain.

INT. PALADIN - BRIG

Mal sits in a stark stainless steel cell, staring dejectedly through the heavy gauge bars, his ankle shackled to a leg of the wall-mounted cot. A guard stands on either side of its entrance.

Madsen enters the Brig and walks directly to Mal’s cell.

MADSEN (disdainfully): The infamous Malcolm Reynolds. You must have the biggest pair I’ve ever seen.

Mal crosses his arms and stares straight ahead. Madsen places both hands on the bars and leans his face close.

MADSEN: We have twenty-three hours and fifty-four minutes to disassemble the Comm. Plex and question all those you came into contact with. The time we have to get to know you is far greater.

MAL: I’ve heard that before. Once you get past the shallow exterior, there ain’t much to know.

MADSEN: I’m sure there are a few helpful details to be gleaned from that less than complex psyche of yours. Now I’m going to attempt the civilized approach first, just for appearances’ sake.

MAL: Which must be maintained at all cost.

MADSEN: Explain to me in intricate detail what it was you were doing within Comm. Plex Nine.

MAL: Makin' use of the head. You fellas have the nicest johns.

MADSEN (smiling darkly): I was hoping you wouldn’t opt for the easy road.

MAL: Wouldn't even know how.

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