INT. PALADIN – BRIDGE

A tech turns to Madsen who stands on the middle level reading an electronic clipboard.

TECH: The investigators are aboard sir, plus one suspect.

MADSEN: Excellent. Set course for Londinium so that we might off-load this fresh load of refuse.

The view screens show Sihnon’s horizon disappear from their lower halves. There is the slightest tremble on the bridge as the ship powers up to break atmo.

EXT. PALADIN

Swing view to rear of Paladin to reveal five tremendous thrusters firing up, propelling the ship skyward.

INT. PALADIN – BRIG ENTRANCE

Kaylee assists Mal as before while Simon and Inara attempt to drag Jayne. Zoe trudges along, coughing raggedly. They are being led at the end of five rifles back into the Brig. Kayner and Jaxx are picking themselves up off the floor, shaking their heads. One of the new troops, Pinteray, scoffs.

PINTERAY: Heroes of the Allied planets you boys sure as shit ain’t. Lemme guess, the women-folk kicked yer pee-goos?

They guide the crew back to their cells. Kaylee assists Mal into Cell One. Inara and Simon dump Jayne in Cell Two, then Simon is led into the next cell with Zoe. The cell doors slide closed.

JAXX (nursing his bleeding nose): If a one o’ you asks to use the john, I’m gonna shoot you in the gorram knees.

INT. PALADIN – HALLWAY

Paul jogs down the hall with the troops flanking him. His expression is stone-cold, purposeful.

INT. SERENITY – CARGO BAY

River is suspended from the crane cable above the airlock, one of her pistols in hand.

CU River’s face.

PAUL (VO mind): RIVER!

River’s eyes widen and she nearly drops her pistol.

PAUL (VO mind): River, can you hear me?

RIVER (VO mind): Sifu!

PAUL (VO mind): River, if you can hear me, I need your help. Shut up, you coward! River... River...

INT. PALADIN – HALLWAY

Paul is still jogging ahead of the troops, expressionless.

INT. SERENITY – CARGO BAY

River places both hands on her temples, obviously concentrating.

RIVER (VO mind): Sifu, I’m here.

PAUL (VO mind): Praise Buddha. I need your help. He’s too powerful. I don’t know where he came from. This isn’t me.

RIVER (VO mind): I know. You have to fight.

PAUL (VO mind): Shut up! Get out of my head!

RIVER (VO mind): Paul, you’re stronger than he is. Take my hand.

PAUL (VO mind): I’m trying... Get away from her!

RIVER (VO mind): Just take my hand. We’ll beat him with love, with peace. He hates those things.

PAUL (VO mind): You can’t beat me. I am what I am supposed to be. You're nothing. Now get out of my HEAD!

River winces at the outburst, but visibly increases her effort.

RIVER (VO mind): I won’t let him keep you buried, Paul. You’re the stronger one. The gentler one. Don’t let go. I’ve got you. Now LOVE!

INT. PALADIN – HALLWAY

Paul’s pace is the same, but a drop of blood can be seen creeping from his nose. His forehead is deeply creased.

He and the troops turn one last corner, the large doors leading into the hangar come into view.

INT. SERENITY – CARGO BAY

River still hangs from the crane cable. Her eyes are squeezed shut, her forehead creased.

PAUL (VO mind): Almost there... No! You’re weak! You’re nothing! I am my future!

RIVER (VO mind): I’ve got you. You’re almost there. You nearly have him quelled. He's an angry child, nothing more. You're almost there. Just keep loving. Dream of peace. Dream of puppies. Dream of oceans.

PAUL (VO mind): Almost... there... You son of a bitch! I won’t let you take back... no, no, no!

Silence.

River relaxes, her body almost limp except for her legs which keep her held to the cable.

Click to go to Ch. 45

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