THE ART OF WAR

TEASER

INT. SERENITY - MAL'S QUARTER'S

Mal is talking on his video telephone to Badger

MAL We need a job Badger

BADGER Ain't much I can do Ya know... Business is getting tight People don't wanna know anythin anymore

MAL There must be something

BADGER Well maybe... Wait a moment I'll check (beat) There is a smallish smuggling job going On Beaumonde?

MAL Beaumonde? Isn't that Fanty and Mingo's turf?

BADGER That it is, but if your smart you'll get around That minor inconvenience

MAL We'll take it, if that's All that's available

BADGER Tis upto you... all ya need do is Get there and then head for the Rowdy Bull Bar You'll get more instruction there

MAL What will they look like?

BADGER How would I know? They are most likely human... But enough chatter, I do you too much good

MAL That you do

INT. SERENITY - SIMON'S CREW CHAMBERS - NIGHT

SIMON is viewing his encyclopedia, still not sure about what actually happened at Serenity Valley. Looking up the term Serenity the words Serenity Valley appear. Almost "Hitchhikers Guide" Style the book starts reading:

ENCYLOPEDIA Serenity Valley, not many go there out of choice these days. The only real patrons are those that haunt every nook and cranny, singing their songs of sorrow. Not that any body hears them any more; those days are long gone. Only dark memories, only blackness remains. The sounds of laughing and children playing are only in the minds of the rocks, as they wish that they too had never been created. This land long since desecrated only serves as a bitter reminder of what could have been, what should have been; what is.

SIMON Lao-tyen boo!

RIVER (OS) what are you doing?

SIMON (surprised by her) I'm doing research

RIVER Why? you're not in school any more.

SIMON (laughs) No, no I'm not

RIVER then why?

SIMON Because some things need to be known

RIVER Not all things, Many should have been left behind But they had to look for it And now they are frightened

SIMON (hoping to get some answers) Who's they River? The Crew? The Alliance? Who?

RIVER Some things are best left unknown Ignorance is joy, You can use it to your advantage Then its gone And they don't likes that

ACT 1

EXT. PLANET BEAUMONDE - OUTSIDE VIEW OF SERENITY SHIP -EARLY MORNING

It is a cold winter's morning on the planet Beaumonde. Mist rises from the ground like a pale ghost, as rain threatens with a bit here and there. Wash looks out of the cockpit as he brings Serenity to a rest on the hard ground.

INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - MORNING

MALCOLM Nice to have a "normal" landing for a change

WASH Would you rather that I crashed, made us all go ouch and then burn into little pieces, cause I do offer that as an extra with my normal services as pilot; for a small fee

WASH plays with random switches and dials

ZOE (OS) Always a pleasure to see when two young'ins fight

ZOE walks over to where WASH is

MAL And who exactly asked you in here?

ZOE Why you did

MAL Did I?

WASH Well not exactly you Cap', as much as I mean I did...

MAL Da-bian-hua...

ZOE Of course

MAL Glad we see eye to eye

ZOE Shouldn't we be doing business sir?

WASH Good point, very valid in such situations; wouldn't want the crew getting too informal now would we? (beat) Some like to be paid...

ZOE Jen duh sh tyen tsai

MAL You two get more fun every day (in COM) Jayne get the mule ready, we're going for a ride

INT. SERENITY - LOUNGE AREA - DAY

SIMON sits on one of the chairs still reading

JAYNE (OS) Come on Doc, we got us some shore leave

JAYNE bustles through

SIMON Me? Shore leave? Surely it isn't safe

JAYNE With you, it ain't never safe... now you comin or not?

SIMON I guess so, where's River?

SIMON stands collecting his things

JAYNE Damned if I know...

INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY

Jayne carries on through to the loading bay where the new 'mule' is waiting, no longer a quad bike it has now been reinvented as a hover-craft. Shepherd Book is already there, waiting for the rest of the crew to make themselves available. Jayne is carrying a few, what he'd consider, minor sidearms with which he places them in a back compartment on the mule; he's also wearing the hat from 'The Message'.

JAYNE Good to see your'a comin too Shepherd

BOOK Only doing my duty

MAL (OS) and what's that? Your duty that is...

MAL walks in shaking head

BOOK Tending to the flock (beat)

MAL Very commendable, as long as it ain't me

Mal also throws some extra firepower onto the mule

BOOK I never suggested such a thing Malcolm

MAL Good, lets keep it that way. (in COM) Wash? WASH Yes boss?

Wash walks up from behind, Mal jumps

MAL Has Inara left yet?

WASH Only if you count the fact that her shuttle isn't here any more

MAL Thanks Wash

WASH Only being of service; beep beep be deep beep bo

MAL Wash

WASH Yea

MAL You're making silly noises

WASH Yea, it's another one of those extra services I was talking about; which I like to get paid for...

JAYNE Now we got us two crazy monkeys

MAL God knows...

Kaylee and Simon walk in; River is not far behind though she is not paying attention to anything in particular. Simon has put on the original garb he wore when he first came on board SERENITY (NB episode: Serenity (pilot))

KAYLEE God knows what cap?

MAL Whether or not we are all insane

SIMON (promptly) I know...

JAYNE No one was asking you

RIVER To hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear

EVERYONE stops and looks at River who has gone back to ignoring everyone and everything

JAYNE Well thank God she's completely sane

INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY DOORS - DAY

There is a loud hiss as the large cargo door is opened to reveal what little reminder of what had been a cold winter's evening. The sun shines through determined not to let this get it down and it is turning out to be somewhat of a decent looking day. Mal walks to the edge of the Cargo bay looking out.

MAL What can go wrong?

KAYLEE Cap

MAL Yes Kaylee?

KAYLEE Mule weren't designed to carry so many people, five at the most, but nine...

Mal flashes Kaylee a look that reads 'not now'

MAL (Mutters, copying Kaylee's mannerism) Many things weren't designed for their purposes, Look at them now...

The crew clambers aboard the mule and Zoe drives the mule out the doors

EXT. PLANET SURFACE - OUTSIDE OF SERENITY - DAY

Mule flies off into distance, noticeably lower than is recommended due to the fact that there is nine people on board.

EXT. BEAUMONDE CAPITAL CITY - MAIN STREET - AFTERNOON

The mule flies into Main Street where there are crowds of people going about their everyday shopping. It stops and Mal is the first to clamber off. Jayne has fallen asleep; everyone ignores him.

MAL We all know why we're here. So let's get what we need...

KAYLEE How bout that new catalyzer you promised me Cap? Am I allowed to get that?

MAL Everything but that...

KAYLEE But Mal if it don't get fixed we could Have a repeat of last time

MAL We'll have to take that chance... Wash, go and get fuel... lots of it... Zoe you go with Wash... Simon and River (beat) mingle... I'm off to get us a job; where's that bar...

WASH How exactly do you intend me to pay for this fuel? I have a few extra-unused buttons in a draw somewhere...

JAYNE (waking up) Huh... did I hear someone say bar?

MAL And I get the ugly one... Da-bian-hua...

The crew all disperse going their separate ways, Kaylee decides to tag along with Simon and River who go window-shopping.

EXT. GOVERNMENT ESTATE - FRONT DOOR - LATE AFTERNOON

GOVT. OFFICIAL Inara, glad you could make it (beat) I have been waiting for some time for such a visit

INARA I'm honoured to have come, Lord Melvin. Your request was by far the best I've seen in a long time...

Lord Melvin is a tall man, muscular but not fit, resembles Malcolm in an uncanny way through his mannerisms, for he too fought at the battle of SERENITY VALLEY; except he was on the winning side, not that any of the crew of SERENITY knows this. His estate reflects the spoils that he has won and how the ALLIANCE has repaid his service.

LORD MELVIN (flustered for a second, but then gains composure) Well... I mean... the honour is all mine. (beat) But where are my manners, come in... come in...

INARA Certainly

INT. THE ROWDY BULL - BAR - DUSK

MAL and JAYNE sit at a small table off to the side, the bar is crowded.

JAYNE Gorrang Lan-dan Jiang!

MAL Now remember Jayne, we're not just here to drink... (takes a bite of his food to discover its off) Je shr shuh muh lan dong shi? (after a moment of reprise he collects his thoughts) We're here to get us a job, so that we can eat GOOD food amongst other things...

JAYNE (getting a little tipsy) As long as there's alcohol I don't care

MAL Wash certainly does...

Nishka appears from out of the crowd

NISHKA As do I Captain Reynolds...

MAL Juh jen sh guh kwai luh duh jean jan < This really is a happy day>

EXT. MAIN SHOPPING COMPLEX ON BEAUMONDE - DUSK

Kaylee, River and Simon are all wondering around looking at different shops

SIMON That one looks nice

He points out a dress to River

SIMON (cont) It would suit you River... River?

Looking around both Kaylee and River have disappeared.

SIMON (cont) (a mite concerned) Kaylee? Any one?

INT. MAIN SHOPPING COMPLEX ON BEAUMONDE - INSIDE STORE - DUSK

KAYLEE See, this dress would look Mighty perfect on you

RIVER I'm not sure...

KAYLEE Why not? Every girl Deserves her own dress... And this one is shiny

RIVER He's here...

KAYLEE Who?

RIVER (Looking around, maybe for an escape route) The skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; and he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.

KAYLEE What? Now that just makes no sense...

SIMON (OS) That's where you two got to... you scared the living daylights out of me

KAYLEE Over here Simon... River is saying things that are just not making any sense

RIVER (becoming more and more restless) He'll come for us all...

SIMON (trying to comfort River) It's alright, no one is going to harm us, River look at me.

River nods in acknowledgment although she would rather be some place else

SIMON (cont) I think we should leave

KAYLEE I agree...

Out on Simon guiding them out of the store.

INT. THE ROWDY BULL - BAR - DUSK

MAL Well I never thought I'd see you here

NISHKA That is the, how you say? Beauty of this... You see, I've come to finish What you didn't...

Nishka signals and some men push their way over.

NISHKA (Cont) You see... I've come to Prove that I am fact... And you (points at Mal) how you say? Gossip...

MAL Well... that's a touching story Ever thought about making a stage play?

JAYNE (totally gone by now) Hey were'd this short fella come from... He's mighty talkative

MAL You'd think so, but get him in a room And he gets mighty quiet

NISHKA Enough with the talking. You (points at Mal again) come with me... the other will stay... for now...

Mal reaches for his Gun

NISHKA (cont) Ah, I think you are smarter then that Mr. Reynolds, are you not? Guns only complicate the matter... You see I already won, (nods to minions) and now you come... Whether you want to or not

Mal rises placing gun on the table

MAL Well that makes a nice change. I don't know anyone that'd Want to go willingly... If I find them I'll Direct them to you... but you have such Nice glasses, don't you think Jayne...

NISHKA Enough with the pleasantries I tire of all this waiting Finally we will meet the real Malcolm Reynolds and this time there will be no mistakes... (beat) Take him...

MAL Do I get a say in this?

NISHKA How do you say it in your tongue? No...

JAYNE (Noticing that Mal is leaving) C'ya cap, I'm gonna sleep here for a while... (passes out)

EXT. SERNITY CARGO BAY DOORS - NIGHT

Simon, Kaylee and River return to the ship. Wash and Zoe have already returned and are unloading the merchandise off of the mule.

ZOE (sees them coming) Welcome back strangers

KAYLEE Well we wouldn't be back so fast If River hadn't had one of her Moments... she started saying All kinds of things

SIMON I think it was just another Attack of paranoia, they are getting More frequent again, Ever since Jubal Early...

WASH She did become a ship... Or am I the only one that remembers that?

ZOE That was all part of the plan though, Remember hon

WASH So when do I get to become the rich and prosperous husband? I hear they're mighty rare to find

RIVER Where's Shepherd? He's hiding. Maybe I'll find him Then he won't be lost

Shepherd walks into view

BOOK Hello all, how goes the plundering?

WASH (turns to Zoe) We do that now? I thought that was just a perk

Zoe gives him a look

BOOK I was only being figurative So really, how's everything?

WASH Well except for all the nasty bruising I'm going to have after lifting all this gorram fuel... Good!

BOOK (laughs) well then...

KAYLEE What about you Shepherd? Find any people to minister to?

BOOK Afraid not... oh well... That is the way of things

END ACT 1

ACT 2

INT SERENITY - BRIDGE - MORNING

Wash is sitting in his chair, Zoe stands behind one hand resting on the chair. She's looking out the window.

ZOE Where the gorram is the Captain?

WASH Hey I know, doesn't that mean you're Captain? Oooo, I bags being first mate

ZOE You silly man... He was supposed to be back long ago...

WASH Well at least it means Jayne Isn't here...

ZOE That makes for one less power hungry Mogul at least

WASH Why who's the other one?

ZOE You of course...

WASH Is that so... Well, lets se about that...

Kaylee runs in

KAYLEE Jayne's back... and he's got news of the cap'n

WASH Speak of the devil (gives Zoe a I-knew-it look)

They all leave to talk to Jayne

INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - MORNING

ZOE So tell us exactly what happened.

JAYNE Well that's the problem I kinda passed out... (gives one of his all to famous looks)

WASH Was that before or after The in-taking of much alcohol?

JAYNE What kind of person do you think I am? After of course...

KAYLEE So then where is he? I can't believe The Cap'n would just disapear...

JAYNE Well, the only things I can remember Are, me and the Cap talking... then The cap talking to someone else And then me waking up at the bar, Mal completely gone...

KAYLEE But where could he have gone

SIMON What if he didn't leave...

ZOE Go on

SIMON I mean what if he was abducted Like I was... on that planet... (shudders from memory)

BOOK He has a point

KAYLEE Mal would never just disappear Without telling anyone where he was It's just not like him.

WASH (to Zoe) Does that mean I get to be a hero again? I miss carrying the odd shotgun... The killing, the blood...

ZOE Don't be silly, you carry a gun?

WASH I did it last time we raided Niska's Sky-thingy

ZOE That was under different circumstances

RIVER (OS) No it wasn't

SIMON What does that mean River?

RIVER It means what you want. Anything Better; It means nothing

JAYNE Well at least some things are still normal...

ZOE Shut up Jayne.

JAYNE I was just saying...

KAYLEE But what about Mal?

BOOK I agree. We need to figure out What we know so as to understand What we should do next

ZOE (taking command) Good idea Shepherd. Jayne lets load up, Wash? You're driving Shepherd... look after the others; We're off to find the Captain

Zoe, Wash and Jayne get back on the mule and head back to the bar.

INT NISHKA'S SKYPLATFORM - INTEROGATION ROOM - NO VISIBLE TIME

Mal's face is badly bruised and bleeding, slowly he regains consciousness and he hears footsteps approaching.

NISHKA well mr reynolds now you see I am ......fact

MAL (groans)

{one of nishkas men leaps forward and punches mal in the nose causing it to immediately bleed accompanied by a large cracking sound}

CARVE No one talks to mr nishka without his permission

NISHKA ahh mr reynolds i would like you to meet my new assistant...... carve..... after the unfortunate incident with claw and your ships engine I was forced to purchase a new killer

MAL (groans) Your name is CARVE? What happened? did ur parents name u after cutting a Christmas ham or something?

CARVE {punches mal again in the jaw} speak again and you shall lose the use of your tongue

NISHKA ahhh Mr Reynolds I would be being careful if i were you.... Carve can be very..... Entertaining

MAL I'll keep that in mind (groans.... then falls unconscious)

NISHKA Wake him

Mal groans as Carve slaps him till he wakes up

NISHKA (cont) You passed out on me, Mr Reynolds, can't have that

MAL Just seemed right, Can never have enough nap time

NISHKA So you think you funny hmmm? We'll see

A henchman walks over to Nishka and whispers in his ear

NISHKA (cont) Excellent, excellent Just as I had planned. Good, now that everything is ready Carve take him down We're going for a little ride

MAL Is it a theme park? I like theme parks...

INT. THE ROWDY BULL - BAR - NOON

ZOE Show us where you were sitting, Jayne.

JAYNE It was over this way I think

WASH You think? Wow, this is a must see

ZOE Bao bei

WASH Yes?

ZOE Bi zuie

WASH Ok...

JAYNE Here it is, the table where we were sitting

WASH That is what you do when at a table, generally Speaking of course

ZOE What did I say?

WASH Something about shadow puppets?

ZOE (ignoring Wash) I'll go and talk to the bar keep

JAYNE What'll I do?

WASH Just keep looking pretty

Zoe walks over to bar and starts to interrogate the bar keeper.

ZOE Did you happen to see a man in a long Brown coat last night?

BAR KEEPER Maybe, maybe not, Lots of men... Maybe lots wear brown...

The bar keeper taps the bar with finger as though expecting something.

Zoe places money on bench

BAR KEEPER Medium sized man? Short brown hair? Rather twisted?

ZOE Yep, that's him all right

BAR KEEPER He came, was ere with a rowdy drunk fellow (sees Jayne) that's him there then he left with a short man, small glases

ZOE Nishka...

BAR KEEPER He never gave me his name Looked like a nice fellow, With those glasses and all... Didn't buy nothin tho, cheap arse

ZOE Thankyou (turns to wash and Jayne) Lets go

WASH Why? What have you found out?

ZOE Nishka

WASH Not again

JAYNE This time I really am not getting involved

INT. SERENITY - RIVER'S ROOM

RIVER (looking off into distance) Too late for that...

INT NISHKA'S SKYPLATFORM - SHUTTLE

MAL So are we there yet?

CARVE It not polite to speak when not talked to

Carve smacks Mal across the chest with a clenched fist. Mal groans.

MAL (to himself) Is it just me, or is S&M getting Mighty popular these days?

NISHKA (not hearing the previous scuffle or pretending not to have, in any case) Mr. Reynolds just lie back and relax (he almost croons it...) The flight is not a long one And I am sure you will be how you say? Ah yes... pleasantly surprised, by our destination

MAL Unless it's a Theme Park world nothing will surprise me

NISHKA Sadly it is not a theme park

MAL (to Carve) How many times do I have to tell you, Not to get my hopes up?

Carve just scowls, goes to hit him but Nishka intervenes

NISHKA Not too much violence... I need him to be alive on landing, Or where will be the joy when I see His face light up?

MAL See honey its just not good Marriage techniques to fight?

NISHKA Although, Mr Reynolds... Do not go tormenting my Carve He is a good man, but he is easily Set off, I can not hold him back too much

Carve scowls whereupon Mal smiles back

NISHKA (cont) Time to destination?

Pilot Not long now sir

NISHKA Good, very good

INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - AFTERNOON

Zoe, Wash and Jayne drive back in, where Simon, Kaylee and Shepherd are waiting.

KAYLEE So did you find him?

ZOE No, and it seems that our worst Fears may have been realised

KAYLEE I don't follow

WASH (matter-of-factly) Nishka

KAYLEE Oh That's bad isn't it...

SIMON Yes, it appears its quite bad

JAYNE You got that right

ZOE Calm down the lot of you, We need to be level headed as We think of yet another plan to Rescue the captain From Nishka's vices

KAYLEE We did it once before, Who says it can't be done it again

BOOK That's the problem We've done it once before They'll be expecting it this time

ZOE I agree with you Shepherd, We need an alternative

SIMON Why don't we just try reason? It kind of worked last time...

JAYNE Yea, last time we had to Go in after the cap because Reason failed, That's why I never had schoolin No need to be reasonin bout nothin If they don't agree, well, shoot em

BOOK They'll be expecting us to come in guns blaring Instead we should send one person Who can negotiate for his return

JAYNE And who do you suggest that be

BOOK Me

JAYNE Run that by me again...

BOOK He hasn't met me; But I know of him I expect I'll be able to get him to Release him to us

WASH And why didn't you point this Little detail out last time?

BOOK I wasn't here last time

WASH ah good point

ZOE What makes you so sure that He'll release Mal to you?

BOOK I have my ways

JAYNE And what ways would they be Shepherd?

BOOK Some day I may tell you

ZOE I don't see Nishka as being all too religious

BOOK True, but even so to get the intended end It is not a major issue

KAYLEE So what are we still standing around for? We need to rescue the cap'n!!

WASH I bags being the public relations officer!

JAYNE I'll pilot then...

WASH YOU WILL NOT!

JAYNE fine then... just wanted to try something new

ZOE Darling, just go and get us to Nishka's Sky platform

WASH Yes, MAM!

Wash runs off to the bridge, while Kaylee heads of to the engine room. Simon just walks away, while Jayne and Book decide to work out.

JAYNE How is it that you know so much About stuff? I mean your a shepherd!

BOOK So?

JAYNE Well that don't seem natural, at all...

BOOK indeed

Book tries to lift some weights as Jayne spots. It's obvious that he is struggling

JAYNE Not even I know that much About killing and such I mean I know a lot But you...

BOOK (breathing hard) I wasn't always a shepherd you know

JAYNE (missing what Book actually meant) Yea I know, even so...

Book really struggles with this rep.

JAYNE (cont) Getting weak in your old age preacher?

Jayne reaches down and without a hint of effort pulls the bar back and puts it down to rest. Book sits up, looking very sweaty praying that he isn't slipping back to his old habits.

BOOK (looking off into distance) I hope not... for the love of God I hope not...

EXT. THE ROWDY BULL - DESERT LANDSCAPE - DUSK

A mysterious ship lands nearby the bar. The door hisses open to reveal two men in suits, both men have blue hands.

MAN 1 They were here?

MAN 2 Our information says yes

MAN 1 Are they still here?

MAN 2 All preliminary indications would suggest so, We are just unable to triangulate their Exact location...

MAN 1 That is a minor detail, let's proceed As planned

Both men stride into the bar

INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE

WASH So whats the odds of us having a repeat Of last time?

ZOE I don't rightfully know

WASH As exciting as it was last time... Obviously this time I get to watch?

ZOE You heard the preacher, We all get to... When is Inara due back?

WASH According to the log she shouldn't be too Far away

ZOE Good, we'll wait for her then just keep us in orbit

INT. NISHKA'S SHUTTLE

PILOT Sir, we've just received word that Serenity is headed Towards the sky platform, how should they respond?

NISHKA Hmmm, interesting conundrum... I could kill them now and Be able to finish with Mr Reynolds Unabated....

Mal starts to look worried.

NISHKA Ah... I see you care for them Mr Reynolds... That is a dangerous thing For men like us

MAL I'm not like you...

NISHKA OH but you are Mr Reynolds, You see, we are both men with reputation Mine is factual, yet, yours is close to being so Also we are men of business

MAL That makes me your twin?

NISHKA Quite...

PILOT Sir? Your orders?

NISHKA Ah yes... Direct them to us

PILOT Yes sir

MAL What is the point in that?

NISHKA Why? He asks. So the surprise is all The more surprising Mr Reynolds

MAL (looks to Carve) My own surprise party, Its what I've always wanted

Carve just scowls back

INT. GOVERNMENT ESTATE - LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

SERVANT Sir, we've just received news of An unidentifiable craft landing near the city's Border

LORD MELVIN What class?

SERVANT Sir, from what we can tell it's a Pheonix...

MELVIN Tai-kong suo-yo duh shing-chiouh doh sai-jin wuh duh pee-goo < Everything in space is stuffed up my ass >

INARA Your Lordship!

MELVIN Yes excuse me Inara, this is just very, very bad news

INARA It must be

SERVANT Sir what do you want to do?

MELVIN We shall have to ignore them They'll come and they'll go as they please We only worry if they come knocking... Put the feds on alert though, just as a Precaution

SERVANT As you wish your Lordship

INARA What's going on?

MELVIN It appears we have some unwanted visitors, Of the killing kind

INARA I don't follow

MELVIN I can't tell you who they are, That's classified

INARA Sir, I'm a companion, I'm trained...

MELVIN (butting in) That maybe true but the Information is very highly classified... (sighing) But then, what would it matter anyway? I have no time for Alliance crap anymore, The Phoenix is a long range fighter With cloaking abilities, they were Originally engineered for the war of Jong-il Hill. Many thought that the ships were phased out, or so they were told to believe, But some were not destroyed, kept for use by Alliance Hired help

INARA I'm still not following...

MELVIN (sighing nervously) Basically it means, some ones done a bad thing; And they've come to collect the debt And who ever it is, is in deep deep trouble The kind they've never known before

INARA Oh...

MELVIN Exactly

SERVANT Sir?

MELVIN What is it now? Why must you continually interrupt us?

SERVANT They're asking to see you

MELVIN Jen dao mei (turns to Inara) I guess this means our time is up It was very enjoyable

INARA Yes it was

MELVIN Next time you are on my moon Make sure to contact me

INARA I will

Inara leaves gracefully, heading back to Serenity

MELVIN (to servant) get the Feds here now... I want this place protected I don't want them trying anything

SERVANT Yes your Lordship

EXT. BEAUMONDE PLANET - SERENITY

We watch on as Inara's shuttle docks with Serenity and then Serenity flies into space, having previously broken atmo and heads for Nishka's sky platform.

INT. SERENITY - INARA'S SHUTTLE HATCHWAY

The door hisses open whereupon Kaylee has been waiting.

INARA So what did I miss?

KAYLEE Same ol' Mal went and got 'im self nabbed again

INARA What?!

KAYLEE Nishka just came and got him, Right from under Jayne's nose We're off to rescue him now

INARA It appears that I miss out on all The fun

KAYLEE But enough about the cap'n How was your trip?

INARA Interesting

KAYLEE How so?

INARA Walk with me, I need to speak to the Crew

KAYLEE That bad huh?

They head to the dinning room

INT. THE ROUDY BULL - BAR - DUSK

The men enter, amazingly it is a very quiet night.

BAR KEEP Cheeng jeen , how may I help you fine look'n gentlemen?

MAN 1 That is not your concern

MAN 2 We are looking for a girl

BAR KEEP Plenty of 'em, mighty fine ones at that; If that's what takes ure fancy?

MAN 1 No, we are searching for a fugitive

MAN 2 She is very important to us Dong Ma?

BAR KEEP Yea, whatta you take me for anyhow? Well I ain't seen no fugitive, Not that I'd know what one would look like MAVIS?!

MAVIS What is it now? You Wang bao dahn

BAR KEEP You seen iny fugitives?

MAVIS How would I know?

Man 1 slides picture of River across to the Bar keeper. He looks at it for a moment.

BAR KEEP (to men in suits) Nope no fugitives ere...

MAN 1 If you did happen to see something You'd inform us?

BAR KEEP Sure as Suo-yo duh doh dhr-dang

MAN 2 Thats good, because if you didn't We'd be very angry with you

Man 1 sticks his hand into his suit jacket as though to grab something.

BAR KEEP You know what? I did see something You might find interesting... Ain't from that picture but still, Might be intristing, might not be...

Man 1 decides against it and his hand comes out empty

MAN 1 Go on...

BAR KEEP Well, it had been a quiet night As in not much hullabaloo, was busy as hell though, Just yesterday... then this man got abducted And his crew came looking for him... something About a small guy... think his name was... Ummm... Nista... or Ninna... something along those lines Infact you missed them by just a couple of hours

MAN 2 (to Man 1) This is an unforseen sidetrack

MAN 1 (to man 2) It won't effect us in any way We go for the girl...

MAN 2 (to bar keep) Do you know where this crew is?

BAR KEEP Nah, out on the rim of the city somewhere It's a big moon, good luck finding them

MAN 1decides that this now is a better time and reaches into his suit jacket pocket. He pulls out a small rod, which he flicks and it extends. The Bar Keeper stands shocked for a second and then blood starts pouring out of everywhere on his body. He screams.

MAN 1 You deal with the Mavis woman I'll finish up here

MAN 2 This Nishka development is not good

MAN 1 (looks out bar window) No, but we will deal with him yet He may be a friend of the Sun But not even that can save him From this...

MAN 2 He must be stopped

MAN 1 We will find her...

INT. SERENITY - DINING ROOM

The whole crew has gathered and is paying very close attention to what Inara has to say

INARA Have any of you heard of a Phoenix?

SIMON You mean as in the mythical bird; That arouse from the flames?

RIVER It flies; it stings, It fights; it brings, Woe to those that see it Death to those that nears it;

JAYNE She's talking about a bird right?

SIMON I'm supposing so...

RIVER (quietly) Two by two... hands of blue

BOOK I think you'll find Inara is talking of the Long ago phased out Phoenix class Fighter vessel

WASH Phoenix class? I've dreamed of flying One of those... I hear it's like a leaf on the wind

BOOK That they were. But it's just not Possible that any survived Jong-il Hill.

ZOE I've heard of that battle. Stories have us believe that It was where the Alliance first came into Being

BOOK Yes that's true

JAYNE (becoming disgruntled) Jong-ll? He owes me money

INARA From what Lord Melvin told me, A Phoenix landed not far before you Started orbit

KAYLEE What's so bad about that?

ZOE It means some one knows we were here

KAYLEE I've been a mechanic all my Life and I never heard of no Phoenix class vessel

WASH That's because they were classified High military

ZOE And in typical Alliance manner, They broke too easily, maintenance costs skyrocketed

JAYNE Reminds me of this pile of go-se

KAYLEE (gives Jayne the evil eye) That still don't explain why one would land After we took off though

INARA Lord Melvin seems to think That the Alliance kept some in secret

BOOK Who is this Lord Melvin?

ZOE He sounds familiar somehow,

INARA Lord Melvin Thomson...

ZOE You mean THE Field Marshal Melvin Thomson?

INARA I wouldn't know

JAYNE Who's he?

SIMON He was in charge of the Alliance's Forces at Serenity Valley,

BOOK Hence why he's now a Lord

WASH But this information seems too classified even for him

INARA He seems to think that we're in for trouble We haven't known before

BOOK If these people are flying a Phoenix, They'll be able to cloak, amongst other things. Also, if the Phoenix has been kept on by the Alliance, They'll most likely have been upgraded;

KAYLEE That's bad right?

BOOK It's a bad you ain't seen before.

JAYNE I say we dump Simon and River And high tail it...

ZOE You ain't the captain, and as Mal ain't here As first mate that makes me in charge And I say they stay, if we leave them They could die

JAYNE (going all concerned) But, we keep em we could die...

WASH Poor baby

ZOE No, we push on. They ain't caught us yet And I don't plan on em catching us Let's just focus on rescuing Mal, We'll worry about operatives when the time comes. (turns to Book) Its time for you to prepare for your little mission

EXT. NISHKA'S SKY PLATFORM

Serenity flies into view as the platform orbits the planet.

INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE

WASH (Yells) Zoe!

ZOE Yes hon?

WASH We're getting mighty close now

MAN (heavy static) ...me in Ser...ity Co... in ...eni,,,

ZOE Can we get a better signal?

WASH I can try but I don't know If it will help

MAN (static gone, but still radio like) Come in Serenity, do you copy?

WASH This is Serenity, we copy, over

MAN If you are looking for Nishka He has already left with Mr Reynolds

WASH (turns to Zoe) Huh?

ZOE (over radio) Can you repeat that?

MAN Nishka has left with Reynolds Orders are to tell you to follow

ZOE (to Wash, muting the radio) Sounds like a trap

WASH I wouldn't know, I just pilot this bird

ZOE (over com) Book? Get up here on the double!

BOOK (OS) (puffing) What's going on?

WASH The usual... Entrapment

BOOK How relieving

ZOE Nishka and the Captain Have already come and gone

BOOK Gone?

ZOE Apparently

BOOK So we don't know where they are?

ZOE No

WASH What are the orders Cap'n? Boy that feels weird...

ZOE Looks like we'll have to follow them Whether it's a trap or not (beat) (unmutes radio) so where have they gone?

END ACT 2

ACT 3

INT. NISHKA'S SHUTTLE

PILOT Sir, we are just moments from landing

NISHKA Good good

MAL So can I know where we are yet?

NISHKA All in good time Mr Reynolds... All in good time

EXT. SERENITY VALLEY

Nishka's Shuttle lands on a flat part of land, air unsettles the dust creating a stir of movement. The door opens to reveal Nishka looking out over the valley

NISHKA Just as I remember it Carve, bring Mr Reynolds onto the surface...

CARVE Yes Mr Nishka

NISHKA It is time Mr Reynolds To find out where I have brought You, is it not?

INT. NISHKA'S SHUTTLE

Carve escorts Mal to the door.

MAL You've got to be joking....

NISHKA (OS) (very pleased) Just the expression I expected... (turns to Carve) Good start yes?

INT. SERENITY - DINING ROOM

Zoe has called a meeting of the crew, Wash has stayed at the helm.

KAYLEE (obviously shaken) They've taken him to Serenity Valley?

SIMON Now that is evil

JAYNE Why'd he do a thing like that?

BOOK Reminds me of a thing Sun Tzu Once said 'when trying to figure out your adversary, You must first become him to be able to fully Understand him'

JAYNE Babledy wha?

ZOE (mitely distressed) I can't believe he'd take him there... There of all places

BOOK And if Nishka is smart, It won't be long till Malcolm Cracks... We must hurry

JAYNE I'm quite happy to dawdle

SIMON You're always dawdling...

JAYNE I ounce hit a man from 500 feet With a bent scope...

SIMON As you keep telling us

RIVER He moved the rook to the square And the square followed But when he changed his colour The square ate him and he forgot how To play...

Everyone used to River's outbursts just ignores her

BOOK It appears our only option Is to continue, we must go to Serenity Valley If we wish to rescue the captain

KAYLEE It wouldn't be fair on the captain if we didn't He'd come for us...

WASH (over COM) Your attention please We are nearing Serenity Valley

ZOE (out loud) ETA?

WASH (still over COM) depends on the amount of turbulence

JAYNE Eh?

BOOK I think you'll find he's talking about our reception From Nishka...

WASH (COM) That I am, Shepherd

JAYNE Huh...

ZOE Well lets get sorted then We all know what to do

BOOK I think it'll be best if I go in first I'll need a shuttle

ZOE As you wish, Shepherd Lets move...

EXT. SERENITY - SHUTTLE

Book disengages from Serenity and flies off.

EXT. SERENITY VALLEY - BOOK'S SHUTTLE

Book lands his shuttle just off where Nishka has Mal tied to a lone tree's branch by his arms.

NISHKA Ah, I see they send a greeting party...

MAL (spits blood) About gorram time

CARVE Let me tear them in pieces, and then serve Their still beating hearts as food to The dogs of the night...

NISHKA Silence Carve, I wish to play a while yes?

CARVE (cowering back) As you wish Sir

Book opens the door and steps out

MAL Shepherd?!

NISHKA Now this it seems is a bizarre Turn of events, is it not? They send a preacher to rescue you... You call it ironic, yes?

MAL You got me

BOOK Mal, are you all right?

MAL (spits more blood then grimaces) As shiny as a pretty bit of shininess; it'd be a kindness if you'd get me down...

BOOK (turning to Nishka) I wish to talk business

NISHKA Now this is an interesting turn of events A preacher that gets straight to the point.

MAL (turns head to Carve) It's better than watching that show... What ever it is, ain't get to see it anyhow

BOOK Can we speak alone?

NISHKA Certainly; Carve watch my... Ah yes, main attraction, I still wish to meet the true Mr Reynolds... This way

Nishka leads Book into Nishka's shuttle

INT. NISHKA'S SHUTTLE

NISHKA Speak, I am, as you can see A very busy man

BOOK I'll speak when I'm ready, and not when told to... By you of all people

NISHKA Ah yes? (Grinning evilly) You are very interesting...

BOOK (Ignoring that remark) EI-019

NISHKA You speak a foreign tongue to me Shepherd

BOOK You know exactly what I speak of the Fu-Ling Agreement Set in place by the Great Jasper Giolin

NISHKA This is gibberish, you make this up? What would mere preacher know yes?

BOOK Under classified section m, Any member of the Alliance Intelligence Gatherers When asking a favour of another AIG member The one in the being in the asked of position MUST agree to the favour

NISHKA Now is getting interesting. You intrigue me, go on I need a good laugh every now and then

BOOK This is not a laughing matter

NISHKA Tell me preacher, if that's what you really are How do you know of such things?

BOOK The same way a petty crime boss does hmm? I was Komander Tobius Moria Book,

NISHKA A.I.G.? You say, never hear of it

BOOK Says Liechinhardt Adeli Nishka Interrogator 5th Regiment, A.I.G. Serial 10109381

NISHKA (becoming very impressed) Ah, you know of my work?

BOOK you won't know of mine

NISHKA You quoted no regiment... That is most bizarre for the AIG Intriguing.

BOOK I had none

NISHKA I did not expect to see an AIG member In such attire I dear say... (changing tack) What though does have to do with EI-019?

BOOK I am asking a favour...

NISHKA What is this then?

BOOK I ask that you release Reynolds to me

NISHKA How is it I know you are who you say

BOOK (an air of intent and anger, speaking in Chec)

NISHKA (Continuing) take him, we are finished bussiness... (beat) Although in return; I wish to know why a shepherd?

BOOK (look of disgust on his face) Somethings are too horrible to speak of, The only way I can deal with them Is by trusting in my God He gives me strength to go through each day

NISHKA so it seems

Book turns and leaves

NISHKA (Calling out) Carve; untie Mr Reynolds we are done

CARVE (OS) (scowls at Mal) Yes Sir

EXT. SERENITY VALLEY

MAL (spits blood) How the gorram spinchter of hell did you manage that?

BOOK That my son is for another time

MAL That's just shiney... I'd take it as a kindness if you'd Gorram tell me...

BOOK Not in a million years

MAL (turns head and spits some more blood) And the confusion just keeps growing

END ON SHUTTLE TAKING OFF

INT. SERENITY - RIVER'S ROOM

RIVER (to no one in particular) I know your secret old man, You hid well, but now I know... And I wish I didn't

END ACT 3