Firefly - Raid

65
Raid Written By Ben Bohlin Firefly

Transcript of Firefly - Raid

Page 1: Firefly - Raid

Raid

Written By

Ben Bohlin

Firefly

Page 2: Firefly - Raid

FIREFLY

"RAID"

TEASER

1 INT. DINGY BAR 1

This bar is dusty, musty and dark, lacking anything that

could even remotely pertain to class. The clientele are a

brooding, sneering lot. MAL is sitting at a table with JAYNE

and SIMON. SIMON is looking increasingly nervous, while the

other two simply sit and drink quietly.

MAL:

Stop your trembling, Doc. It’ll be

mighty hard to persuade our contact

we’re legit if you’re lookin’ like

someone’s after you.

SIMON:

Captain, the whole Allaince is

after me.

JAYNE:

(hissing angrily)

Say it a little pissin’ louder, why

don’t ya, doc? I’m pretty sure them

drunks in the corner din’t hear

you.

MAL:

Relax, both of you. This bar ain’t

exactly friendly-like to the law in

the best of times.

Off in one corner, a couple men start getting into a fight.

MAL: (cont’d)

Good spot to do things under the

Alliance’s nose. Doc, I brought you

here because you know what we have

and what we don’t. Not to scare off

our contact.

SIMON:

So what’re we wai-

A SHADY MAN sits down across from them, dressed in a large

and poorly-fit black coat.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 2.

SHADY MAN:

Captain Reynolds. I hear you have

medicine for sale.

MAL:

You’d hear right. What are you

looking for?

The SHADY MAN passes reaches into his coat, causing SIMON to

tense. MAL gives him a look as the SHADY MAN pulls out a

folded piece of paper and slides it across. MAL picks it up

and hands it to SIMON.

SIMON:

Isoprovaline... Hydrozepam...

Byphodine? Why would you need a

paralytic?

SHADY MAN:

I do not care to know why my

clients require what they do. I

only care to know what they need,

and how much they will pay to get

it.

MAL:

Wise. Can we accommodate, doc?

SIMON:

Yes, easily, but-

MAL:

Doc, I’d get drink if I were you.

SIMON:

Captain, this is-

MAL:

Now.

SIMON gapes, then shoves himself out of the chair and heads

towards the bar.

MAL: (cont’d)

He’s new to the idea of being a

procurement specialist.

The SHADY MAN seems puzzled.

SHADY MAN:

Do you mean a smuggler?

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (3) 3.

MAL:

Isn’t that what I said?

Down at the bar, SIMON attempts to move around the minor

barfight taking place on the floor. He get to the bar and

sits down in time to get shoved to the side by an errant

elbow from the melee, knocking over another man’s drink. The

THUG growls at SIMON, who backs away slowly.

Back at their table, MAL shakes hands with the SHADY MAN,

slipping him a small pouch.

MAL: (cont’d)

Thanks kindly. Tell them we’ll give

them a wave as to when we’ll be

along.

The SHADY MAN nods and walks off. A commotion is rising down

towards the bar. JAYNE looks out towards the bar.

JAYNE:

(grinning)

Cap’n.

JAYNE motions towards the bar. MAL turns to look and his

face hardens.

MAL:

(annoyed)

That boy has a talent for

aggravatin’ folks.

At the bar- WHAM! SIMON slams against the wall, staggering,

with a black eye. He’s rammed back against the wall by a

THUG with a GOON behind him.

THUG:

Not a smart move, pretty boy.

SIMON:

(croaking)

I swear... I didn’t-

THUG:

Oh you did, pretty boy. Din’t your

mama tell you to treat strangers

nice?

GOON:

Bet not, boss.

(CONTINUED)

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THUG:

We don’t like your kind here,

looking down their nose at the

likes of us hard-workin’-

GOON:

Uh, boss?

THUG:

Not now, I’m doing some educational

work.

GOON:

Boss, I think you might want to

talk to this guy.

THUG:

I’m busy!

GOON:

He’s got a gun, boss.

THUG looks left to see MAL pointing his pistol at the group.

MAL:

Beggin’ your pardon, but I believe

you’re holdin’ something of mine.

THUG:

(sneers)

You’ll get ’im back when I’m

through! He’s got a lesson to

learn!

The THUG pulls back a fist and stops when MAL cocks the

pistol.

MAL:

Ah-ah. I realize that our man here

is plumb lacking in social grace,

but that ain’t no reason to

rearrange his teeth. Why don’t you

just let him down gentle-like?

THUG:

(unnerved for a moment, but

rallies)

You don’t scare me, spacer.

MAL cocks his head as if considering the THUG’s statement.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (5) 5.

MAL:

You know, you’re right. Why should

you be? I reckon even with a gun

pointed at your face, I just ain’t

all that scary.

(smirks)

Now as for him...

A shadow crosses over the THUG as he turns to the right to

see JAYNE looming over him, glaring.

MAL: (cont’d)

I reckon he’s plenty scary.

JAYNE growls at the THUG, obviously itching to fight. The

THUG looks at JAYNE, then at MAL, then gingerly sets SIMON

on the ground and hurriedly walks away with his goons.

JAYNE:

Hrmph. Pissin’ cowards. I coulda

taken em.

SIMON:

He probably would’ve decked me if

you had.

JAYNE:

Not seein’ a downside here.

SIMON:

Thanks, Captain.

MAL:

What did you learn from this, Doc?

SIMON:

Um...

MAL:

I hope it was somethin’ along the

lines of ’When the captain says sit

and don’t talk, gorram listen to

the captain.’

SIMON:

(dejectedly)

Yes, Captain.

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6.

2 INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY 2

MAL, SIMON and JAYNE come in through the bay doors. KAYLEE

is working on the Mule.

KAYLEE:

Hey Cap’n! Any luck?

MAL:

We’ve got a buyer. Saved Simon’s

hide too. (walks up stairs toward

bridge)

KAYLEE:

Awww. Who’d he annoy?

JAYNE:

Three yokels bigger’n he was.

SIMON:

Can we not talk about my diplomatic

failings?

JAYNE:

Should we talk ’bout how ya can’t

fight for shit either?

KAYLEE:

Leave him alone, Jayne.

JAYNE snorts and walks off.

SIMON:

I get the feeling that I’m not

making a good impression.INT.

3 SERENITY - COMMON ROOM 3

MAL, ZOE, INARA, JAYNE and WASH are sitting around the

table. WASH and INARA are playing CHINESE CHECKERS.

MAL:

Okay, we’re headin’ to Autark,

small moon out on the Rim.

(to Wash)

Planet below is a junkyard. Get us

locked in and check with Kaylee,

see if we need parts.

(pauses)

Wash, did you hear me?

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 7.

WASH:

(engrossed in his game)

Hm? Oh, yeah, don’t worry Mal.

MAL:

(rolls eyes)

Okay, Zoe, Jayne, get down to the

cargo bay and get us prepped. We’re

out on the Rim, but that just means

people are a mite tetchy when it

comes to dealin’ fair. Let’s get in

and out quick as able.

ZOE:

Yes sir.

ZOE and JAYNE walk out, meeting SIMON in the doorway. ZOE

slides past while JAYNE grins and shoulders SIMON bodily to

the side. SIMON glares after him and approaches MAL.

SIMON:

Something in the works, Captain?

MAL:

Got another buyer for some meds. Be

headin’ out soon as my pilot finds

himself able to tear away.

(to Wash, sarcastic)

I’m sorry, am I interrupting?

WASH looks up at MAL, about to speak, as INARA jumps a piece

across the board and smiles winningly at MAL.

INARA:

No, you aren’t.

WASH stares in disbelief at the board, then rises from his

chair.

WASH:

You are a vicious and despicable

woman.

(to Mal)

I’ll get us moving.

WASH moves toward the bridge, exiting the room.

MAL:

Something you need, Doc?

SIMON:

I want to help on this job.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (3) 8.

MAL stares for a moment, then bursts out laughing. SIMON

looks at INARA, his expression pleading. INARA gives MAL a

glare.

INARA:

(warning tones)

Mal...

MAL:

(settling down)

Hehe... okay, sorry.

(seriously, but still smiling)

Doc, you have a tendency to make

people want to teach you manners in

an awful direct way. I ain’t about

to let you mess up what’s likely to

be a tense bit of negotiatin’.

SIMON:

Captain... while I’ve been on this

ship, I’ve been shot at, kidnapped,

and nearly killed so many times I

lost count around the twenties.

And, unfortunately, sometimes it

happens because I bring trouble

here.

MAL:

Trouble does tend to follow you

around like stray dog.

INARA:

Mal!

SIMON:

No, it’s alright. In fact it’s

accurate. I’ve brought a lot of

trouble down on your crew, captain.

MAL:

(dead serious)

That you have.

SIMON:

So... I want to show I mean to earn

my place. As a crew member, not a

passenger.

MAL looks at SIMON critically for a moment. INARA looks

between them, obviously intrigued.

(CONTINUED)

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MAL:

I’d figured you’d be more worried

about your sister.

SIMON:

(hesitant)

Much as it pains me to say... it’s

slow going. Curing her, that is.

Even with the mapping of her neural

paths it’s taking longer than I’d

like. We’re going to be here a

while. This is going to be our

home.

(forcing a smile)

And she’s comfortable here, in a

way.

INARA:

(to Mal)

It could hardly hurt to have

another member in your gang of

petty thieves.

MAL gives her a sidelong glare, before turning to SIMON.

MAL:

Okay. There is something I reckon

you could help with.

4 EXT. PLANET PELIC - SPACEPORT 4

SIMON walks out of the cargo bay carrying several obviously

heavy bags, looking peevish.

SIMON:

This isn’t what I had in mind.

MAL walks up behind him.

MAL:

Well, in this crew you take the

jobs you get.

(at Simon’s annoyed look)

Now don’t get ornery on me, you

asked for this. Just help Kaylee

get the parts she needs to keep us

flyin’.

(turns away, then turns back)

And I’d very much appreciate it if

you didn’t start a barfight this

time. Tends to leave a bad

impression with some folks.

(claps Simon on the back)

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

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MAL: (cont’d)We’ll be back after we close the

deal on that moon there, three

hours or so.

MAL heads up the ramp to the CARGO BAY, where Kaylee is

rolling down on the MULE. He leans over to Kaylee.

MAL: (cont’d)

Funny though it may be, try to keep

him from gettin’ his face mussed up

again.

KAYLEE:

(smirking salute)

Yessir, Cap’n!

KAYLEE drives down the ramp as MAL climbs aboard.

MAL:

(into wave radio)

Alright, Wash, we’ve got a schedule

to keep.

SIMON and KAYLEE watch from the MULE as Serenity lifts off

and heads toward the nearby moon, AUTARK.

KAYLEE:

Alrighty, then! Let’s get moving!

SIMON:

Alright, I gue-agh!

SIMON barely manages to keep his seat as KAYLEE speeds off

towards the TOWN and the MARKETPLACE.

BLACK OUT

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

5 EXT. PLANET PELIC - TOWN MARKETPLACE 5

KAYLEE and SIMON are slowly rolling along, looking at the

various dusty displays and scrap-ridden storefronts.

KAYLEE:

So why’d you want to come down

here, Simon? Feeling stir crazy?

Wanted to feel dirt on your feet?

(CONTINUED)

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SIMON:

(deadpan)

That sounds unsanitary. I just

wanted to...

(beat)

I guess I want to help.

KAYLEE:

(curious)

Ain’tcha helpin’ just being all

medical and such? Why’d you need to

come down here?

SIMON:

Well, yes, but-

SIMON is interrupted as KAYLEE slams the mule to a stop,

nearly falling out of his seat again.

KAYLEE:

Oooo! A pneumatic porcelain drive

shaft!

(hops out of vehicle)

Wait out here, okay? I’ll be right

back!

SIMON just stares after KAYLEE in exasperation and gingerly

lowers himself from the mule. He looks around and sits on

the mule’s edge.

6 INT. PLANET PELIC - SCRAP SHOP 6

KAYLEE is shopping round the store, picking up random pieces

of scrap and tech as, out the window, we can see Simon

sitting on the mule. Eventually a LARGE MAN comes up to him,

asking him something. Simon brushes him off. The large man

asks again, and Simon says something. The large man moves

threateningly toward Simon, who raises his hands in

placation and starts talking rapidly. They talk for a

moment, KAYLEE turning to see Simon seemingly talking

peacefully with the man. She turns back to her scrounging,

smiling, as out the window the large man lunges for Simon

who squirms out of the way and runs, the man chasing after

him.

KAYLEE walks up to the counter to buy her selections.

KAYLEE:

I reckon this is everything. How-

Kaylee looks out the window to see Simon getting hauled off

by the MARSHALL.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 12.

KAYLEE: (cont’d)

Oh, you idiot!

7 EXT. MOON AUTARK - CLEARING 7

MAL is negotiating with a few SETTLERS as ZOE and JAYNE move

a medium sized crate out of Serenity’s cargo bay. MAL is

haggling with a SPOKESMAN.

MAL:

The deal was you’d give us three

thousand.

SPOKESMAN:

(looking smug)

Well, now it’s two. Y’all took too

long. Depreciation, you know.

MAL:

(Smiling darkly)

Look, if you don’t want it, there

are a hundred moons that’ll give us

three.

(To Zoe)

Didn’t Koan offer us four?

ZOE:

(setting down the crate)

Four and a half.

MAL:

(feigning puzzlement)

Why didn’t we go to them?

ZOE:

(shrugs)

It’s a week’s travel. This was

closer.

MAL:

Ah, right.

(To settlers)

Now, on the one hand, we got you

and your two thousand. On the other

hand, we got a week’s travel and

four and half. Don’t ask me to draw

you a picture, because my hands are

just mighty full of possibilities

right now. Chief of em’ bein’ us

leavin’ you with nothin’.

The SPOKESMAN glares and pulls back to discuss with the

SETTLERS. MAL walks back to the cargo. JAYNE walks forward.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 13.

JAYNE:

Ain’t we got enough left for both?

MAL:

I reckon, but they don’t need to

know that.

ZOE:

Sir, Koan isn’t a real place.

MAL:

They don’t need to know that

either.

The SPOKESMAN comes forward.

SPOKESMAN:

We can give you two and a half.

MAL:

(To Zoe)

Pack it up, Zoe.

ZOE:

Yes sir.

ZOE and JAYNE begin packing up the crate and moving back

toward the ship. MAL turns toward Serenity as if to leave.

SPOKESMAN:

Wait! We’ll give you-

MAL:

(turning around quickly,

glaring)

Unless the next words out of your

mouth sound awful similar to

’three’ you ain’t gonna be seein’

anything but our backs.

SPOKESMAN:

(defeated)

Three.

MAL:

(smiling)

Excellent. Zoe, settle up with the

man, will you?

(whispers to Zoe)

Count it, he seems liable to

cheatin’.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (3) 14.

ZOE:

Yes sir.

MAL walks away, leaving ZOE and JAYNE to look after the

transaction. He pulls out a wave radio.

MAL:

Wash, we’re shiny here.

8 INT. SERENITY - COMMON ROOM 8

WASH is playing CHINESE CHECKERS with BOOK. INARA sits

nearby, reading a book. WASH grimaces at the call.

MAL (V.O.):

Get her ready, we’re leaving in

ten.

WASH:

(sighing)

Aye aye, O fearless captain.

BOOK:

(smiling slightly)

Does this mean you forfeit?

WASH:

(smiling cockily)

Not a chance, preacher man. Lemme

go get Serenity purring and then

I’ll come back and lead my people

in a glorious...

BOOK jumps three pieces, and WASH’s face falls. INARA

laughs.

WASH: (cont’d)

...retreat. Gorram it.

WASH moves off toward the bridge, grumbling. BOOK chuckles

to himself and moves to the kitchen, pouring some coffee.

INARA:

Another outstanding victory.

BOOK:

Ah, would that all wars were so

simple.

RIVER wanders in towards the table, head moving this way and

that, like she’s trying to listen to something. BOOK and

INARA notice.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 15.

INARA:

Are you alright, River?

RIVER:

Hm? Oh. I was trying to hear the

birds, but a big one’s chased them

all off.

BOOK:

Ah... well... would you like to

play a game?

RIVER snaps her head around to BOOK, then looks over at the

table with the game board.

RIVER:

Oh, the Monk’s game. Simplified of

course.

(turns to Book)

You were playing?

BOOK:

Hm? Oh, yes, with Wash. I’ll clear

the board-

BOOK reaches out to reset the board, but RIVER grabs his

wrist quickly. INARA jumps in her seat a bit.

RIVER:

No, this is fine. More fun.

RIVER sits in WASH’s vacated seat, looking at the pieces

intently. BOOK and INARA share a puzzled glance.

BOOK:

(Confused)

Are you sure? Wash wasn’t exactly-

RIVER rapidly moves a marble one space.

RIVER:

Your move.

BOOK sits down, intrigued. INARA puts her book down to

watch. He picks up a marble.

BOOK:

Oh, very well. Perhaps I should go

easy on you.

BOOK sets the marble down. Lightning fast, RIVER jumps a

marble in rapid succession from her side of the board to

his. BOOK gapes in astonishment and INARA’s face lights up

in a surprised laugh.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (3) 16.

RIVER:

(smiling)

Not a chance, preacher man.

9 INT. PLANET PELIC - MARSHALL’S OFFICE 9

KAYLEE enters through the front door. The MARSHALL is

talking to the angry LARGE MAN from earlier. SIMON is

sulking in a corner nursing a bruised eye.

MARSHALL:

Gorramit, James! I know what those

spacer a few years back did but

that don’t give the right to-

(notices Kaylee)

Oh, excuse me, miss, we’re kind of

in the middle of something.

KAYLEE:

Yeah, um... I’m actually looking

for someone you dragged in with...

him.

(she points to JAMES, a.k.a.

the LARGE MAN)

MARSHALL:

Oh! My apologies, miss.

(He turns to the back)

Hey spacer! Your woman’s here!

KAYLEE:

(flustered)

Oh, I’m not-

SIMON:

(equally flustered)

She’s not my-

MARSHALL:

(ignoring their protests)

Now, Miss...?

KAYLEE:

Um, Frye. Kaylee Frye.

MARSHALL:

Miss Frye, there was a bit of a

ruckus involving these two-

SIMON:

I was just sitting on the mule when

he came up and-

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 17.

MARSHALL:

So help me I will throw you in

lockup!

SIMON trails off, scowling.

MARSHALL: (cont’d)

Now, it ain’t no problem, just a

friendly scrap. Right?

JAMES and SIMON glare at each other, but nod.

MARSHALL: (cont’d)

(nods in satisfaction, turning

back to Kaylee)

Just runnin’ his prints though the

Comnet. If he don’t have any

outstanding warrants he’ll be free

to go.

SIMON has a momentary look of horror on his face, as does

KAYLEE.

KAYLEE:

Uh, Marshall, our ship is leaving

in ten and it took me eight minutes

to get here, do ya think we might

be able-

MARSHALL:

Sorry miss but your man here is

stayin’ put till he’s processed.

Alliance regulation, you understa-

BOOM! A loud explosion from outside rattles the building.

10 INT. SERENITY - COMMON ROOM 10

RIVER and BOOK are still playing their game, with BOOK

looking increasingly frustrated. RIVER is smiling, but her

expression suddenly turns to one of agony and she starts

screaming.

BOOK:

(astonished)

River! What’s wrong, child?

RIVER:

No! No, nonono NO! Bloody wings!

Bloody wings and bloody seeds!

RIVER pushes away from the table, falling out of the chair

and huddling against the wall, clutching her head.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 18.

RIVER: (cont’d)

The birds are dead! Simon! Simon,

they’re hunting!

BOOK:

River? River, there are no birds.

Simon’s not here, he’s with Kaylee.

RIVER:

(crying)

Not a bird, a dragon. It’s burning,

hunting...

11 INT. PLANET PELIC - MARSHALL’S OFFICE 11

There are screams from outside. Everyone shares a moment of

panic. The MARSHALL pulls out his radio.

MARSHALL:

Jack, what the hell is going on out

there? Did some dumbass do a hard

burn in atmo again?

DEPUTY JACK (V.O.):

No sir! Four ships just came down

hot and set down in the middle of

the market place! It’s...

(panicked)

Oh my god!

The MARSHALL is red in the face now.

MARSHALL:

What’s happening, damn it!?

DEPUTY JACK (V.O):

It’s covered in bones, sir! There

are spikes and- it’s opening! The

crowd is running, can’t see- oh no.

MARSHALL:

What? WHAT!?

DEPUTY JACK (V.O.):

(terrified)

No! NO! Oh god, get back!

(gunfire sounds over the radio

and out in the street)

Get AAAAA-

The radio cuts off. The MARSHALL stands shocked for a

moment, then motions to everyone in the room.

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 19.

MARSHALL:

Alright, y’all get out of here!

Find someplace safe and keep low

until we get... whatever this is

sorted!

JAMES rushes out the door, and KAYLEE helps SIMON up. They

reach the door just as the MARSHALL steps outside, and is

run through by a harpoon. KAYLEE screams and SIMON stares in

shock. The MARSHALL stands, wide-eyed, then falls over,

badly wounded.

SIMON rushes to the MARSHALL’S side. It’s obvious that

there’s little he can do.

SIMON:

(panicking)

Wo Di Tian A! Kaylee? What’s the

hell is happening?!

KAYLEE is standing in shock. She looks down the street,

where the sounds of screams can be heard and the orange glow

of fire is starting to become noticeable even in the light

of day.

KAYLEE:

(utterly terrified)

...Reavers.

BLACK OUT

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

12 EXT. PLANET PELIC - MARSHALL’S OFFICE 12

SIMON is kneeling next to the MARSHALL, who is bleeding out

on the ground. KAYLEE rushes out of the building and looks

down the street to the burning settlement.

KAYLEE:

Simon!

SIMON:

Hold on, I’ve got to-

KAYLEE:

Simon, we have to go!

SIMON:

(hesitant)

But I can save-

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 20.

KAYLEE:

Now, Simon! There’s no time! You

can’t save him!

SIMON looks at the MARSHALL, who’s now in shock.

SIMON:

(obviously conflicted)

...Ta ma de! I’m sorry, officer

SIMON and KAYLEE rush off as the sounds of screams and fire

grow closer.

13 INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE 13

SERENITY is lifting off. MAL and JAYNE duck into the bridge,

where ZOE and WASH are sitting. WASH is flicking switches.

WASH:

We’re heading out of atmo.

MAL:

Alright, what’s so gorram

important?

ZOE:

(moves aside)

Look at this.

MAL:

A distress call?

ZOE:

From the settlement, sir.

WASH:

Picking up some awful concerning

readings, Cap’n.

MAL:

Go Neong Yung Duh. Reavers. The

colony’s being hit by Reavers.

JAYNE:

Reavers!? Here?

ZOE:

What’s the plan, sir?

JAYNE:

Plan? The plan is we turn around

and run like hell for the Core!

(CONTINUED)

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CONTINUED: (2) 21.

MAL:

Wash, how many?

WASH:

Can’t tell from here. At least two

ships.

MAL:

Full raid. They’re getting terrible

bold.

(Points to the screen)

Set us down outside town,

quiet-like. Close as you can.

JAYNE:

(panicking)

Cap’n those-

MAL:

(with finality)

-are my crew. When we get down

there we’ll try and pick them up on

the wave. In the meantime, they’ll

have to try and stay alive.

14 EXT. PLANET PELIC - MARKETPLACE 14

Townsfolk are everywhere, running in a blind panic. Reavers

are cutting this way and that, dragging screaming townsfolk

down and tearing them apart or dragging them off. SIMON and

KAYLEE run toward the mule, but stop when a screaming WOMAN

runs towards it, a REAVER on her heels, screeching.

WOMAN:

Help! Help, ple-

She is cut off as the Reavers catch her and drag her to the

ground. SIMON moves to help her but KAYLEE pulls on his arm.

KAYLEE:

This way!

SIMON:

They’ll kill her-

KAYLEE:

Now ain’t the time to play hero!

They begin to turn away but are surprised when the REAVER is

blown away by JAMES, rounding the corner, shotgun primed.

(CONTINUED)

Page 23: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 22.

JAMES:

Lizzie! Are you alright?

The WOMAN, now identified as LIZZIE, dazedly rises, her

clothes tattered, and stumbles towards JAMES. Up the street,

several REAVERS spot the couple.

KAYLEE pulls open a nearby doorway.

KAYLEE:

Come on!

JAMES and LIZZIE hobble towards the building while SIMON

runs towards the mule.

KAYLEE: (cont’d)

Simon, leave it!

SIMON:

My medkit-

KAYLEE:

Won’t help if you’re dead! Come on!

SIMON hesitates, but runs back to KAYLEE, who closes the

door as he enters.

15 INT. PLANET PELIC - GENERAL STORE 15

The interior of the store is dark and dingy. Three SETTLERS

are huddled in fear in the aisles, desperate to escape the

Reavers’ notice. KAYLEE and SIMON lean against the door,

listening intently to the screams outside. The gibbering of

REAVERS comes close... but moves off again. KAYLEE slumps to

the floor in relief. SIMON notices that LIZZIE has a

terrible gash in her belly and is sweating profusely.

SIMON:

(approaching)

Excuse me, are you-

He is immediately pushed to the ground by JAMES.

JAMES:

Get your hands off my wife you

filthy spacer!

SIMON:

(angrily, standing up)

She’s injured! I’m trying help!

(CONTINUED)

Page 24: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 23.

JAMES:

(angrily)

We don’t need your kind of ’help’,

spacer.

He spits at SIMON’S feet. Behind him, LIZZIE groans,

obviously in pain.

SIMON:

(coldly)

That wound is abdominal. If it’s

not closed up fast it’s possible

her colon will spill onto the rest

of her organs, and that’s when

she’ll get really sick. You think

it’s hard to run from Reavers now,

imagine trying when your own blood

is poisoning you.

SIMON and JAMES glare at each other. One of the survivors

pokes their head up.

SURVIVOR:

W-we have a first aid kit.

SIMON:

Bring it here.

JAMES:

(furious)

Now look here, spacer-

SIMON:

(angrily)

Bi jweh! You can yell at me all you

want after I save her life!

The SETTLER hands SIMON the first aid kit, and he shoulders

past a blustering JAMES to look at the wounds of LIZZIE.

LIZZIE starts to breathe rapidly and shuffle in her spot.

SIMON: (cont’d)

(looking at the wound)

Kaylee, I need your help.

KAYLEE:

(stunned)

W-what?

SIMON:

I need you to keep her calm.

(CONTINUED)

Page 25: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 24.

KAYLEE:

(stammering)

I-I don’t... I don’t think I-

SIMON:

(looks at Kaylee)

Kaylee, she’s scared and just about

ready to go into shock from trauma

alone. You need to keep her calm

while I make sure she’s alright.

KAYLEE:

(obviously scared, but nods)

Okay...

KAYLEE moves next to LIZZIE, who’s eyes try to focus on her.

KAYLEE: (cont’d)

(unnerved, but soothingly)

Hi. I’m Kaylee.

LIZZIE:

(quietly)

Hi... I... I’m Elizalee. Everyone

calls... me Lizzie.

KAYLEE:

It’s nice to meet you Lizzie.

SIMON quickly gets to work on the wound, dabbing away the

blood. JAMES stands behind him, watching with a scowl on his

face.

16 INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - AFTERNOON 16

We see Serenity touching down behind a rocky outcrop. WASH

sets the steering column back and wipes his brow.

WASH:

Slipped right by, Mal. There’s four

ships scattered round town. The

place is crawling with

cannibalistic space scum.

MAL:

Town gate’s open, and we’re near

the market. If they can get out

they’ll have a clear run.

WASH:

We’ll need to check the engine,

make sure it’s up to a hard burn in

atmo if we need to hoof.

(CONTINUED)

Page 26: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 25.

MAL:

I’ll check, you make sure we’re

shiny here. We’ll give em a call on

the wave when we’re all green.

MAL walks out to the corridor.

17 17. INT. SERENITY - ENGINE ROOM 17

MAL walks in, and is shocked to find RIVER hanging upside

down from the ceiling, pulling a few wires apart.

MAL:

Hey! HEY! Juh Shi Suh Mo Go Dohng

Shee? What are you doing to my

ship, you moonbrained twerp?

RIVER:

(unperturbed)

Shhhh... not enough wind.

RIVER sticks a few wires together and they erupt in a shower

of sparks.

MAL:

Little girl, my day’s been all-fire

difficult without your aimin’ to

blow us to the Black.

RIVER ignores MAL and swings a leg down to kick a panel on

the wall. The entire engine room lights up.

WASH (V.O.):

Mal? I don’t know what you did but

Serenity likes it.

MAL stares at the engine, then at a delighted RIVER, before

answering the comm.

MAL:

Weren’t my doing. Seems Miss Tam’s

taken it in her head to be our

mechanic for a time being.

WASH:

(long pause)

I’m sorry, I thought you said River

was working in the engine room.

MAL:

That’s right.

(CONTINUED)

Page 27: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 26.

WASH:

(another pause)

Right. If you need me, call really

loud, since I’ll be hiding under

the console.

MAL looks at RIVER, who regards him from her perch, sticking

her tongue out at him.

RIVER:

Leaves need wind to soar.

MAL:

Okay, if you’re gonna be fillin’

in... and that’s ALL this is,

you’re gonna need to listen to

Wash, alright?

RIVER:

(turning back to her work)

Need wind to clip the dragon’s

wings...

MAL:

(thoroughly unnerved)

...Right. So we’re understood then.

MAL back out of the room. RIVER picks up a welding torch,

smiling brightly as it flicks on.

18 INT. PLANET PELIC - GENERAL STORE - AFTERNOON 18

KAYLEE:

(looks at Simon, who’s slowly

treating the wound)

Looks like you ran into some

trouble, huh?

LIZZIE:

(scared)

He... no, it was a she. She was

all... she was wrong. Her eyes...

(becoming more agitated)

Her eyes were like holes! And she

was laughing, but it was just a

gurgle-

SIMON:

(hastily)

Kaylee, keep her calm!

(CONTINUED)

Page 28: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 27.

KAYLEE:

(quickly)

Don’t worry about it, Lizzie. You

got hurt, but this here’s the best

doctor on the Rim. He even attended

one of them fancy schools in the

Core, knows all about medicine and

fixin’ folks. He’ll fix you.

LIZZIE’s eyes are wide, but she seems a bit calmer. SIMON

nods to her and opens the first aid kit.

KAYLEE: (cont’d)

So... do you have a fella? Some

lucky guy who follows you around

like a puppy dog?

LIZZIE:

(chuckles, wincing. Speaks

painfully)

More... like a bulldog. Or... an

alligator... with a toothache. My

James...

KAYLEE looks up curiously at the muscular and angry JAMES,

who turns away. SIMON takes a deep breath when he looks at

the wound.

KAYLEE:

He’s... awful nice.

LIZZIE:

(chuckles again)

He’s... a stubborn... jackass.

But... he means well. Just... needs

a... firm hand...

She dozes off, leaving KAYLEE rather concerned.

KAYLEE:

(worried)

Simon? Simon, she’s asleep.

SIMON:

(sighing)

I’m not sure if that’s good or not.

She’s in a bad way.

KAYLEE:

(looking around to the wound)

What’s so ba-

(CONTINUED)

Page 29: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 28.

She stops as she sees what appears to be a large metal

sliver sticking out of LIZZIE’s abdomen. The wound around it

is ragged, like it was torn open.

SIMON:

I don’t know what they used, but it

had rough edges. It’ll scar.

SIMON gingerly dabs away the blood around the wound. JAMES

glares but does nothing.

SIMON: (cont’d)

I can’t do much more for her right

now. This needs surgery.

JAMES:

(leaning in)

Well let’s get that spike outta

her-

He reaches towards the metal sliver but SIMON slaps his had

away.

SIMON:

(smacks his hand away)

If you pull that out now, her colon

will leak into her bloodstream and

she’ll go into septic shock. Until

I can get her on a surgery table,

it stays in.

JAMES looks like he wants to argue, but is interrupted by a

crackling from the radio on KAYLEE’s belt.

MAL (V.O):

Kaylee? Kaylee, are you there?

KAYLEE grabs the radio from her belt, standing upright.

KAYLEE:

Yes! Yes, Mal, I’m here! We both

are, Simon and me are alright.

MAL (V.O):

(relieved)

Best news I’ve had today.

KAYLEE:

Cap’n, they’re all over the town,

an’ we can’t get to the mule...

(CONTINUED)

Page 30: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (4) 29.

MAL(V.O):

We’re sittin’ tight out the east

gate. Wait till’ nightfall and make

a run for it, we’ll be ready for

you.

SIMON:

(grabs radio from KAYLEE)

Captain, we’ve got some wounded

settlers here. One’s hurt bad, we

can’t move her. Can you get to us?

MAL (V.O.):

Doc, there’re no less’n four ships

in that colony, an’ all the Reavers

they can fit. We come in and

they’ll strip Serenity to parts.

And us to bones.

SIMON:

Now, wait, there has to be some way

we can-

MAL (V.O.):

Doc, unless you’re feelin’ awful

shiny about your chances for divine

intervention you’d best try to roll

outta there at nightfall. Bring who

you can, but this ain’t time to be

a hero.

The radio clicks off, leaving SIMON gaping angrily.

SIMON:

This day is not going well.

KAYLEE:

Simon, the Cap’n’s just worried

’bout us-

SIMON:

And that’s an excuse?

KAYLEE:

No... but it’s a reason.

SIMON looks like he wants to argue, but he sighs and walks

over to where the SETTLERS sit and starts dressing their

wounds.

Page 31: Firefly - Raid

30.

19 INT. SERENITY - COMMON ROOM 19

JAYNE, ZOE, INARA and BOOK are sitting around the room,

anxiously awaiting news. JAYNE is disassembling and cleaning

several guns on the main table, as is ZOE on a smaller table

in the corner. BOOK is sitting, reading, and INARA is making

coffee in the kitchen. Everyone is tense and on edge.

JAYNE:

Buhn dan doc oughta’ know better’n

need rescuin’ twice in a gorram

day.

BOOK:

It is hardly the fault of a farmer

if locusts descend.

JAYNE:

Rather be killin’ locusts than

sittin’ this close to a Reaver

raid.

ZOE:

(not looking up)

Jayne, you’re scarin’ the women

again.

JAYNE:

In case you haven’t noticed we’ve

got our ass to the wind in front of

a gorram colony fulla Reavers.

MAL:

(walking in)

Then let’s hope they’re awful

appreciative of the view.

Everyone turns to look at MAL. INARA comes out of the

kitchen, concern on her face.

INARA:

Are they...?

MAL:

They’re fine. They’ve holed up with

some settlers. Told em’ to sit

tight and make a run for it come

dark.

BOOK:

Thank God...

(CONTINUED)

Page 32: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 31.

MAL:

(annoyed)

Preacher, what about this situation

makes you think the Almighty has

anythin’ to do with it?

INARA:

(reproachfully)

Mal.

ZOE:

What’s the plan, sir?

MAL:

We can’t fly to them, not without

kickin’ the whole hornet’s nest. So

we get ready to grab em and we make

tracks to the Core. Be ready.

Reavers tend to try’n hold what

they catch.

(to INARA)

You any good at medicine?

INARA:

(surprised)

Well... companions learn basic aid-

MAL:

Good. Get down to the Infirmary and

get settled in. Whatever happens

we’ll likely be seein’ blood

tonight.

(He turns to BOOK)

You get to the engine room and make

sure little River ain’t lookin’ to

fry our bacon. Help her if you can.

BOOK nods and sets off down the corridor with INARA. MAL

turns back towards the bridge but ZOE stops him.

ZOE:

(quietly)

Captain, even if they get out the

gate they won’t get twenty yards.

MAL:

We can’t get closer without risking

the Reavers’ sensors picking us up,

and then none of us are getting out

of this. If you’ve got a better

plan, I’m all ears.

ZOE is silent.

(CONTINUED)

Page 33: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 32.

MAL: (cont’d)

Don’t like it much myself, but it’s

the best we’ve-

The intercom crackles to life.

WASH (V.O.):

MAL? You’d better get up here.

MAL and ZOE exchange looks and move toward the bridge.

20 INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE 20

WASH is looking at the radar screen as MAL and ZOE enter.

MAL:

What’s up?

WASH:

We’ve got company.

ZOE:

More Reavers?

WASH:

Not exactly.

A message crackles over the comm.

MALE VOICE (V.O.):

This is the Adamant, Alliance

Tohoku-class cruiser. Firefly-class

transport, we are responding to the

distress call of the colony below.

Please respond and identify

yourselves.

ZOE:

They’ve seen us.

WASH:

Should we hoof?

MAL:

Now now, they haven’t gone to

mention arrestin’ or shootin’ us,

no need to skitter away just yet.

Open a channel.

WASH gets out of his seat and flicks a switch as MAL sits

down.

(CONTINUED)

Page 34: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 33.

MAL: (cont’d)

(cheery)

This is Captain Malcolm Reynolds of

Serenity. Glad to see you fellas.

There’s a pause on the line. Finally, the vid-screen

flickers on and COMMANDER HARKEN appears.

HARKEN:

Strange, Captain Reynolds. That

wasn’t your reaction the last time

we met.

MAL’s face loses emotion as he stares at the screen.

MAL:

Commander Harken.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

21 INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE 21

MAL is sitting at the pilot’s seat, talking to HARKEN over

the vidcom. WASH and ZOE are standing nearby looking

nervous.

MAL:

Commander Harken. Been a while.

HARKEN:

That it has, Captain, and while

there is little I would enjoy more

than throwing you in the brig for

old times sake and on general

principle, it seems that there is a

more pressing situation at hand.

MAL:

Reavers hit the colony.

HARKEN:

Yes. We know. What baffles me,

however, is why you are still here.

You said as much when we last met

that Reavers are hardly something

you would wish to deal with.

MAL:

I ain’t in the habit of leavin’ two

good crewmen to die.

(CONTINUED)

Page 35: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 34.

HARKEN:

I see.

MAL:

And you are to...?

HARKEN:

Drive the Reavers back and retake

the colony.

Everyone on the bridge exchanges surprised glances.

MAL:

Didn’t reckon the Alliance’d much

care for a Rim colony.

HARKEN:

(narrows eyes, speaks curtly)

Nor would I suspect former

Independents of risking themselves

in a suicidal rescue operation.

Looks like we’ve both learned

something today.

(turns away from the camera)

You will maintain position and give

us the names and descriptions of

your crew. When we liberate the

colony, should they still live,

they will be debriefed and returned

to your...

(dubiously)

ship.

MAL:

One you’ve met. Kaylee Frye.

HARKEN:

Ah yes. Miss Frye was somewhat

dissatisfied with how I addressed

your ship the last time we spoke. I

believe she called me a... ’purple

belly’.

MAL:

She’s sure’n got a way of makin’

folks feel welcome.

HARKEN:

And the other?

MAL:

(hesitates)

More’ve a passenger than a crewman.

Travelin’ doc. Name of, uh...

(CONTINUED)

Page 36: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 35.

MAL turns to WASH and ZOE, who shrug.

MAL: (cont’d)

Name of Felix Badger.

WASH and ZOE gape.

HARKEN:

(skeptical)

...I see. We’ll contact you when

we’ve discovered anyth-

MAL:

(hurriedly)

Uh, Commander... I, ah... I reckon

that we could help each other on

this one.

HARKEN:

Excuse me?

MAL:

Well, you and yours can fight and

reclaim the town for the glory of

the Alliance and while you do that,

my ship’ll slip in an’ try to do

some rescuin’.

HARKEN:

...A generous offer, Captain.

MAL:

Well, we’re glad to-

HARKEN:

But unnecessary. The Alliance will

complete this operation. I will not

risk the lives of civilians, even

one with... dubious history. Nor

will I sanction an action that will

interfere with the smooth running

of an Alliance-coordinated assault.

MAL:

(angrily)

Commander-

HARKEN:

You will maintain your position.

Any attempt to enter the colony

will be seen as hostile action.

Your people, if alive, will be

found and returned to you after

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

Page 37: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (4) 36.

HARKEN: (cont’d)their debriefing. You’ve done well

in keeping under the radar,

Captain. I suggest you exercise

that talent.

He cuts the feed. MAL, ZOE and WASH stare at the console for

a moment. Then MAL slams his fist down.

MAL:

Gou ta ma de zhı tuı!

WASH:

Easy Mal, don’t take it out on my

incredibly finicky controls.

ZOE:

Sir, if they find Simon and

Kaylee...

MAL:

They’ll process ’em and we’ll be

gou shı hé méiyou jiang. Seems like

we need to be doin’ some mighty

fast rescuin’.

(Turns to WASH)

Do we know where they are?

WASH:

With all the rads leakin’ from the

Reaver ships we can’t pin the wave

signal down to more than a click

across. Like trying to find a

cotton ball in a blizzard.

MAL:

We’ll need a visual then...

(ponders for a moment)

Get Kaylee back on the wave.

22 INT. PLANET PELIC - GENERAL STORE 22

KAYLEE is listlessly looking through the scrap for anything

useful. SIMON is finishing doing his doctoring on the

SETTLERS. He stands up and walks over to KAYLEE.

SIMON:

Okay, I think that’s it. If we need

to we can run... or at least limp.

KAYLEE:

Shiny...

(CONTINUED)

Page 38: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 37.

SIMON:

What’s wrong?

KAYLEE:

(with an ’are you serious’

look)

What’s wrong? Simon, we’re in the

middle of a Reaver raid with no

tools, three guns, and folks are

bleeding out onto the floor!

SIMON:

(taken aback)

I-I’ve stopped the bleeding I

think-

KAYLEE:

And now we’ve gotta make a run

through a town of dead people with

Reavers crawlin’ after us and...

and...

(slumps down in the corner)

...We’re gonna die, aren’t we?

SIMON gapes for a moment and opens his mouth to say

something, but there’s a scream of pain from over where

LIZZIE was lying. SIMON rushes over to find JAMES holding

the metal spike that was in her belly, and LIZZIE’s wound is

bleeding again and she’s groaning in pain. SIMON grabs the

spike and glares at JAMES.

SIMON:

Why the HELL would you do that!?

JAMES:

She was in pain! I ain’t lettin’ no

prissy spacer doc-

SIMON:

(pointing the bloody spike at

him)

I have no idea what your problem

with me is, but if you’re going to

be killing my patients then I think

we should-!

KAYLEE:

(panicked)

Simon!

SIMON drops the spike and kneels down next to a convulsing

LIZZIE.

(CONTINUED)

Page 39: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 38.

SIMON:

Oh nonononono! No, gorram it, NO!

KAYLEE:

Simon, what’s happening to her?

SIMON:

Her colon is leaking into her

bloodstream, she’s going into

septic shock!

(stands)

I can’t stop it. We need

anti-bacterials and I used all the

ones in the aid kit...

KAYLEE:

Simon?

SIMON:

I need to get to the mule.

KAYLEE:

(eyes wide in fear)

But-

SIMON:

I know.

KAYLEE:

Simon they’ll-

SIMON:

I know!

(turns to JAMES)

Get your gun.

JAMES:

(indignant)

I ain’t leavin’ her to-

SIMON:

Your Lizzie’s life depends on me

getting to my bag and back in one

piece! You did this, so shut up and

help me!

JAMES looks ready to punch SIMON, but LIZZIE lets out a

scream. He growls and muscles past SIMON to the door.

SIMON: (cont’d)

(To KAYLEE)

Keep her steady if you can. If she

thrashes around it’ll... well, it’d

be bad.

Page 40: Firefly - Raid

39.

KAYLEE nods timidly as SIMON steps out after JAMES into...

23 EXT. PLANET PELIC - MARKETPLACE STREETS - TWILIGHT 23

The streets are gore-soaked, with bodies everywhere. Reavers

lurk and prowl through the alleys, occasionally stopping to

feast on the dead. SIMON and JAMES carefully skirt around

the edges, keeping close to shadows and walls. Screams are

still heard in the distance and the air is thick with smoke

from burning pyres in the street. What the pyres are made of

is... best not to speculate.

SIMON and JAMES skirt through alleys, keeping low and hiding

behind barrels and rubble.

JAMES:

She’d best pull through, spacer, or

I’ll take you to task for it.

SIMON:

What is your problem with...

’spacers’?

JAMES:

(spits)

All you spacers care about is your

precious freedom. Never mind

treatin’ folk decent, or helpin’

your fellows, you just come and do

as you please, thinkin’ you can

just run on back to the Black when

you get inta trouble! Thinkin’ you

can cheat people outta their lives

and take what’s theirs and run for

your tin-can spaceships, burnin’

outta our sky and laughin’ while

you do it!

SIMON:

So I’m guilty without committing a

crime. Nice to see the trend

continued.

JAMES:

(spits)

You and yours always do crime,

spacer. And you don’t care none who

it hurts.

SIMON:

(sarcastic)

Oh yes, it was so very wrong of me

to run into hiding and try to save

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

Page 41: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 40.

SIMON: (cont’d)your wife’s life, what was I

thinking?

JAMES:

(angrily)

You’re on bad soil, spacer-

SIMON:

There it is- oh...

From the alleyway, SIMON and JAMES can see the mule. There’s

a body on it, cut open. No Reavers seem to be around.

JAMES:

Well? What’re we waiting for?!

SIMON:

Um, yeah. Right.

The pair approach the mule, James swinging around with his

shotgun, covering the ends of the street. Up close, the body

is revealed to be a woman’s, clothing torn and very, very

dead, eyes wide in terror.

JAMES:

Well, spacer?

SIMON:

One minute, I have to move... her.

SIMON shoves the body off the mule, and notices a pistol on

the woman’s hip. He removes it and places it in his empty

holster before rooting around the mule.

SIMON: (cont’d)

Found it!

JAMES:

’Bout time. Let’s-

JAMES is interrupted by a loud CRACK as a harpoon splinters

through the wall next to him. From the alley they came from,

three REAVERS appear, one reloading what looks like a crude

speargun. The other two slowly inch forward, moving jerkily.

JAMES: (cont’d)

(raising gun)

Come and get it you-

SIMON:

No! We need to get back!

(CONTINUED)

Page 42: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 41.

JAMES:

(snarls)

Piss off, spacer!

JAMES fires, the hot echoing in the empty streets. The two

advancing REAVERS each get hit by buckshot, but shrug it off

and move forward, picking up speed and screeching.

SIMON:

James, think of Lizzie!

JAMES:

(falters, then snarls.)

How the hell-

SIMON:

Get on!

SIMON frantically turns the key as JAMES hops on and the

REAVERS close in. The REAVERS are close enough to grab at

the mule as it purrs to life and SIMON revs it up, sending

the two closing in sprawling as they miss. They dart away,

but the REAVER in the alley shoots the now-reloaded speargun

and pierces a tire, sending the mule into a careening path.

SIMON: (cont’d)

Nonononono!

SIMON struggles to keep the mule under control, but he’s

obviously inexperienced. As he and JAMES round the corner,

they both leap from the mule as it swerves to the side into

a market stall with an almighty CRASH! SIMON lands hard and

is dazed for a moment before JAMES hauls him up.

JAMES:

C’mon spacer! They’ll likely be

comin’ for that bang. Store’s just

ahead.

SIMON nods, shakily gets to his feet and follows JAMES out

of frame.

24 INT. PLANET PELIC - GENERAL STORE 24

SIMON and JAMES rush in, slamming the door behind them.

SIMON:

Kaylee, we’re back, how’s she-

SIMON sees KAYLEE sitting next to LIZZIE... who is not

moving. KAYLEE, tears in her eyes, shakes her head.

SIMON rushes forward as JAMES staggers.

(CONTINUED)

Page 43: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 42.

JAMES:

(disbelieving)

Naw, naw that ain’t right.

SIMON is looking over the body, checking for pulse and

breathing.

JAMES: (cont’d)

She... she was alive! She’s fine,

right? You, you’ve just gotta give

her that anti-whatsit thing and-and

she’ll be...

SIMON looks at JAMES, his face downcast and sorry.

JAMES: (cont’d)

be o-okay...

SIMON:

I... she’s...

JAMES:

No! No, you said that she was gonna

be alright! You said that-

SIMON:

(angrily)

She would’ve been fine if you

hadn’t removed the spike!

JAMES:

(angrily)

She was in pain! That how you get

your kicks, spacer? Leavin’ people

in pain?

SIMON:

(indignant)

I didn’t give her septic shock or a

spike in the abdomen! You’re the

one who ki-

KAYLEE:

(grabs SIMON’s shoulder)

Simon!

SIMON calms down a bit and follows KAYLEE. JAMES unsteadily

walks over to LIZZIE’s corpse and holds it, staring in

shock.

KAYLEE: (cont’d)

He’s grievin’, Simon.

(CONTINUED)

Page 44: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 43.

SIMON:

It’s his own-

KAYLEE:

He didn’t put the spike in.

They stand in silence for a while as JAMES starts a low,

wheezing sob. This continues until the radio at KAYLEE’s hip

starts squawking.

MAL (V.O.):

Kaylee? Simon? You two ain’t kicked

off yet, have you?

KAYLEE:

No... no we’re here, Cap’n...

SIMON:

(into radio)

Cap’n, I... crashed the mule. We

can’t use it to-

MAL(V.O.):

Not the best of news but not the

pressin’ trouble at the moment. Got

some good news. Alliance is gonna

swoop in an’ try to reclaim the

colony.

The SURVIVORS perk up and become more animated, as do KAYLEE

and SIMON.

KAYLEE:

That’s- that’s great! We can just

wait-

MAL(V.O.):

Hold on now. You’re still in the

middle of a Reaver-infested colony

that’s about to turn into a

warzone. But since the Alliance is

bein’ kind enough to be loud and

distractin’, we’ll be getting’ in

an’ pulling you all out.

SIMON:

Isn’t that... somewhat risky?

MAL(V.O.):

Risky as gettin’ rescued and

debriefed by Alliance?

(CONTINUED)

Page 45: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (4) 44.

SIMON:

(pause)

Noted.

MAL(V.O.):

Bit of trouble, though. We can’t

pin your location within a klick.

We need something to home in on.

KAYLEE:

No sweat, Cap’n, I’ll get somethin’

shiny up for you.

MAL(V.O.):

Good. We’ll be headin’ out soon, be

ready to hoof. We’ll land close as

we can and cover you.

The radio clicks off, and KAYLEE hands it to SIMON.

KAYLEE:

I’m gonna find some flares.

SIMON:

I’ll make sure everyone’s set to

move.

They start moving. SIMON stops to look at JAMES, still

holding LIZZIE. He starts to say something.

JAMES:

Keep walkin’, spacer.

SIMON hesitates, then moves to help the SURVIVORS.

25 INT. SERENITY - ENGINE ROOM 25

RIVER is hopping all over the room, flicking switches and

switching wires, with BOOK watching in amazement.

BOOK:

I must say, River, I didn’t know

you were capable of such feats.

RIVER:

It’s just wires. Like arteries and

veins. In here-

(twists two wires together

with a shower of sparks)

-and out here.

(pulls a toggle and the engine

spins a bit faster.)

(CONTINUED)

Page 46: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 45.

BOOK:

Nevertheless, it is impressive.

RIVER:

(absently)

Impressionism is a useless art.

Just a lot of dots.

BOOK:

(humoring)

Perhaps it contains hidden value.

RIVER:

Like Henry Evans?

BOOK:

(stunned, shocked, reeling)

W-what!?

RIVER:

(offhandedly)

Ran with blood on your back, song

in your head. Picked up the brown,

took a Book from the dead.

BOOK:

(shocked)

River, how- what-

MAL ducks into the doorway.

MAL:

Good, we ain’t dead yet. Something

spook you Shepherd?

BOOK:

(struggling to keep calm)

Ah, a... burst of sparks caught me

unexpectedly.

MAL:

Well, what we’re expectin’ is

trouble. Gonna be settin’ down

soon, and needin’ every

trigger-finger we have. Yours any

good?

BOOK:

I... I suppose so. It’s been some

time.

(CONTINUED)

Page 47: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 46.

RIVER:

(muttering)

Four years in purple and grey.

MAL:

(glances at RIVER, then back

to BOOK)

Get yourself together and meet up

in the cargo bay. Zoe’s sure to

have a spare if’n you don’t have

one.

BOOK:

Ah... yes, I’ll go ask her...

BOOK leaves the room, looking anxious.

MAL:

(to RIVER)

You all set for our big entrance?

RIVER:

(smiling)

Dug in and ready for the charge,

Cap’n.

MAL:

(smiles)

Then get to it, Miss Tam.

MAL walks out. RIVER turns back to her work, no longer

smiling.

RIVER:

(low and serious)

Talons are grasping. Won’t let go

easy.

26 INT. PLANET PELIC - GENERAL STORE - NIGHT 26

KAYLEE is working on something, with SIMON leaning over her

shoulder.

SIMON:

Is it ready?

KAYLEE:

(focused)

Mmn.

SIMON:

(pause)

What?

(CONTINUED)

Page 48: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 47.

KAYLEE:

Oh, sorry. Just about. Couldn’t

find a flare gun though, we need to

get this on the roof somehow.

SIMON:

I think I can get it up there.

KAYLEE:

Are you sure? If you want... I

could probably-

SIMON:

It’s fine. Besides, I’ve already

crashed the mule. It’d be nice if I

could keep Serenity from doing the

same.

KAYLEE:

...Fine, but keep quiet and be

careful!

SIMON:

When have I ever-

(catches KAYLEE’s glare)

...Okay, fine.

KAYLEE:

I’ll call the captain and tell him

the plan, just get back in fast.

SIMON:

Okay...

(he turns towards the door,

hesitates, then turns back)

Kaylee, what should I say to Ja-

KAYLEE:

Nothin’.

SIMON:

But he’s-

KAYLEE:

Simon... there ain’t nothin’ you

could jabber at him that’d bring

him to trust you. So just... don’t.

Leave him be.

SIMON looks like he wants to argue, then strides away

angrily. He approaches the door and stops to look at JAMES,

who is pulling a blanket over LIZZIE as a makeshift shroud.

He starts to say something, then keeps walking out into...

Page 49: Firefly - Raid

48.

27 EXT. PLANET PELIC - MARKET STREET 27

SIMON comes out of the building quietly, looking for

Reavers. When none are found he starts looking around the

side of the building for a way up. HE finds a ladder, which

he attempts to prop against the wall, but it splinters and

cracks into two pieces.

SIMON:

(deadpan)

...Of course.

He starts arranging crates in a makeshift manner to get onto

the roof.

28 INT. PLANET PELIC - GENERAL STORE 28

KAYLEE messes with the radio, smiling when she get through.

KAYLEE:

Hey Wash! I cobbled together

something, should be easy to see.

WASH(V.O.):

Great! What is it?

KAYLEE:

Didn’t have much time for

fanciness. Just stuck a buncha

flares together. Simon’s setting it

up on the roof. No launcher, so

keep your eye low.

WASH(V.O.):

I’ll tell Mal, don’t worry we’ll be

there soon.

KAYLEE:

(relieved)

Roger that.

KAYLEE sets the radio down as she rouses the SURVIVORS and

they gather their things.

29 INT. SERENITY CARGO BAY 29

MAL, ZOE, JAYNE and BOOK are all loading weapons and

strapping on armor, preparing for a push in.

ZOE:

Any plans for when we’re on the

ground, sir?

(CONTINUED)

Page 50: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 49.

MAL:

Shoot anything that’s aimin’ to

kill us.

ZOE:

(deadpan)

Brilliant, sir. Never would’ve

thought of that.

JAYNE:

(priming a rifle)

Still could make tracks for

Persephone. Be getting’ laid

instead’a getting’ shot.

BOOK:

(sternly)

And leave our comrades in danger?

JAYNE:

(huffs)

Little Kaylee may’n be right good

’round an engine but the doc’s no

friend’a mine.

MAL:

(with a dangerous tone)

Jayne. Jaw again ’bout leavin’ crew

behind and we’ll be more’n happy to

oblige you.

JAYNE opens his mouth, to which MAL cocks his head slightly

and glares. JAYNE wavers and breaks eye contact, grumbling

to himself in Chinese.

WASH(V.O.):

Hey Mal, Kaylee’s got a signal set.

MAL:

Good. What’re we looking for?

WASH:

Said she didn’t have much on hand

so she just tied a bunch of flare

together and they’re settin’ up on

the roof-

MAL lunges for the comm as ZOEY and JAYNE look on in shock.

MAL:

What’re they doin’!?

(CONTINUED)

Page 51: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 50.

WASH(V.O.):

They’re putting some flares up-

MAL:

Sıshengzı de hòudài méidú xìng

luòtuó! What are they thinking?!

30 EXT. PLANET PELIC - GENERAL STORE ROOFTOP 30

SIMON, grunting from exertion, leaps up, catching the edge

of the roof as the crates stacked below tumble down in

disarray. SIMON winces at the sound but pulls himself up.

31 INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY 31

ZOEY:

(quickly)

Sir, we need to move now.

MAL:

(to intercom)

Wash! Get us in the air!

WASH(V.O.):

(confused)

But the Alliance isn’t attacking-

MAL:

The Reavers will be! We need to get

in fast!

(To the assembled fighters)

Load up, now. We’re ’bout to have a

lot of unwelcome boarders.

32 INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE 32

WASH hits a bunch of switches, pulling the ship up out of

the rocky outcrop.

33 EXT. PLANET PELIC - ROCKY OUTCROP 33

SERENITY rises from its hidden position, turning quickly and

speeding off towards the colony.

34 EXT. PLANET PELIC - GENERAL STORE ROOF 34

SIMON pulls the flares from his coat and sets them up on the

roof, making sure they’re steady. He fumbles with the

igniting agent but manages to light its fuse, scrambling

away to safety as the flares erupt in brilliant red light.

SIMON looks at the flares in surprise, stunned that they

worked. He smiles slowly, and sees SERENITY closing in off

in the distance. He laughs in exultation and relief.

(CONTINUED)

Page 52: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 51.

SIMON:

(joyous and relieved)

Hahaha! Yes! YES! We’re over here,

you magnificent-

Just then, a great howl rises in the colony streets. SIMON

looks down to see REAVERS starting to edge out of the

shadows and alleyways, all staring towards the light of the

flare. SIMON’s exultant face turns to one of dread.

SIMON: (cont’d)

Uh...

The REAVERS keep appearing, until a veritable swarm are

visible, with many still slowly prowling out of the shadows.

They begin to edge towards the flares, obviously seeing the

flare.

SIMON: (cont’d)

...Son of a bitch!

BLACK OUT

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

35 INT. PLANET PELIC - GENERAL STORE 35

SIMON careens through the front door, slamming it shut

behind him. The light of the flares flicker through the

windows, illuminating disturbing shadows as the screeches

outside draw closer.

KAYLEE:

Simon! What happened?

SIMON:

(panicked)

We have to go! Now!

KAYLEE:

What d’you me-

She is interrupted by the breaking of the front window as a

harpoon rockets through, embedding in the back wall above

the huddled SURVIVORS.

SIMON:

Everyone, out the back!

The door shudders as something heavy slams into it, cracking

the edges. KAYLEE gathers the survivors and they flee out

the back. SIMON follows, grabbing JAMES by the shoulder.

(CONTINUED)

Page 53: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 52.

SIMON: (cont’d)

Come on!

JAMES:

Get offa me you-

SIMON:

(exasperated)

Dirty filthy spacer, yes, I get it,

now RUN!

They dart out the back just as the door splinters and

REAVERS pour into the building.

36 EXT. PLANET PELIC - BACK ALLEY 36

SIMON and JAMES emerge to see KAYLEE and the survivors

cowering as REAVERS at one end of the alley start to close

in. There are four SURVIVORS, one man on makeshift crutch,

one woman supporting another limping man, and one

able-bodied woman. All are terrified.

SIMON:

Keep moving!

KAYLEE:

(panicking)

Where? Serenity-

SIMON:

Is on its way! I saw it flying

towards us, the captain-

SIMON is interrupted by a loud WOOSH as Serenity passes

overhead, heading east.

SIMON: (cont’d)

There! Follow that ship! Go!

Everyone rushes off, though JAMES gives SIMON a glare before

moving to the fore with his shotgun.

37 INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE 37

WASH has spotted the flare and is looking for the closest

place to land, settling on a nearby square.

WASH:

(into comms)

Hey Mal, we’re setting down.

They’ll be west of us,

quarter-click. Try not to die, it’d

ruin my day.

Page 54: Firefly - Raid

53.

38 INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY 38

MAL leans on the comm.

MAL:

Shiny. Make sure we’re ready for a

quick exit.

MAL turns to BOOK, ZOE and JAYNE, all of whom are making

final preparations.

MAL: (cont’d)

We play it safe. No time for

fanciness. Gonna take Zoe to find

em, you all keep us clear. They’re

gonna be lookin’ for noise and

lights, so don’t oblige ’em.

MAL turns to the cargo bay door. Wordlessly, he pounds on

the button, beginning its opening sequence.

39 EXT. PLANET PELIC - BACK ALLEY 39

SIMON, KAYLEE, JAMES and the SURVIVORS are all pushing

towards SERENITY in the direction they saw it land. They

move wordlessly, emitting stifled gasps and grunts as they

try to quietly and quickly move past the REAVERS.

This tactic proves to have failed, however, as a REAVER

leaps out of the shadows to gut the able-bodied SURVIVOR

woman. She screams in pain and slumps to the ground. The

REAVER turns to attack the group but is felled by JAMES’

shotgun.

JAMES:

Damn it!

SIMON tries to move to the downed woman but JAMES pushes him

back.

JAMES: (cont’d)

I ain’t lettin’ you slow us down

with the dead, spacer! Move!

SIMON looks like he wants to argue, but a howl comes from

down the alley. SIMON hesitates, looking at the woman, who

is obviously beyond help. He groans in frustration and

follows JAMES down the alley.

The group continues to run as REAVERS start to emerge behind

them. One comes out in a rush to grab the SURVIVOR on a

crutch.

(CONTINUED)

Page 55: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 54.

SURVIVOR:

Aaaaaah! No! Get off!

The REAVER knocks away the crutch and starts dragging the

SURVIVOR back down the alley. The SURVIVOR screams

horrifically, but the rest of the group continues, though

everyone but JAMES looks shaken.

The group emerges between two buildings, and SERENITY can be

seen over the top of the buildings.

SIMON:

There! We’re almost there!

They attempt to skirt around the side of the building, and

hear the opening sounds of gunfire.

KAYLEE:

Tzao gao...

SIMON:

Okay...

(he glaces at the SURVIVORS)

You two go on with KAYLEE. The

people on that ship know we’re

coming so they’ll keep you safe.

The SURVIVORS look uncertain, as does KAYLEE.

KAYLEE:

(worried)

Simon, are you-

SIMON:

I’m just going to cover you, don’t

worry. No stupid heroics.

KAYLEE is still uncertain, but nods and ushers the last two

survivors out of the alley.

SIMON: (cont’d)

(turning to face the back of

the alley)

Okay... I guess we just-

He is interrupted as JAMES punches him across the face with

a snarl. SIMON lands hard, dazed, and unable to dodge as

JAMES sticks a knife in his gut. SIMON screams.

Page 56: Firefly - Raid

55.

40 INT. SERENITY - ENGINE ROOM 40

RIVER stops working on the engine, looking out the door in

rage.

RIVER:

Simon!

She rushes out of the room, leaving wires dangling.

41 EXT. PLANET PELIC - BACK ALLEY 41

SIMON continues to scream in pain. Down the alley, the

gibbering of REAVERS can be heard. JAMES presses down on top

of SIMON, keeping him pinned.

JAMES:

(fiercely)

Hear that, spacer? They’re comin’

now. They’ll kill us both, and

it’ll hurt. I hope they skin you

alive.

SIMON:

(groaning in pain)

W-why? We c-could’ve gotten away!

JAMES:

(snarls)

What, to the Black? There’s nothin’

there, spacer! You can’t make your

life on anywhere but solid ground,

and you took mine when you let my

wife die! And if she ain’t leavin’

this planet, neither am I, and

neither are y-

JAMES is interrupted by a length of wood striking the side

of his face, rolling him off SIMON and a few feet down the

alley, dazed. He struggles to his feet to see KAYLEE helping

SIMON up, discarding a broken plank. JAMES snarls and raises

his shotgun.

JAMES: (cont’d)

(enraged)

None... of you... are leavin’!

He is about to fire when a REAVER jumps on his back. He

throws it off, but is borne to the ground by another, then

another, until he is pinned and screaming under the weight

of the REAVERS charging out of the back alley.

(CONTINUED)

Page 57: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 56.

KAYLEE:

(in shock)

I... I didn’t mean to...

SIMON:

(struggling to his feet)

You... didn’t.

KAYLEE:

But...

They are interrupted as MAL and ZOE round the corner.

MAL:

There yo- woah!

(seeing the REAVERS at the end

of the alley)

SIMON:

(coughing)

Captain! Am I gl-

ZOE:

Doc, may I suggest we save the

tearful reunion for when we aren’t

in danger of skin-flaying?

Without another word, they all run out of the alley, leaving

the now-dead JAMES to be devoured.

42 EXT. PLANET PELIC - TOWN SQUARE 42

SERENITY squats in the middle of the square, cargo doors

open. REAVERS are approaching the ship, but are being held

off by JAYNE and BOOK.

MAL, ZOE, SIMON and KAYLEE are all running (or limping)

toward the ship, fending off REAVERS, who are coming in with

increasing numbers.

SIMON:

I’m slowing you down.

MAL:

No, you’re not.

SIMON:

You should just get to safety-

MAL:

No, really?

(CONTINUED)

Page 58: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 57.

SIMON:

Just leave me be-

KAYLEE slaps SIMON. SIMON, MAL and ZOE look at her

incredulously.

KAYLEE:

(angrily)

Shut up! We’re all gettin’ outta

here!

SIMON gapes, then nods. At that moment, the REAVERS thicken,

slowing their progress. On the cargo ramp, JAYNE and BOOK

look on while the two SURVIVORS from before huddle in fear.

BOOK:

Their numbers are increasing!

JAYNE:

Gorramit, we should pull out we

have skins of our own!

BOOK:

We cannot leave our friends in

danger!

JAYNE:

You can’t, but I ain’t-

As JAYNE and BOOK argue, RIVER runs into the cargo bay,

scooping up a rifle and spinning it into a ready position in

a graceful, fluid motion. JAYNE and BOOK notice and dive out

of her line of fire just as she begins to shoot the REAVERS

surrounding the fleeing group with impeccable accuracy.

MAL and the group seize the advantage, running back to the

ship. MAL glares at RIVER as he comes up the ramp, seeing

the gun.

MAL:

What the hell do you think you’re

doin’?

RIVER:

(brightly as SIMON and KAYLEE

get aboard)

Dragonslaying!

MAL shakes his head and hammers the control panel on the

door, retracting the ramp. A REAVER leaps onto the lip but

MAL shoots it. He turns to the comm.

(CONTINUED)

Page 59: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 58.

MAL:

Wash! Burn that fuel like it’s

hellfire and get us outta here!

43 EXT. PLANET PELIC - COLONY OVERVIEW 43

SERENITY slowly lifts off and starts flying out of the city.

In the streets, four points of light appear, marking where

the REAVER SHIPS are landed as they power on.

44 INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY 44

SIMON tries to limp toward the back of the bay, but falls

over, utterly exhausted and bleeding.

ZOE:

Doc? Doc!

KAYLEE:

He got stabbed back in the alley...

MAL:

Zoe, Book, get him to the infir-

RIVER:

I’ll do it.

MAL gives RIVER a look, then turns to BOOK.

MAL:

Help her.

(to KAYLEE)

I know you’ve gone through a lot,

but we need you on the engine.

KAYLEE:

(nods)

Okay, Cap’n.

MAL:

Alright, now-

WASH (V.O.):

Uh, Mal? I think our host are

taking offense to our hasty

departure.

MAL:

On my way.

Page 60: Firefly - Raid

59.

45 INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE 45

MAL rushes in as WASH is flipping controls.

MAL:

How far?

WASH:

We’ve got a good start, but they’re

picking up speed fast.

MAL:

Well, can we-

The vidcom crackles to life, revealing a very angry

COMMANDER HARKEN.

HARKEN:

Captain Reynolds, you are in direct

opposition to an Alliance

operation, putting the liberation

of the Pelic colony at risk-

MAL:

Commander, now ain’t a good time.

HARKEN:

And why is that?

MAL:

’Cause we rescued our people and

two other colonists and are goin’

hell for leather out of atmo with

three Reaver ships on our hindlegs.

HARKEN:

(surprised, looks off screen

to confirm)

...Maintain course, Captain.

MAL:

Are you moonbrained, Harken?

They’ll be on us.

HARKEN:

Captain, I could blow you out of

the sky with a word. But for the

sake of your crew and your ship, I

ask that you trust us.

MAL:

...Fine.

(CONTINUED)

Page 61: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 60.

WASH:

So, what, do we try to-

MAL:

Keep course.

WASH:

(shocked)

What? The Reaver’ll-

MAL:

Can’t outrun ’em, and the chances

of us pullin’ an Ivan on one aren’t

great. On four? Slim to none. We

don’t have many other options.

WASH wants to argue, but can’t find a rebuke, so sullenly

continues course. A moment later, there’s a green flash as

six ALLIANCE GUNSHIPS swoop past SERENITY, engaging the

REAVER SHIPS.

MAL: (cont’d)

Huh. Never thought I’d be glad to

see Alliance birds swoopin’ in.

WASH:

Breaking atmo in ten seconds.

MAL:

Alright then. Let’s moon ’em.

SERENITY drifts up out of atmo. Below, flashes can be seen

where the ALLIANCE GUNSHIPS are attacking the REAVER SHIPS.

The Tohoku-class cruiser can be seen in the distance, as

well as the moon AUTARK. SERENITY turns towards deep space,

lights its tail, and blasts off into the Black.

46 INT. SERENITY - INFIRMARY 46

SIMON is on the operating area. He slowly comes to, muzzily

at first, then eyes widening quickly as he tries to sit up,

catching the attention of INARA, washing her hands in the

sink.

INARA:

Easy! Easy Simon, you’re safe now.

SIMON:

(groggily)

We’re... we’re safe?

(CONTINUED)

Page 62: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 61.

INARA:

(nods)

We got away, and the colony is well

behind us. The Alliance actually

took care of the Reavers that tried

to follow.

SIMON:

Huh... Never figured I’d be

thankful for the Alliance’s help

again...

MAL:

(entering)

I found myself thinking much the

same.

SIMON:

Captain.

(pauses)

Did the others make it?

MAL:

They did. They were banged up, but

I reckon once our doc’s recovered,

they’ll be receivin’ some top-shelf

care.

SIMON:

(smiles thinly)

Yeah.

(looks down at wound, neatly

stitched over)

Good work. Has someone on the crew

been holding out on me?

MAL:

Often, yes. But in that case, your

sister s4tepped up and did your

fixin’.

SIMON bolts upright, groaning in pain but eyes wide in

shock.

SIMON:

(shocked)

River!?

INARA:

She was amazing, Simon. She pulled

you in with Book and started on

your wounds right away. I just

played nurse to her surgeon.

(CONTINUED)

Page 63: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (3) 62.

MAL:

Ain’t the first time, I’d wager.

(holds up his hands in

placation as INARA glares,

then turns back to SIMON)

She also filled for Kaylee in

engineerin’. Must say, we were all

mighty impressed. When’d your

sister learn herself how be fixin’

ships and people?

SIMON:

(stunned)

I... I never knew she did.

MAL:

Hm. Well, glad to have you back on,

doc.

INARA:

I’m going to go check on Kaylee and

the others. Call if you need

anything, all right?

SIMON:

(nods)

Yeah, thanks.

INARA walks out, leaving MAL and SIMON.

MAL:

Kaylee told me bout’ some of your

heroics.

SIMON:

(shakes his head)

I’m no hero, Captain. Only two of

the colonists made it.

MAL:

Two more than would’ve if you

hadn’t been there.

SIMON:

But I couldn’t save-

MAL:

Doc, you can’t save everyone.

Believe me, I’ve tried. End of the

day, if you’re still flyin’ and

your crew’s alright, it’s a good

day.

(CONTINUED)

Page 64: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (4) 63.

SIMON:

But-

MAL:

I ain’t hearin’ it. You got off

this mornin’ lookin’ to prove

useful. I’d say you proved you can

do just fine. May be that you

didn’t save everyone, but you have

the right to think of the ones you

did save. You rescued who you could

and you pulled your crewmate

through a tight spot, worse’n most

ever see. Take the win, doc.

SIMON:

(realizing)

Kaylee! Is she alright? Was she

hurt?

MAL:

She’s... well, she ain’t wounded in

body. Think that it got to her,

though. She ain’t talkin’ about it.

Now rest up. Lotta people need

tendin’ to, so you’d best get

better and get to your work.

(gives SIMON an approving nod)

Later, Simon.

MAL walks out, leaving a SIMON slightly surprised at hearing

MAL call him by his name rather than ’doc’. He relaxes,

looking up at the ceiling in thought.

47 INT. SERENITY - ENGINE ROOM 47

KAYLEE is wandering around the engine room, working

efficiently but without her normal, chipper energy. She

finishes everything to her satisfaction. She sits down in

the corner near the door, looking at the engine blankly,

trying to settle back into the comfort of Serenity.

The day catches up with her though, and she starts crying,

huddling in the corner, head between her knees. After a

moment, she looks up to see RIVER standing quietly in the

doorway. RIVER looks at KAYLEE sadly, and then gets down on

her knees next to her, wrapping her arms around her in a

tight hug, to KAYLEE’s surprise.

RIVER:

Thank you. For bringing him back.

(CONTINUED)

Page 65: Firefly - Raid

CONTINUED: (2) 64.

KAYLEE is stunned, and RIVER holds the hug for a moment,

then rises and softly exits. KAYLEE stares after her, before

moving across to her hammock, out of frame.

The shot slowly draws out into the corridor, where we see

RIVER walking. She stops and cocks her head, listening.

After a moment, music sounds from KAYLEE’s record player,

and RIVER smiles and moves off frame.

BLACK OUT

END OF SHOW