Objects in Space
It's just an object. It doesn't mean what you think...Cast · Intro · Act 1 · Act 2 · Act 3 · Act 4
Guest Cast
Jubel Early
Intro
|
She killed 'em with mathematics. |
| Transcribed: | Shrift |
| Written: | Joss Whedon |
| Directed: | Joss Whedon |
| Aired: | December 13, 2002 |
EXT. SPACE
Establishing shot of Serenity sliding past camera.
The camera DIVES DOWN into the ship, a rapid-fire slide and twirl through Serenity's guts brings us to
INT. SERENITY - RIVER'S ROOM
We see River sleeping on her bunk through an air grate. FOCUS in on her face. Gradually, we hear indistinct VOICES, which abruptly sharpen into one voice.
MAN
We're all just floating.
RIVER's eyes pop open at this. She looks startled.
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR/COMMON AREA - CONTINUOUS
We see a dressed River open the sliding door to her room.
KAYLEE (O.S.)
You couldn't possibly have --
SIMON (O.S.)
No, I wish I was lying... I just...
INT. SERENITY - COMMON AREA - CONTINUOUS
Hearing the voices, RIVER turns down the corridor toward the common area, where KAYLEE and SIMON are sitting on a couch, Kaylee's feet on Simon's lap.
SIMON (cont'd)
You know, we'd all just made surgeon. That was it. We were the elite. The world was ours, you know?
KAYLEE
So-so you had to be naked?
SIMON
Naked. Yes. And, uh, on top of the statue of Hippocrates.
(Kaylee laughs)
Can you just picture me?
KAYLEE
What, naked?
(teasing)
Oh, well, hmm. Let's see. I'm gonna have to conjure up a... Yeah, that's-that's gonna be difficult.
KAYLEE laughs again, nudging Simon in the jaw with her bare foot.
KAYLEE
So, the Feds come?
SIMON
Mm-mm. There were no Feds.
(beat)
Until I started singing.
Kaylee and Simon are both laughing now.
SIMON (cont'd)
This-this is not --
KAYLEE
What did you sing?
SIMON
This is not funny.
REVERSE camera to reveal that a shyly smiling RIVER is watching them talk.
SIMON (cont'd; O.S.)
This... this is a morality tale about the evils of sake.
CUT TO:
Simon and Kaylee are laughing, when suddenly they stop, noticing RIVER.
SIMON (to River)
I would be there right now.
RIVER reacts, hurt.
CUT TO:
SIMON and KAYLEE laughing on the couch.
SIMON
I mean it was... it was... it was either that, or the national anthem. I... reports vary.
They don't seem to realize River is there. River looks confused and upset, and turns to leave.
KAYLEE
And you don't remember any of this?
RIVER begins walking up the stairs, away from Simon and Kaylee.
SIMON (O.S.)
I remember talking the Feds out of telling my father. Or-or paying the Feds not to tell my father. I get fuzzy on the aspects.
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
River touches the walls as she walks.
JAYNE (O.S.)
So like, never?
INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN AREA - CONTINUOUS
BOOK and JAYNE are making themselves a meal in the kitchen. Jayne is at the grill, with a towel tucked into his belt like an apron.
BOOK
Well, no.
JAYNE
Not ever never?
BOOK
Some orders allow Shepherds to marry, but I follow a narrower path.
JAYNE
But, I mean, you still got the urge. They don't... cut it off, or nothin'?
BOOK
Mm, no, I'm more or less intact. I just...
BOOK sits down at the kitchen table. RIVER quietly enters the kitchen area.
BOOK (cont'd)
...direct my energy elsewhere.
JAYNE
You mean like masturbating?
BOOK
I hope you're not thinking of taking orders yourself.
JAYNE
Oh, yeah, that'll be the day.
CUT TO:
TIGHT SHOT on JAYNE'S FACE as conversation suddenly stops. Jayne looks directly at River.
JAYNE
I got stupid. The money was too good.
Startled, River slowly turns to Book, who is looking away from her.
BOOK (deadly)
I don't give half a hump if you're innocent or not.
(beat)
So where does that put you?
Frightened, River backs away, slowly walks through the room toward the other door.
CUT TO:
Jayne and Book are laughing, looking at each other. Jayne is still cooking food, Book is in the process of eating.
JAYNE
It ain't impossible! Saint Jayne, it's got a ring to it.
BOOK
I'm just trying to remember how many miracles you've performed.
JAYNE
I once hit a guy in the neck from 500 yards with a bent scope. Don't that count upstairs?
BOOK
Oh, it'll be taken into consideration.
RIVER exits the kitchen area and passes into the
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
JAYNE (O.S.)
You made that sound kinda ominous.
River walks up the corridor. From a short distance, she can see ZOE and WASH
INTERCUT WITH:
on the bridge. WASH is sitting in his pilot's chair. ZOE is in his lap. They are fully clothed but entwined, a gentle passion marking their actions as they touch and kiss.
RIVER is entranced and moved by them. By her expression and body language, it's almost like she's feeling what they're feeling. After a moment, RIVER retreats, leaving Wash and Zoe their privacy.
INT. SERENITY - CATWALKS - CONTINUOUS
MAL and INARA walk past the CAMERA, seen through the metal steps of the staircase. They are arguing.
INARA
It's not a threat, Mal. I just can't do my work under these circumstances.
MAL
You knew the drill when you signed on.
INARA
This is the third planet in a row where I can't find decent clientele.
MAL
Well, I'm sorry if I'm cutting into your retirement fund but would it kill you not to spread for a spell?
(beat)
INARA
You are unreal.
River appears on the scene, walking down a flight of stairs. CLOSE IN on River's face.
REVERSE CAMERA for RIVER'S POV of Inara and Mal.
INARA (cont'd)
I don't know why I haven't left already.
MAL
Ah, no one's forcing you to stay.
CUT TO:
TIGHT SHOT of Inara and Mal. Silence. INARA is looking right at River. MAL looks off in the distance.
INARA
I'm a big girl. Just tell me.
MAL
None of it means a damn thing.
RIVER reacts, confused and looking dizzy.
CUT TO:
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - CONTINUOUS
River comes around the corner of a pile of supplies, moving like she's fleeing. She steps on a branch with her bare foot. Silence descends as the branch cracks. She takes a step back.
CLOSE SHOT of River's feet and the branch on the floor. RIVER bends down into frame, looking at the branch.
CUT TO:
WIDE SHOT of the cargo bay, looking at River from above -- the cargo bay is covered in dead leaves and branches.
BACK to RIVER, picking up the branch.
RIVER
It's just an object. It doesn't mean what you think.
CUT TO:
The cargo bay is no longer covered in leaves. KAYLEE and SIMON are standing at a distance, their hands raised. INARA is watching from the catwalks. Everyone is shouting, their voices jumbling together.
SIMON
River, you know that's not to be touched...
INARA
Stop yelling at her. That's only going to make it worse.
BOOK
River, sweetheart --
MAL
I'm very sure you want nothing to do with that. Put it down.
RIVER
Kaylee?
Kaylee backs away, frightened.
REVEAL that River is holding a large, shiny gun. Oh, as usual, dear.
SIMON
What were you thinking? How did you get ahold of that?
INARA
Don't yell at her.
RIVER
It was in my hand.
MAL (O.S.)
I'm not mad. Just let me...
MAL steps into frame and grabs the gun from River's hand.
MAL
Thank you.
(removes clip from gun)
Fully loaded, safety off. This here's a recipe for unpleasantness.
(to Simon)
Does she understand that?
RIVER
She understands. She doesn't comprehend.
MAL
Well, I'm glad we've made that distinction. No touching guns. Okay?
RIVER
No touching.
River moves quickly to exit the cargo bay.
SIMON
River...
RIVER
It's getting very, very crowded!
(exits)
MAL
Thought she was on the mend.
SIMON
Uh, her... her medications are erratic. There's-there's not one that her system can eventually break down, and --
MAL
When want a lot of medical jargon, I'll talk to a doctor.
(beat)
SIMON
You are talking to a doctor.
MAL
Yeah, okay, my point is could've been you she might have shot just then. The doctor, as you just made note of. And who exactly could fix you? Not nobody. We're deep in space, corner of No and Where. You take extra care with her, 'cause we're very much alone out here.
EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS
Establishing shot of Serenity passing by the camera.
A second, smaller spaceship suddenly COMES INTO FRAME behind Serenity, flashing the camera its tail lights.
Is Serenity alone in deep space?
Not so much, we're thinking.
BLACK OUT
Act 1
|
I got no problem with the notion of you not killing nobody, Kaylee. |
EXT. SPACE
A small spaceship. Close on the clear bubble surrounding the pilot's seat. A tall, black man dressed entirely in red leather sits there, manipulating spaceship controls. This is JUBEL EARLY, bounty hunter.
PUSH IN on the small ship until we're:
INT. EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
in EARLY'S POV looking at the control panel of his ship. On the dash rests a photo of River -- it's a wanted poster, with details in English and Chinese. Flashing on the dash is "AUTOPILOT ENGAGED".
PUSH IN on the wanted poster of RIVER, closer and closer until we see that clipped to the poster of River is an old picture of a woman petting a golden retriever.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
WASH is seated in the pilot's chair tapping away at the controls.
WASH
Little River just gets more colorful by the moment. What'll she do next?
PAN LEFT to REVEAL Zoe leaning against the console, looking pensive.
ZOE
Either blow us all up or rub soup in our hair. It's a toss-up.
WASH
I hope she does the soup thing. It's always a hoot, and we don't all die from it.
ZOE
Poor kid.
WASH
Yeah. She's definitely got --
(re: readout)
Funny.
ZOE
Something wrong?
WASH
I'm just getting a weird heat-bounce off our wake.
ZOE
Engine flux?
WASH
Sensors probably got turned around. I'll climb up top and --
MAL and JAYNE are talking as they climb up the stairs to the bridge.
MAL
Those lockers are sealed. Only way she can get in there is if she knows the combination.
JAYNE
I don't leave my guns around, Mal, and I don't leave 'em loaded.
MAL
Well, somehow she got her hands on your hardware. Now, supposing she took up something with hull-piercing bullets?
JAYNE
Bullets are soft lead, Mal. Even Vera could... barely breach the hull. She's the best I got. Anyhow... let's move this conversation in a not-Jayne's-fault direction? I didn't make her crazy. Hell, I didn't even want her on the ship.
Mal glances over his shoulder at Wash and Zoe, then leans closer to Jayne and says, with quiet menace:
MAL
Is that the direction you want this conversation to go in?
Jayne's feeling the menace. And maybe a bit of shame for what he did in episode 108 - ARIEL.
JAYNE
Just don't wanna take a lashing for something I ain't the cause of.
ZOE
Where's River at now?
MAL
In her room, which I'm thinking we bolt from the outside from now on.
WASH
That's a little extreme, isn't it?
JAYNE
Anybody remember her comin' at me with a butcher's knife?
WASH
Wacky fun.
JAYNE (annoyed)
You wanna go, little man?
WASH (flippantly)
Only if it's someplace with candlelight.
ZOE
Sir, I know she's unpredictable, but I don't think she'd harm anyone.
JAYNE
Butcher's knife!
ZOE
Anyone we can't spare. I mean, as far as we know, the girl's never even picked up a gun before.
KAYLEE (entering)
That ain't so.
MAL
Kaylee?
(beat)
You got something to say?
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP
Establishing shot.
PUSH IN to see EARLY suited up for a spacewalk, climbing out of the bottom of his ship. He pushes off the bottom of his ship and slowly drifts through space, landing gently on top of Serenity. He climbs down Serenity's side and peers in through a side window to see:
INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN AREA - CONTINUOUS
The crew, minus River, are gathered around the kitchen. MAL, KAYLEE, BOOK, and INARA are standing; SIMON, JAYNE, ZOE, and WASH are sitting at the table.
MAL
Okay, Kaylee. Why don't you speak your piece?
KAYLEE
It was when the Captain and Wash got took by Niska.
MAL
Ain't like to forget that anytime soon.
At the table, ZOE rubs Wash's shoulder.
KAYLEE
Well, we all went in. Me, too... I didn't make much account of myself, I'm afraid.
MAL
I got no problem with the notion of you not killing nobody, Kaylee.
SIMON
What's this got to do with River? She wasn't even in that fight.
KAYLEE
Well, no, she was. I got pinned down and there were three guys, and I couldn't...
(beat)
And then River comes up. She looks out, sees 'em all. And they was spread out, you know, had some cover? She... she didn't only looked for a second, and took my gun, closed her eyes... killed 'em.
SIMON
She shot them?
KAYLEE
All three. Dead in an instant. With her eyes still closed.
JAYNE
Well, that's fay-fay duh pee-yen狒狒的屁眼
baboom's ass. You saw it wrong.
KAYLEE
Not a jot. And it weren't auto fire... or luck. She just... she just did the math.
ZOE
You understand how that sounds?
JAYNE
What? She killed 'em with mathematics. What else could it have been?
KAYLEE
You couldn't have done it, Jayne. Nor you, Cap'n. Nobody can shoot like that that's a person.
SIMON
So River's not a person.
KAYLEE
Oh, please don't be mad.
The CAMERA begins to SINK, passing down a floor into the:
INT. SERENITY - CATWALKS - CONTINUOUS
RIVER comes into frame, her head cocked, listening. It almost looks like she's floating.
SIMON (V.O.)
(muffled)
I just want to understand what you're saying, here. I thought River was your friend.
PULL BACK, CAMERA sinking past the catwalks toward the cargo bay, to REVEAL that River is balanced on the catwalk railing in a ballet position.
KAYLEE (V.O.)
She is. But Simon, the way she --
(beat)
Right after, she looked at me and...
INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN AREA - CONTINUOUS
Back to the crew, gathered 'round.
KAYLEE
...she smiled, like nothin' was wrong. Like we were playin'. Scared me.
BOOK
Could be she saved your life, Kaylee.
KAYLEE
Oh, I'm all aware of that. And I'm not saying --
SIMON
She probably didn't even know what was going on. You know, th-thought it was a game.
JAYNE
Later on you can explain to me how that's a comfort. Might have to use some of that "math" we've been hearin' about.
MAL
What we got here to deal with is the larger issue. And that larger issue is we got someone on board this ship might be a danger to us. Ain't a question of whether we like her.
Now the CAMERA goes UP through the CEILING toward:
EXT. SPACE - SERENITY - CONTINUOUS
Where our bounty hunter EARLY is kneeling on top of Serenity. PUSH IN on Early to REVEAL that he has a listening device attached to the outer hull and can hear the conversation going on in the kitchen area clear as a bell.
MAL (V.O.)
Some of us have grown attached to River. Kaylee, I know you have or you would've spoken up sooner. Which, by the by, you should have. I find River pleasant enough myself.
INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN AREA - CONTINUOUS
MAL
But she does have an oddness to her. And I ain't just talking about her proficiency with firearms. Girl knows things. Things she shouldn't. Things she couldn't.
JAYNE
Wha -- are you-are you sayin' she's a witch?
WASH
Yes, Jayne. She's a witch. She has had congress with the beast.
JAYNE
She's in Congress?
WASH
How did your brain even learn human speech? I'm just so curious.
INARA
Bee-jway, neen hen boo-tee-tyen duh nan-shung!闭嘴，您很不体贴的男生！
Shut up, you inconsiderate schoolboys! This isn't a joking matter. This is about our lives, and River's.
MAL
Thank you.
SIMON
She's deeply intuitive. It's true that sometimes...
MAL
I don't think she's intuitive, Doctor. I think she's a reader.
ZOE
Psychic?
WASH
Is that even remotely possible?
MAL (to Simon)
You tell me. You been studying what they've done to her.
SIMON
Well, they've, uh... they definitely altered the way she reacts to things. Even the way she perceives. But I'm not...
WASH
Psychic, though? That sounds like something out of science fiction.
ZOE
We live in a space ship, dear.
WASH
So?
JAYNE
Whoa, back up a second. Are you saying she really reads minds?
MAL
Or near enough. Am I alone thinking along these lines?
BOOK
(beat)
No.
JAYNE
Well...
(slams table)
I don't like the idea of someone hearin' what I'm thinkin'.
INARA
No one likes the idea of hearing what you're thinking.
BOOK
The Alliance could have any number of uses for a psychic.
ZOE
A psychic, or an assassin.
SIMON
She's just a kid.
(beat)
And she just wants to be a kid.
MAL
Wish it were that simple.
JAYNE
Yeah, and if wishes were horses, we'd all be eatin' steak. What do we plan to do about this?
MAL
Well, that's just the question.
SIMON
I don't think she'd ever hurt any of us.
MAL
Maybe you're right.
(beat)
I ain't gonna make a decision on anything 'til I've thought on it a while. It's late. Let's get some rest.
The crew scatters as they all make their exits.
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Kaylee is chasing after Simon.
KAYLEE
Simon?
SIMON
I have to go check on my assassin.
KAYLEE
Oh, please don't be mad. I had to say something.
SIMON
I'm not mad at you. I just, uh...
(beat)
She loves this ship. I think it's more home to her than any place she's been.
KAYLEE
What about you?
SIMON
I... I thought the hospital was home. I was really making a difference there... and embarrassingly large stacks of money, and... I could've... I would be there right now if she hadn't --
(beat)
If-if they had just left her alone.
KAYLEE
Is it so bad here?
Kaylee's trying real hard for some kind of declaration. Simon isn't giving in, although they're standing closer and closer.
SIMON
I don't even know if the Captain will let us --
KAYLEE
No! I mean... isn't there anything about this place you're glad of?
Kaylee's looking real hopeful now, and Simon looks like he's trying hard not to hurt her. He lifts his hand to her hair, but pulls back when BOOK comes around the corner and passes between them.
BOOK
Good night, you two.
SIMON
I, uh...
KAYLEE
Don't, yeah, I...
SIMON
Good night.
KAYLEE
Don't let the space bugs bite!
Simon goes in one direction, and Kaylee goes in the other.
KAYLEE (to herself)
Space bugs?
INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN AREA - CONTINUOUS
MAL is sitting at the kitchen table with a cup in front of him, looking pensive. He stands, turns off the light as he exits to:
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
We follow MAL as he walks toward his room, the corridor dark. He opens the door of his room with his foot and begins to climb down into it.
TRACK ACROSS the hallway to a ladder leading up to an airlock.
The AIRLOCK OPENS and EARLY climbs down it. He removes his HELMET and draws his gun.
He moves forward into Serenity as we:
BLACK OUT
Act 2
|
Maybe I come down the chimney, Kaylee. |
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR
EARLY is quietly prowling through Serenity. Deciding that the coast is clear, he stows his helmet in the airlock and closes it.
EARLY turns the corner and comes face to face with MAL. They stare at each other for a second, a little bit stunned. Then Early attacks, efficiently beating the tar out of Mal and knocking him out.
INT. SERENITY - WASH AND ZOE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
WASH and ZOE are sleeping peacefully. They haven't noticed the commotion above in the corridor.
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Early lowers an unconscious Mal into the ladder entrance of his room, shutting the door. Early then goes to a keypad and punches in a series of commands, locking the rest of the crew into their rooms while they sleep.
INT. SERENITY - ENGINE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Kaylee is working on Serenity's engine when she hears a noise. She backs out from underneath the engine.
KAYLEE
River?
Kaylee stands and walks toward the door.
KAYLEE
River?
Kaylee bends back down and sorts through her pile of tools, standing back up to see EARLY standing right there. Kaylee GASPS in fright.
EARLY
I like this ship. Serenity. She's good looking.
KAYLEE (stuttering)
H-how did you... g-get on...?
EARLY
Strains the mind a bit, don't it? You think you're all alone. Maybe I come down the chimney, Kaylee. Bring presents to the good girls and boys. Maybe not, though. Maybe I've always been here.
KAYLEE
What do you want?
EARLY (re: the engine)
That's her beating heart, isn't it? Pull off any one of a thousand parts she'll just die. Such a slender thread.
(beat; casually)
You ever been raped?
KAYLEE (terrified)
Th-the Captain is right down that hallway. He can hear you --
EARLY
The Captain's locked in his quarters. They all are. There's nobody can help you. Say it.
KAYLEE
There's... there's nobody can help me.
EARLY
I'm gonna tie you up now. And you know what I'm gonna do then? I'm gonna give you a present. Get rid of a problem you've got. And I won't touch you in any wrong fashion, nor hurt you at all. Unless you make some kind of ruckus. You throw a monkey wrench into my dealings in any way, your body is forfeit. Ain't nothing but a body to me. And I can find all unseemly manner of use for it. Do you understand?
KAYLEE
Yes.
EARLY
Turn around and put your hands behind your back.
Kaylee WHIMPERS, but turns around. Early steps close, tying her wrists.
EARLY (cont'd)
Now tell me, Kaylee, where does River sleep?
INT. SERENITY - COMMON AREA - CONTINUOUS
Book shuts a door and begins walking through the common area, a TOWEL on his shoulder and carrying a BAG of TOILETRIES.
As Book passes a staircase, he hears a noise. He turns toward the stairs.
BOOK
Hello?
At the continued silence Books turns to go, but another noise stops him. He walks to the foot of the staircase, peering up into darkness.
Suddenly EARLY SWINGS DOWN from above and kicks Book in the head, laying him out cold.
INT. SERENITY - SIMON'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The noise of Book hitting the floor causes Simon to wake. He turns on the light and gets out of bed, bare-chested, barefoot and wearing only a pair of house pants. He exits his room and goes into:
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Simon slides back the door of River's room.
SIMON
River?
River's bed is empty. Simon turns looks around the empty hallway.
EARLY attacks from above, wrapping his legs around Simon's neck. Simon fights back, but Early throws him to the ground.
Early jumps down from his perch. Simon lunges toward him, but Early draws his gun, and they both freeze.
EARLY
Dr. Tam... why don't you sit yourself down?
SIMON
Rather die standing.
EARLY
The intention is not for you to die. The warrant doesn't specify any particular need for you to be alive, but...
Early motions with his gun. Simon sits.
EARLY (cont'd)
Where's your sister?
SIMON
Are you Alliance?
EARLY
Am I a lion?
SIMON
What?
EARLY
I don't think of myself as a lion.
(tickled)
You might as well, though. I have a mighty roar.
SIMON
I said Alliance.
EARLY
Oh. I thought...
SIMON
No, I was...
EARLY
That's weird.
(beat)
Where's your sister?
SIMON
I don't know. Who do you work for?
EARLY
This is her room.
SIMON
Yes.
EARLY
It's empty.
SIMON
I know.
EARLY
So is it still her room when it's empty? Does the room, the thing, have purpose? Or do we -- what's the word?
SIMON (baffled)
I really can't help you.
EARLY
The plan is to take your sister. Get the reward, which is substantial.
(beat)
"Imbue." That's the word.
SIMON
So you're a bounty hunter.
EARLY
No. That ain't it at all.
SIMON
Then what are you?
EARLY
I'm a bounty hunter. I'm named Early. I'm known to some. Been tracking you since the Feds were tipped off on Ariel.
(beat)
She sleep with anybody?
SIMON
River?
EARLY
Yeah. She grapple with any of the crew? Might be in their quarters?
SIMON (vehement)
No.
EARLY
Maybe she does and you don't know about it.
SIMON
This is insane. I'm not going to help you find her, in any case.
Simon rests his arms on his knees and looks determined. Early sighs and approaches, squatting down and brandishing his gun.
EARLY
I think this is very pretty. I like the weight of it.
SIMON
I thought the intention was not to kill me.EARLY
No. You're missing the point. The design of the thing is functional. The plan is not to shoot you. The plan is to get the girl. If there's no girl, then the plan, well, is like the room. You are gonna help me look for her.
SIMON
I don't think my last act in this 'verse is gonna be betraying my sister.
EARLY
You're gonna help me. 'Cause every second you're with me is the chance to turn the tables. Get the better of me. Maybe you'll find your moment. Maybe I'll slip. Or, you refuse to help me, I shoot your brain out, then I go upstairs and spend some time violatin' the little mechanic I got trussed-up in the engine room. I take no pleasure in the thought, but she will die weeping if you cross me.
SIMON
You're out of your mind.
EARLY
That's between me and my mind. Let's start with these rooms.
INT. SERENITY - COMMON AREA - CONTINUOUS
Close shot of Book on the ground, still unconscious.
PAN UP to reveal Simon walking into the room, tugging on a sweater. Early follows behind, his gun still drawn.
Simon sees Book, and runs to his side, checking him for injuries.
EARLY
He's not killed. Be a while before he comes to, but he'll mend.
SIMON
And which part of your plan dictated the necessity of beating up a Shepherd?
EARLY
That ain't a Shepherd.
INT. SERENITY - INFIRMARY - CONTINUOUS
Simon opens the infirmary door and steps inside, Early looking in from the doorway and eventually prowling around the room..
SIMON
She wouldn't come in here anyway. She hates this room. You see, Early, the people you're planning to sell her to cut up her brain in a lab like this. Tortured her. A teenage girl. Not some bandit on a murder run, just an innocent --
EARLY
You ever been shot?
SIMON
No.
EARLY
You oughta be shot. Or stabbed. Lose a leg. To be a surgeon, you know? Know what kind of pain you're dealing with. They make psychiatrists get psychoanalyzed before they can get certified, but they don't make a surgeon get cut on. That seem right to you?
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - CONTINUOUS
Close shot of a space suit helmet. PULL BACK to REVEAL Simon walking ahead of Early through the cargo bay. They walk up onto a:
INT. SERENITY - CATWALK - CONTINUOUS
SIMON (sing-song)
Come on out, River. The nice man wants to kidnap you.
EARLY
Shh.
Early turns slowly on the catwalk, looking around.
EARLY(cont'd)
I like the way the walls go out. Gives you an open feeling. Firefly is a good design. People don't appreciate the substance of things. Objects in space. People miss out on what's solid.
Early has his back turned to Simon. Simon begins inching forward toward him. Early draws his gun and points it directly at Simon's head without looking around.
EARLY (cont'd)
It's not your moment, Doctor.
(beat)
Is that the Companion's shuttle?
SIMON
Yes.
EARLY
We'll try the empty first, then we'll pay her a visit.
INT. SERENITY - CATWALK - LATER
Simon and Early exit the empty shuttle, Early giving Simon a little shove.
EARLY
Her room's not sayin' a damn thing. Hold it.
They both stop on the catwalk. Early's heard something. Early runs his hand down a metal rail. Leans forward and licks it. Looks thoughtful.
INT. SERENITY - INARA'S SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS
Early is pushing aside draperies. Inara is in bed, Simon standing next to her.
INARA
This is pointless, you know that.
EARLY
200,000 seems fairly pointed to me. Money like that, I could retire. Not that I would. What's life without work?
INARA
Serenity's a smuggling ship. I've been here a year, I couldn't name all the places she might hide.
EARLY
I don't have a year.
(to Simon)
Your sister's becoming a real annoyance.
SIMON
I feel for you.
Early motions with his gun for Simon to leave. Simon reluctantly exits the shuttle.
EARLY (to Inara)
I'm not gonna waste my time threatening you, because I think you believe I will kill people if someone upsets my plan. I'm gonna seal you in, though. You just sit.
INARA
You still walk away from this. I know you're tired.
Whip-fast, Early hits Inara across the face, bloodying her lip.
EARLY (quiet anger)
Don't go visiting my intentions. Don't ever.
Early steps outside the doorway, and says, as he seals the door:
EARLY
Man is stronger by far than woman, yet only woman can create a child. Does that seem right to you?
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Simon climbs up the stairs to the bridge, Early following close behind.
EARLY
All right, that's all the hide and seek I got time for.
INTERCUT WITH:
Through the comm system, Early says:
EARLY (V.O.)
I know you're on this ship, little girl. So here's how this goes. You show yourself...
INT. SERENITY - MAL'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mal is a crumpled heap at the foot of the ladder in his room. He stirs.
INT. SERENITY - WASH AND ZOE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Zoe and Wash in bed. Zoe begins to wake.
INT. SERENITY - JAYNE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jayne in bed. Snoozing soundly.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Early stands, gun drawn. Simon stands on the other side of the room.
EARLY (cont'd)
...we finish this exchange, or your brother's brains will be flying every which-a-way.
(to Simon)
You understand, I'm sort of on the clock, here. It's frustrating.
RIVER (V.O.)
You're wrong, Early.
EARLY
I'm not wrong, dumpling. I will shoot your brother dead if you don't --
RIVER (V.O.)
You're wrong about River. River's not on the ship. They didn't want her here, but she couldn't make herself leave. So she melted... Melted away.
INTERCUT WITH:
RIVER (V.O.)
They didn't know she could do that, but she did.
INT. SERENITY - MAL'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mal is fully awake, attempting to get to his feet.
INT. SERENITY - WASH AND ZOE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Zoe is sitting up in bed. After a moment, Wash sits up, too.
EARLY (V.O.)
I'm not sure I take your meaning there.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
RIVER (V.O.)
I'm not on the ship. I'm in the ship.
(beat)
I am the ship.
SIMON
River...
RIVER (V.O.)
River's gone.
EARLY
Then who exactly are we talking to?
RIVER (V.O.)
You're talking to Serenity. And, Early...Serenity is very unhappy.
>BLACK OUT.
Act 3
|
You folks are all insane. |
INT. SERENITY - ENGINE ROOM
PAN UP Kaylee's body. She is bound hand and foot, lying on her side on a metal grate.
RIVER (V.O.)
Kaylee?
KAYLEE
River?
RIVER (V.O.)
You're afraid.
KAYLEE
He tied me up. I don't know where he came from.
RIVER (V.O.)
It's okay. It's gonna be okay.
KAYLEE
I told him where you were. I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do. I...
RIVER (V.O.)
Shh. I'm fine. But I need you to do something for me. Gotta be brave.
KAYLEE
I'm tied up. I-I can't...
RIVER (V.O.)
Got tools. Something sharp. Don't be scared. I'm right here.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Early and Simon are both standing, Early holding a gun on Simon.
EARLY
Where'd she go?
SIMON
I can't keep track of her when she's not incorporeally possessing a space ship. Don't look at me.
EARLY
Ah, that's some nonsensical crap. Ain't nobody can do that. You somewhere on this boat? Somewhere with a com playing games?
RIVER laughs. Spookily.
EARLY
That's somewhat unsettling.
RIVER (V.O.)
Early... Mr. Jubel Early, bounty hunter. May I call you Jubel?
EARLY
Ain't nobody calls me that.
RIVER (V.O.)
Your mother does. I'm sorry... "did." She's gone now.
EARLY
Is that supposed to scare me? Bringing up my mother?
RIVER (V.O.)
You're a liar. I don't think your intentions are honorable.
EARLY
Well, no. I'm a bounty hunter. It's generally not considered honorable so much as... I live by a code, though. Which I think is worth --
RIVER (V.O.)
You hurt people.
EARLY
Only when the job requires it.
RIVER (V.O.)
Wrong. You're a bad liar. You crawl inside me uninvited and you hurt my crew. I see everything that passes --
EARLY (agitated)
I only hurt people because they keep getting in the way of me finding you.
(to Simon)
Tell her.
SIMON
What am I? Your advocate?
EARLY (aiming his gun)
You are starting now.
SIMON (insincere)
He's really very... gentle... and fuzzy. We're becoming fast friends.
River laughs again. It's getting to Early.
EARLY
You folks are all insane.
SIMON
Well, my sister's a ship. We had a complicated childhood.
EARLY
Doesn't anybody care that I have a finely crafted gun pointed at this boy's head?
RIVER (V.O.)
I care.
EARLY
Then you gonna come out and stop me from doing what I don't want to? You gonna be smart here, River?
(beat)
River?
(beat)
Serenity?
INT. SERENITY - MAL'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mal groans as he stands up and stumbles farther into his room.
MAL
What the hell's goin' on here?
RIVER (V.O.)
I need you to do me a favor, Captain.
MAL
There's a guy... he's very blurry. You gotta be careful.
(beat)
Oh... How come there's a guy on board, and how come you're all of a sudden the ship?
RIVER (V.O.)
I know you have questions.
MAL
That would be why I just asked them.
RIVER (V.O.)
But there isn't time, Captain. I need you to trust me.
MAL
Am I dreamin'?
RIVER (V.O.)
We all are.
Mal rolls his eyes and makes a face.
RIVER (V.O.)
Don't make faces.
Mal looks a little unsettled by that.
INT. SERENITY - DOOR/CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
A closed door. Kaylee comes into frame.
RIVER (V.O.)
Are you ready?
Kaylee opens the door and slips through, shutting it behind her.
EARLY (PRE-LAP)
Just have to think, here.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Early is pacing. Simon sits, watching him closely.
EARLY (to Simon)
These older models have locators at all?
SIMON
Won't help.
EARLY
You know, with the exception of one deadly and unpredictable midget, this girl is the smallest cargo I've ever had to transport. Yet by far the most troublesome. Does that seem right to you?
SIMON
What'd he do?
EARLY
Who?
SIMON
The midget.
EARLY
Arson. The little man loved fire.
INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN AREA - CONTINUOUS
Kaylee has crossed through the kitchen area toward the doorway that leads up to the bridge. She sneaks around the corner, nearly catching Early's attention, but makes it to a control panel and types in the release code, unlocking the rest of the crew from their bunks.
INT. SERENITY - WASH AND ZOE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Zoe is getting dressed in a big hurry.
ZOE
I can take this guy out.
RIVER (V.O.)
He's faster than you -- all of you. And he's wearing armor.
WASH
What about his face? Is his face wearing armor?
Zoe cocks her shotgun.
RIVER (V.O.)
No touching guns!
INT. SERENITY - MAL'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
RIVER (V.O.)
It's soon now. Are you ready?
MAL
How do you know what this guy's gonna do?
RIVER (V.O.)
I'm very close to him. He doesn't even see it.
MAL
Okay, but...
RIVER (V.O.)
Go now!
Despite his hesitations, Mal immediately turns and goes up the ladder to the corridor.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Early is still working on locating River when the power suddenly shuts down. In the distance, we can see Mal climb out of his room and back down the corridor, disappearing around a corner.
RIVER (V.O.)
You're not welcome here anymore, Early.
EARLY
You think I'm gonna leave empty-handed?
RIVER (V.O.)
I know it.
EARLY
Yeah, well, you know me real well.
RIVER (V.O.)
Wish I didn't. You like to hurt folk.
EARLY
It's part of the job.
RIVER (V.O.)
It's why you took the job. Power. Control. Pain.
(beat)
Your mother knew. Sadness in her when she waved good-bye. She's relieved. Saw darkness in you.
(beat)
You're not well.
QUICK FLASH of Early making crazy, terrible faces, FLASHING BACK to:
EARLY
You'll be wanting to shut up now.
RIVER (V.O.)
Big golden retriever sitting on the lawn... Never took to you...
More QUICK FLASHES of Early making with the crazy faces, FLASHING BACK to:
RIVER (V.O.)
...smelling you. The neighbors pets -- you did things to 'em. Cleaned up after...shined and polished. Everything in here gleams.
EARLY
Well, I'll be a son of a whore. You're not in my gorram mind. You're on my gorram ship!
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
PUSH IN to see River sitting in the pilot's chair of Early's ship. She's wearing a space suit without a helmet. River LAUGHS.
RIVER
It's very interesting... all these buttons.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
EARLY
Okay... We're not touching those, okay?
(to Simon)
How the hell she get on my ship?
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
RIVER
Put the gun away.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
EARLY
Okay...
(beat)
I'm putting the gun away.
SIMON
No... he's not.
EARLY
I'm putting it away... because we're all reasonable people.
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
On River.
EARLY (cont'd)
Don't wanna be doing anything rash...
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
EARLY (cont'd)
...fiddling with any dials.
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
RIVER
You're not right, Early. You're not righteous. You've got issues.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
EARLY
No.
(then)
Oh, yes, I could have that. You might have me figured out, then. Good job. I'm not 100%.
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
RIVER
You talk too much.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
EARLY
I'm flawed in that way. I sometimes go on. It's been said...
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
RIVER
It's okay, Early. I'm going with you.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
SIMON
River, what are you --
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
RIVER
Don't belong. Dangerous, like you.
INTERCUT WITH:
RIVER (V.O.)
Can't be controlled. Can't be trusted.
INT. SERENITY - WASH AND ZOE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Wash and Zoe react.
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
RIVER
Everyone could just go on without me and not have to worry.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Simon reacts.
RIVER (V.O.)
People could be what they wanted to be.
INT. SERENITY - COMMON AREA - CONTINUOUS
Kaylee sits by Book, who has woken up.
RIVER (V.O.)
Could be with the people they wanted.
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
RIVER
Live simple.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Simon reacts.
RIVER (V.O.)
No secrets.
SIMON
No...
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
RIVER (smiles)
I'll be fine.
(to Early)
I'll be your bounty, Jubel Early.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
RIVER (V.O.)
And I'll just fade away.
EARLY (sighs)
Well... Finally something goes according to --
Simon LUNGES at Early. They fight.
EXT. SPACE - EARLY'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS
RIVER
Simon?
The fight's pretty much over before it's begun, the sound of a gun discharging. Simon looks startled, hunching over.
River SCREAMS.
BLACK OUT
Act 4
|
Must've been some kind of genetic experiment |
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE
PAN UP Simon's body on the floor of the bridge, a gunshot wound about mid-thigh on his left leg.
EARLY
See? That's what it feels like.
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Early exits the bridge and goes down a flight of stairs.
EARLY
Just hang tight, darlin'. Early's on the move.
Simon tackles Early from behind, knocking them both to the ground. Early throws Simon off and knocks him back against the stairs.
INT. SERENITY - JAYNE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The commotion wakes Jayne out of a sound slumber. He looks up grumpily, rips the blanket off the wall to reveal a weapons cache to uplifting hero music, then raps the blanket around himself and tucks it over his head.
So much for the hero of Canton.
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Simon and Early fight, but even without the gunshot wound it's terribly one-sided. Simon gets knocked down again and can't get up. Early grimaces and takes off down the hallway.
RIVER (V.O.)
Shh. It's okay.
EXT. SERENITY - AIRLOCK - CONTINUOUS
An airlock opens. Early exits Serenity wearing his space helmet. He stands and looks up at his ship.
EARLY
You made the right move, darlin'. Best for you to go on with old Early.
WIDEN the shot a bit to REVEAL Mal standing right behind Early.
MAL
You think so? Some of us feel differently.
Mal reaches out and PUSHES Early hard. Early lifts up into space, free-falling fast and out of control into space, shooting past his own ship.
River exits Early's ship and pushes off, floating down toward Serenity as Early's ship takes off on some autopilot sequence River presumably coded while she was in there. Mal waits below on Serenity, catching and steadying her as she comes in reach. He holds her hands.
RIVER
Permission to come aboard?
MAL
You know, you ain't quite right.
RIVER
It's the popular theory.
MAL
Go on. Get in there. Give your brother a thrashing for messing up your plan.
RIVER
He takes so much looking after.
INT. SERENITY - INFIRMARY - CONTINUOUS
Simon is sitting on an operating chair holding a camera to his wound. "Doctor Zoe" has surgical tools in her hands, bloody gloves, and a seriously uncomfortable look on her face.
SIMON
To the left. Your left. Okay, now very gently pull that aside.
ZOE
This is really not my area of expertise, Doctor. I tend to be putting these into people, more than the other thing.
WASH
Can I mop your brow? I am at the ready with the fearsome brow-mop.
SIMON
You got the bullet.
(beat)
Okaaay. I'm just gonna pass out for a minute, but you're doing great.
INT. SERENITY - COMMON ROOM/INFIRMARY
Mal and Inara enter the frame, standing outside the infirmary door.
MAL
And we live to fight another day.
INARA
Any chance that [shiong-muh duh kuang-ren -"violent lunatic"] might survive?
MAL
Air he had left I'd say his chance would have to be one in... a very large number. Ain't odds I'd play. How's your lip?
Mal reaches out to touch her cut lip. Inara grabs his hand as it touches her. They share a moment. She backs away and exits via the stairs.
BOOK (O.S.)
I just feel like such a fool.
JAYNE (O.S.)
Yeah, all those years of priest trainin', taken out by one bounty hunter.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - CONTINUOUS
Book and Jayne are coming down the stairs, prepared to work out with the weight bench.
BOOK
Don't get me wrong. I gave him a hell of a fight.
JAYNE
Epic, I'm guessing.
BOOK
There'll be poems and songs, just you wait.
Jayne sits down to lift. Book moves to spot him.
JAYNE
At least you got some play. I missed every damn thing.
KAYLEE (O.S.)
And his folks come by to fetch him, and it turns out he's, like, 14 years old.
PAN LEFT to REVEAL Kaylee and River sitting on the cargo bay floor. They're playing jacks.
KAYLEE (laughs)
I mean, he must've been some kind of genetic experiment, 'cause, I swear this guy was, uh...
(waggles eyebrows)
Oh, my daddy whipped me so hard.
Kaylee bounces the ball and picks up some jacks.
KAYLEE
Oh... I'm at fours. Let's see you match that.
River takes the ball, looks hard at the jacks on the floor.
RIVER
I can win this.
KAYLEE
Oh, I'm hearin' a lot of talk there, genius. Come on -- show me what you got.
CLOSE IN on River's face as she stares at the little rubber ball.
We follow the ball DOWN as it bounces, down through the floor of Serenity, out into space. Serenity passes by in the distance and we float until
EARLY comes into frame, tilting over and over in space.
EARLY
Well, here I am.
Hold on him for a moment, then:
BLACK OUT.
