firefly--"the new world"

8/13/2019 Firefly--"The New World"

1/65


2/65

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. REFINERY NIGHT

MAL REYNOLDS and CARTER, the night foreman, walk across the

refinery floor. Every belt is moving at full speed, and the

entire building is literally a well-oiled machine. Mal and

Carter have to yell to be heard over the clamor of

industry.

CARTER

We really appreciate you payin

us a visit, Captain Reynolds.

MAL

Call me Mal.

CARTER

Thing is, Mal, supplies are kinda

hard to come by around here.

MAL

I bet. These boys youre workin

for have got one helluva magnetic

field goin. Im guessin they

have to shut the whole planetdown for a take-off, which

relegates supply runs to

emergencies only.

CARTER

Cept by the time they get back,

there arent any more

emergencies, if you follow my

meaning.

MALUnfortunately, I do.

CARTER

Most pilots can land here fine

enough, but leavins a whole

nother story. Anyone talented

(MORE)


3/65

CARTER (CONTD)

enough to fly off this rock aint

stupid enough to come here.

MAL

Well, there are a few pilots in

this universe talented and stupid

enough to get you folks what you

need.

CARTER

And youre one of em.

MAL

Oh heck no. I just got one who

cant make rent unless he does

what I tell him.

INT. REFINERY BREAK AREA - CONTINUOUS

Two KIDS, dressed in coveralls and safety gear and with

faces covered in soot, sit on a bench eating sack lunches.

JAYNE picks up a loose chunk of mineral.

JAYNE

They got you workin twelve hours

a day?

KID #1

Only ten on Sundays.

JAYNE

Jeez... so this stuff must be

pretty valuable, right?

KID #2

Eventually.

JAYNEWhadda you mean, eventually?

KID #1

Well, you gotta wash it, melt it,

purify it, cool it, cut it, wash

it again--


4/65

JAYNE

Yeah yeah, how longs that take?

KID #2

Bout three years.

Jayne looks at the mineral, then sizes up all the

machinery.

JAYNE

Ah hell.

He tosses the mineral to the floor and walks away.

INT. REFINERY MEDICAL BAY CONTINUOUS

Patients occupy beds. A young GIRL is being attended to by

a doctor with ZOE and WASH looking on. Mal, Jayne and

Carter enter.

MAL

Well try and get out here as

often as we can, but youre about

a thousand A.U.s from nowhere so

youll need to make this run last

awhile.

CARTERThats our goal.

The doctor stands up--it is SIMON TAM.

SIMON

Thank you so much, Captain

Reynolds. I cant tell you what

it means for you to come all the

way out here.

MALHey, were just the delivery van.

Youre the doctor.

SIMON

Not yet, still a med student. And

I couldnt do what I do without

folks like you.


5/65

Simon and Mal shake hands.

GIRL

Am I gonna be all better?

WASH

You betcha, sweetie.

ZOE

Now you heard the captain. You

need to be careful out there. So

the next time those boys start

roughhousing, you just stay out

of the way and enjoy how superior

you are.

The girl smiles, and Zoe and Wash share a moment.

Mal is uncomfortable--he hates moments.

MAL

Well I know this may not be the

right time or place, but

unfortunately a ship cant fly on

good feelings.

CARTER

Oh, uh, yeah.

Carter hands Mal a white envelope containing payment.

MAL

Much obliged. Give us a call if

youre ever in trouble again.

Mal and Carter shake hands, and Serenitys crew head back

to their ship.

The girl waves to Zoe and Wash.

GIRL

Bye.

Zoe and Wash smile at her, and Zoe waves back.


6/65

INT. SERENITY - HOLD - NIGHT

Mal and Wash enter Serenity and head for the kitchen, while

Jayne starts packing up the makeshift workout equipment he

has set up in the hold. Zoe grabs the intercom.

INT. SERENITY - ENGINE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

KAYLEE is working like mad on the engine to get it ready

for the complicated takeoff.

ZOE (OS)

(over intercom)

Eight days stuck flying through

space and all you wanna do when

we land is hang out indoors.

Kaylee smiles and picks up her intercom.

KAYLEE

(into intercom)

You know I aint good around sick

people!

INT. SERENITY - CARGO HOLD - CONTINUOUS

KAYLEE (OS)(CONT)Besides, someones gotta prepare

this ship for what were about to

do to her.

ZOE

(teasing, into intercom)

I dunno...there was a really cute

doctor...


KAYLEE

Yech, like I would ever date a

doctor.


7/65

JAYNE (OS)

(over intercom)

Hey!

INT. SERENITY - CARGO HOLD - CONTINUOUS

Jayne is holding the intercom.

JAYNE (CONTD)

If you twore done chattin about

boys, lets get this thing in the

air so we can divide our loot.

He hangs the intercom back on the wall.


ZOE (OS)

(over intercom)

You heard the idiot. Were ready

when you are.

INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN - SPACE

The crew has gathered to divide up the earnings. Jayne

leans against a wall; the rest are seated.

With a smirk on his lips and a glint in his eye, Mal holds

up the envelope.

MAL

Lets see how we did.

The crew lets out some good-natured cheers, and Wash does a

quick drum roll on the table.

Mal pulls out the cash, then counts it. He slows as herealizes its a bit less than he was hoping, but he keeps a

game smile on his face as he sets the stack on the table.

A beat.

KAYLEE

Well?


8/65

MAL

A hundred apiece.

Jayne stands up straight.

JAYNE

A hundred apiece? Thats only six

hundred!

ZOE

There are five of us, Jayne.

JAYNE

Alright, so its seven hundred!

Thats still a bucket of pig guts

compared to what it cost us to

get here! Hell, that doohickey

Kaylee had to set up just to get

us off that damn rock nearly cost

us that much, not to mention fuel

costs and all them ruttin

Alliance fees. And they expect us

to split that five ways?

MAL

No, they expect us to split it

four ways.

Mal pushes the stack to the center of the table, then goesto the cupboard to fix himself a cuppa.

Zoe, Wash and Kaylee look at the money for a second, then

get up when they comprehend what Mal means.

KAYLEE

Cap, you cant do that.

MAL

(mock confusion)

I cant? Oh. I thought I got tomake the rules around here.

WASH

Mal, were not just gonna let you

give up your cut--


9/65

MAL

Look, shes my ship, and its my

responsibility to keep her

running. If she doesnt have a

happy and healthy crew, she cant

run. I consider it a maintenance

fee, hazard of the trade.

KAYLEE

Cept you wouldnt have a ship if

I hadnt fixed her booster during

that takeoff from Highgate, or

Wash hadnt flown her clean

through the belt, or Zoe hadnt

shot that numbskull who tried to

steal her on Zeus. That makes her

our ship.

MAL

Huh. Funny how my names still

the only one on the deed.

ZOE

Theres no deed and you damn well

know it, sir.

MAL

I throw you each twenty-five

credits and you threaten tomutiny? What would you do if Id

given you a thousand, rip my

lungs out and turn em into

whoopee cushions?

KAYLEE

We aint passengers, were your

crew. Serenitys our home. If she

falls apart cause youre too

stubborn to do what she needs to

keep runnin, then we dont havea home. This aint mutiny, its

survival.

Kaylee folds her arms; Zoe and Wash follow suit.

All three and Mal look at Jayne.


10/65


11/65


12/65

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN - SPACE

The room is dark long enough for us to see shadows of the

crew thrown about the kitchen, and then the lights and

ventilation turn back on.

The crew recovers from the turbulence.

Mal works his arm, trying to force the pain from his

shoulder.

MAL (CONTD)

Wash, get up to the cockpit and

see whats going on.

WASH

On it. Kaylee--

Kaylee has already started dashing to the engine room.

WASH (CONTD)

...Yeah. You know what to do.

Wash runs to the cockpit.

ZOE

Jaynes right about the money,

you know.

JAYNE

Course Im right.

MAL

No hes not. One hundred times

five is five hundred.

ZOE

Thats not what I meant.


13/65

MAL

Well what do you want me to do

about it? Not many people are

willing to do business with such

an outspoken detractor of the

Alliance, and those that are tend

to agree with me, meaning they

aint gotmuch money.

JAYNE

They do if you know where to

look.

MAL

Like the dark, seedy underbelly

that is this universes criminal

underground?

JAYNE

Gosh, when you say it like that

it sounds like you dont like

em.

MAL

Mmm, cant say as I do.

JAYNE

Well I guess that means you dont

like me much either. Which aintvery nice, cause I like you,

Mal. But youre runnin outta

money and Im runnin outta

patience.

MAL

I aint gonna break the law just

because your wallets feeling a

little light.

JAYNEGorram it Mal, I aint askin you

to kill someone! Im sayin maybe

nick a few credits from some rich

brat gettin too big for his

britches.


14/65

MAL

Didnt we just have a

conversation about me gettin to

make the rules on account of this

bein my ship? Or were you too

busy dividing up the money I

earned you to notice?

JAYNE

You earned me? I didnt see you

haulin any boxes!

MAL

Not seein stuff tends to happen

when your heads up your ass.

Pissed off, Jayne charges towards Mal.

JAYNE

You son of a--

Mal adopts his fighting stance, but Zoe whistles before the

bout can begin.

ZOE

Alright kids, lets save itfor

after school.

JAYNEI aint gonna let him--

The ship lists and the lights flicker.

WASH (OS)

(over intercom)

Zoe, can you come up here and

give me a hand?

Zoe grabs the intercom.

ZOE

(into intercom)

How bout Jayne?


15/65

INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

WASH

(into intercom)

Really? Because I thought it

might be nice if you came up here

and--

MAL (OS)

(over intercom)

Jaynes gonna help you, Wash.

Wash is flustered -- Mal wasnt supposed to hear that.

INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Mal has the intercom in hand.

WASH (OS)

(over intercom)

Uh, yeah, sure. Anyone with

handsll do.

Mal hangs up the intercom.

INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Wash is sitting at the controls, naked and at a bit of a

loss what to do.

WASH (CONTD)

Well... guess Id better put some

clothes on.

INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Mal hangs up the intercom.

MAL

Go help Wash please, Jayne.

JAYNE

I aint done with you.


16/65

MAL

Thats an order.

Jayne clenches his jaw.

JAYNE

You got one day planetside to get

us a decent job or thats the

last order you get to give me.

Jayne stalks away to help Wash.

The ship rocks and Jayne nearly bangs his head on the wall.

JAYNE (CONTD)

Ruttin pilot cant even fly a

ship straight!

He leaves.

ZOE

I didnt know you were such a

goody two-shoes, sir.

MAL

What do you want from me? Im not

gonna put my crew in danger just

because some pinhead threatens

me. Besides, I dont wanna go tojail. Im too pretty for jail.

ZOE

He may be a pinhead, but even

folks with regular heads like to

have a steady cash flow.

MAL

Ah, come on. It takes more than a

few rough weeks to turn us to a

life of crime, right?

ZOE

A few?

MAL

Sure... twelve is a few.


17/65

ZOE

Maybe a life of crime wouldnt be

so bad. Crime isnt necessarily

wrong, it just means doing what

the Alliance doesnt want you to

do. Youve been doing that for

years.

MAL

It aint the crime Im worried

about. Its the life. You walk

down that road, you dont get off

it without someone gettin a

pound of flesh, one side or the

other. Even if we get fat and

happy, theres always gonna be

someone tryin to take it from

us.

ZOE

I suppose thats true, sir. But

there is one thing youre

forgetting.

MAL

Howsthat?

ZOE shrugs.

ZOE

Might be fun.

She gives Mal a warm, genuine, and slightly mischievous

smile.

Despite his objections, Mal cant help but smile back.

MAL

Zoe, that is a very persuasive

argument.

ZOE

Thank you, sir.


18/65

MAL

Well, crime or no crime, we need

to get some funds on this ship. I

wont shed a tear if Jayne ever

leaves us but Id prefer he wants

us in one piece when does.

ZOE

Agreed. So other than becoming

neer-do-well renegades, what are

our options?

MAL

How about those school supplies

bound for Osiris?

ZOE

We can ask, but Gerretts crew

seemed pretty eager to take it.

Theres the ore shipment headed

to Aberdeen.

MAL

Talked to Kaylee, loads just too

big for us to handle. Didnt Wash

have a defense contractor who

wanted us to transport a

prototype?

ZOE

He did. Turns out the contractor

forgot to carry a two and blew up

a whole city block.

MAL

Wa kao [English: Holy crap],

thats terrible...couldve been

a nice paycheck.

Zoe gives him a look.

MAL (CONTD)

And the injuries too, just awful.

ZOE

Any other leads?


19/65

MAL

None that I can think of. We

could go with the old stick-our-

nose-into-everyones-business-

until-they-pay-us-to-go-away

plan.

ZOE

We could. Or we could go with

plan B.

MAL

No, no -- Ive told you a million

times, I hate plan B. Theres a

reason its called plan B. Its

because it comes after plan A,

and plan double-A, and plan A-

and-a-half. We are not doing plan

B.

INT. DOCKING BAY - DAY

Close-up on Mals face. His expression is stern.

MAL

Troops... we are about to

initiate Plan B.

Wash and Kaylee sit one side of a table with an unoccupied

chair between them. All three places have a pad of paper in

front of them, and Wash leans back with his hands behind

his head while Kaylee is more eager, leaning forward with

her hands folded atop the table.

Mal stands facing them from the other side of the table

with his hands clasped behind his back like a drill-

sergeant-cum-schoolteacher. He paces the length of the

table.

MAL (CONTD)

You know what needs to be done.

You know what to look for, and

you know what questions to ask.

(MORE)


20/65

MAL (CONTD)

And you also know that I dont

really like Plan B, but desperate

times and all that, so were

gonna take this seriously so we

can get through it quickly and

with as much information as

possible. Am I comin through

loud and clear?

Kaylee and Wash are amused at Mals seriousness, but they

decide to indulge him.

Wash makes a show of sitting up straight.

WASH

Aye aye, capn!

Kaylee simply beams her winning, innocent smile.

Mal smirks and gives a small nod.

MAL

Okay.

He walks to the other side of the table and sits in the

empty chair.

MAL (CONTD)(calling)

Zoe?

A door opens on the other side of the bay and Zoe walks in

with the confident stride of a lifetime soldier.

ZOE

Yes, captain?

Mal is all business.

MAL

Were ready.

Zoe nods and exits.


21/65

A man enters from the door Zoe exited. He behaves like a

man about to receive a prison sentence, never speaking and

standing stock-still. He looks at the trio from across the

room, and his face is never revealed.

Mal consults his pad of paper.

MAL

So...Kyle Beacon. Tell us--why

should we let you be our tenant?

CUT TO:

A WOMAN (WOMAN #1) is surrounded by birds: some perched on

her shoulders, some in her pockets, some flying about her

head.

WOMAN #1

I have eighteen of them, but I

promise that theyre all trained.

MAL

Next!

CUT TO:

A different WOMAN (WOMAN #2) and a MAN (MAN #1) are

squabbling loudly and with wild hand gestures.

Mal sits with his head resting in his hand, bored and

annoyed.

CUT TO:

A scruffy-looking MAN (MAN #2) stands on the audition spot,

occasionally glancing shiftily at the hangar door.

MAN #2

Ah... how important is it to have

the rent on time?

MAL

Next!

CUT TO:

Woman #2 and Man #1 are still fighting.


22/65

Mals head is still resting in his hand. He checks his

watch.

CUT TO:

An opera singer, in full regalia, is belting an aria--

poorly.

Mal, Wash and Kaylee are making pained faces and covering

their ears.

MAL

(yelling)

Next!

CUT TO:

Woman #2 and Man #1 are stillgoing at it.

Mals head is still resting in his hand. Finally, he cant

take it anymore and takes his head off his hand.

MAL

Next!

Woman #2 and Man #1 stop yelling, look at Mal in shock,

then exit. They argue over whose fault it was they werent

chosen as they go.

Zoe enters with a filled-out application.

ZOE

Next is Phoebe Silverstream.

She hands the application to Mal, who inspects it.

Zoe exits. After she steps out the door, PHOEBE, a

beautiful 19-year-old young woman dressed in companions

robes, enters. She wears a welcoming smile.

Mal looks at the application.

MAL

A companion? Sorry sweetie,

but Im afraidyoull have

to look elsewhere for

lodging.


23/65


24/65

KAYLEE

Whats wrong with being a

companion? Helping others find

love that have trouble talking to

a pretty girl.

MAL

She doesnt help others find

love, she helps others find sex.

She also reminds rich folk that

they can solve any problem if

they throw enough credits at it.

WASH

Cant they?

MAL

They could. They could also work

at it, and I know which one makes

a better person.

KAYLEE

Typical man. If you cant have

sex, you dont want anyone else

having sex.

MAL

No, if I didnt want anyone else

having sex, Id make Wash and Zoesleep in separate bunks.

Washs face falls.

WASH

Wait, you know about that?

MAL

Course I know about that. You two

wont stop making googly eyes at

each other.

KAYLEE

That dont count, theyre crew!

You want em happy. Its

strangers you like unhappy.


25/65

Zoe enters, apparently on a brief reprieve from her

screening duties.

ZOE

What doesnt count?

MAL

(to Kaylee)

Thats just not true! Sometimes I

want my crew unhappy too.

WASH

(to Zoe)

He knows about us!

ZOE

Told you he would.

KAYLEE

(to Mal)

Well then you found the wrong

crew.

WASH

(to Zoe)

I thought you said we were being

subtle.

ZOEI just said that so you wouldnt

worry.

MAL

(to Kaylee)

Im gonna catch you goin a whole

day without whistlin--

(to Wash)

--and you two are about as subtle

as migraine.

All four start yelling over one another, pointing fingers,

and generally engaging in a good ol family squabble.

BADGER, with his trademark bowler and beard, enters

unnoticed. He watches the row for a few moments, then cant

take it anymore.


26/65


27/65

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. BADGERS LAIR - DAY

Badger strides into his lair, the crew follows a few paces

behind and two six-foot-six thugs bring up the rear.

Badger turns to face the crew. Standing just behind him are

two more thugs of equally impressive stature. All four

thugs look like they tear phonebooks for fun.

BADGER

So. Malcolm Reynolds. I hear

youre lookin for work.

MAL

Depends on the work.

Badger smirks.

BADGER

I also hear you dont think much

of what I do.

MAL

There might be some truth tothat.

BADGER

Awww, thats a shame.See, Ive

noticed that folks who say that

usually cant handle my line of

work. And Im not in the habit of

paying for incompetence.

MAL

Im not in the habit ofdelivering it.

A shit-eating grin from Badger.

BADGER

Finally we see eye-to-eye.


28/65


29/65

BADGER

Please Malcolm. Youd have to be

hard-up indeed to work for them.

MAL

Any port in a storm. If Im

desperate enough to come here,

Im desperate enough to go there.

BADGER

Not wearing that brown coat,

youre not. Burn marks, bullet

holes... That thing shoulda been

thrown out years ago. But youre

proud you fought the Alliance.

Hell, youre still fightin em.

You aint gonna become their

errand boy. You might fake it a

month or two, but I doubt youd

last that long. Your roots run

too deep.

MAL

And hows workin for you any

better?

BADGER

Despite the aspersions you cast

on my character, I actuallyrespect you, Malcolm. Its a big

universe out there, and any man

who pulls himself up by his own

bootstrapss got the right kinda

guts to live in my world. And

thats what Im offering you. A

chance to make it in the universe

on your own terms. Cos thats

what its about, innit? The

Alliance could take over every

star system it came across andyou wouldnt bat an eye, but the

minute they tried to make you

shine your shoes and get in line

-- thats when you got involved.

You work for me and as long as

the merchandise gets here and the

(MORE)


30/65

BADGER (CONTD)

law doesnt, you operate however

you see fit. And that, I do

believe, is all youre looking

for in a job.

MAL

Sounds like you got me pretty

well pegged.

BADGER

Thats my job, Malcolm. Im nota

crook. Im a people person.

MAL

Oh, I see. And having an armed

escort pat us down is your

version of a hearty handshake?

Badger eyes Kaylee lasciviously.

BADGER

They can strip-search you next

time if youd rather.

ZOE

I think were good there.

BADGER

Suit yourself. Alright, heres

what I need from you--

MAL

Whoa--we aint in business yet.

BADGER

So I brought you down here

because I had a day off I was

lookin to waste?

MAL

I aint the only one on my crew.

Give us a day to ponder your

offer. Lives are at stake here.


31/65

BADGER

Funny, I was just thinking the

same thing.

Mals line has been crossed.

MAL

Lets go.

The crew starts to leave.

Badger whistles and the two thugs at the back of the room

pull out pistols. The crew pulls up short and turns back to

Badger.

BADGER

I dont think you fully

comprehend the nature of our

relationship, Mr. Reynolds.

Youre not the one giving orders

here.

MAL

Im not looking for any trouble.

I just need a day to talk to my

crew. If were gonna work for you

I need to make sure no ones

gonna get cold feet at the last

second and cause problems, andIm guessing you dont want that

either. Were not gonna tell the

feds about your little hideout,

thatll just bring a heap of

trouble to my door. I know trust

is a precious commodity in your

world, but I need to know I can

trust you to let me run my

operation, and if I were you Id

sure as hell want to know I can

trust the man Im hiring not tosell me out.

Silence. A stand-off.

BADGER

One word and I can have you shot.


32/65

MAL

Then say it.

Badger grins.

BADGER

Ill be at your dock at 2

tomorrow. And a word of advice?

He saunters up to Mal and pats him on the cheek.

BADGER (CONTD)

Smile once in a while.

INT. SERENITY KITCHEN - NEXT MORNING

The entire crew is gathered around the kitchen table. Mal

is standing, having just delivered Badgers pitch to

everyone else, who are seated and listening intently.

MAL

He may not be the most reputable

character, but his money is as

green as anyones. Its not

ideal, but I think its what we

need to do to keep flying. But

thats one mans opinion, and Id

like to hear some others. Letsstart with the easy one -- Jayne,

in or out?

JAYNE

Uh, well, considering I found the

job and brought it to Mals

attention, uh, Im in.

MAL

Wonderful. And Im delighted with

how seriously you took thatquestion.

JAYNE grins, pleased to have contributed to the discussion

and to be back on Mals good side.

JAYNE

No problem.


33/65


34/65

KAYLEE (CONTD)

We have no idea who this guy is

or what he wants from us! How do

we know hes not working for the

Feds or gonna make us rob a

convent, or if heseven gonna

pay us? Can we really trust

someone named Badger?

MAL

No ones saying its not risky,

but we have to take that chance.

No hard feelings if you cant be

a part of it--

KAYLEE

Are you crazy? I aint goin

anywhere. I just want it on

record that I was the voice of

reason.

MAL smirks.

MAL

Duly noted.

He sizes up his crew. Theyre all in, so theres only one

thing he can say:

MAL (CONTD)

Well, here goes nothin.

EXT. DOCKING BAY - THAT AFTERNOON

Serenitys hull opens and Mal and Zoe stride down the ramp.

Badger is waiting for them, with two thugs behind him.

BADGER

Youre making the right decision.

MAL

We havent told you our decision.

BADGER

Sure you have. Youre still here.


35/65

Mals getting rather tired of Badgers ability to read him.

MAL

Were in.

Badger gives Mal a look: told you so.He gestures with

his head and one of his toughs walks to Mal, hands him an

envelope and walks back.

BADGER

Theres the job. Find me when

its done and not before.

Another gesture to his boys. They file out of the docking

bay, but Badger stops to give Mal a condescending two-

figure salute before he leaves.

The crew watches them go. After Badger has made his exit,

Mal gives him a salute of his own, of the one-fingered

variety. Wash jokingly covers Kaylees eyes but she pushes

his hand away and the whole crew shares a chuckle.

Mal studies the envelope, feels its physical and emotional

weight. He turns to the rest and holds it up.

MAL

Welcome to the new world.

END OF ACT THREE


36/65

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. SERENITY KITCHEN - LATER

Kaylee, Wash and Jayne sit at the table as Mal and Zoe

debrief them.

Mal pulls a photograph out of the envelope.

MAL

Heres our target.

He tosses the photograph on the table. It is a headshot of

ALAN GODFREY, a handsome, 40-something man wearing a suit

and tie. He has neatly-kept short black hair and an average

face--not too doughy, not too severe.

MAL (CONTD)

Alan Godfrey. Hes a well-to-do

system senator on the rise, and

apparently he owes Badger a bit

of money.

WASH

Oh, perfect. Our first job as a

band of miscreants is to robsomeone with his own security

detail.

MAL

Which is why were gonna let him

bypass that for us. He has an

interview with the Persephone

Messenger scheduled for next

week, but they never ask the

hard-hitting questions so Im

gonna conduct this one myself.Wash, Ill need you for

transport. If all goes right Im

gonna need a quick exit. If

something goes wrong Ill need a

quicker one.


37/65

WASH

Can do. Ill tune up the

Mosquito.

MAL

If Im going to pose as a

distinguished member of the

media, Illneed a pass.

Kaylee, if I swipe one can you

make a copy and get me into their

database?

KAYLEE

Sure. Planting stuffs a lot

easier than taking it. Any

preference for your new identity?

MAL

Surprise me. Now all we need is a

press pass.

Mal pulls another photo out of the envelope and passes it

to Zoe and Jayne.

ANGLE ON: PHOTO

It is a photo of PHIL KANTER, male, mid-30s, slightly

matted-down black hair. The photo looks like it was lifted

from a government-issued ID. Phil bears no hint of a smile,and the best word to describe his face would be lumpy.

MAL (CONTD)

Phil Kanter, aspiring novelist

and part-time human interest

reporter. Seems he likes to carry

his credentials at all times in

case theres a breaking story. Or

just to feel important, but I

dont judge. You twoll help us

use this to our advantage.

JAYNE

Stealing a badge aint hard, but

howre we gonna find im?


38/65

MAL

Hes a struggling artist. Theres

only one place to look.

INT. BLACK HOLE BAR - NIGHT

The Black Hole isnt going to win any beauty contests, but

it does have one thing: a liquor license.

Phil Kanter sits at the end of the bar, bearing a body that

matches the face from the photo and wearing a rumpled work

outfit, a simple gray suit. He drains his drink, nearly a

third of a glass, then signals the bartender.

BARTENDER

Already?

PHIL

Rough day.

The bartender pulls a spigot and fills Phils glass with

delicious alcohol. He slides it to Phil, who drinks a

hearty mouthful.

Zoe sits next to him, but he doesnt notice until she

speaks.

ZOEMind if I sit here?

Phil is surprised but manages to hide it -- mostly.

PHIL

Uh, sure.

ZOE

Are you expecting someone?

PHILNo, Im just surprised you dont

want to sit alone.

ZOE

Should I?


39/65

PHIL

No offense, but in my experience

a woman only makes the first move

if she wants something.

ZOE

Im not making a move. But I do

have a favor to ask you.

PHIL

(scoffs)

I dont have any credits on me.

He takes a swig of beer.

ZOE

Relax, I dont need money.

PHIL

You cant stay with me, either.

(to himself)

Ive fallen for that one before.

ZOE

I just want to talk for a bit.

PHIL

About what?

ZOE

Anything. Politics, the

weather... a girl sitting alone

in a bar attracts some unwanted

attention. If Im sitting with

someone the meatheads tend to

leave me alone.

PHIL

Im not exactly meathead

repellent.

ZOE

Youll be fine. Just tell a bad

joke and Ill laugh too hard and

well seem like fast friends.

Phil is unsure.


40/65

Zoe gives a warm smile.

PHIL

Fine, pull up a stool.

ZOE

So what do you do for a living?

PHIL

Im a writer.

ZOE

Really?

PHIL

Well, a reporter, actually.

He pulls his press badge out of his wallet and hands it to

Zoe.

ZOE

Sound like an interesting

profession. Do you like it?

PHIL

Could be worse, but Id...

His cheeks flush and he buries himself in his drink.

ZOE

What?

PHIL

Its nothing.

ZOE

Conversations not gonna work if

Im the only one talking.

Phil sighs. Hes come this far...

PHIL

...Id rather write detective

stories. Ones where the hard-

boiled cop doesnt want the job

(MORE)


41/65

PHIL (CONTD)

but he cant say no to a pretty

face, so he goes undercover and

gets in with the bad guys, only

they discover who he is torture

him but he still wont give up

his client, and theres a big

chase scene and a gunfight--

Excited, Phil makes gunshot sounds.

PHIL (CONTD)

--and in the end the guy solves

the case and gets the... girl...

Phil gets embarrassed again.

PHIL (CONTD)

But my work for the paper keeps

me pretty busy so I dont have

much time to write. Im sure

theyd be terrible anyways.

Phil goes quiet and takes another sip.

PHIL (CONTD)

Anyway, what do you do?

ZOEI--

Before she can finish, Jayne approaches Zoe. He is all

swagger.

JAYNE

Hi. Can I buy you a drink?

ZOE

Ive got my company for the

night, thank you.

Jayne sizes Phil up.

JAYNE

What, this guy? Why dont you

find some real company?


42/65

PHIL

Hey pal, she said back off.

Jayne lifts Phil off his stool by his collar.

While Phil is occupied, Zoe swaps his badge with a fake.

JAYNE

Or what? Youll make me?

PHIL

(terrified)

...Maybe...

ZOE (OS)

Put him down, creep.

Jayne turns to look. The following exchange between him and

Zoe happens wordlessly.

Zoe: Ease up, tiger.

Jayne: Come on, let me have a little fun.

Zoe: Put him down and lets go.

Jayne: Fine.

JAYNEOkay. Illleave you lovebirds

alone.

He leaves.

ZOE

Are you okay?

PHIL

I told you.

ZOE

Nah, its my fault. Trouble just

knows how to find me. I guess I

should head out before the next

one shows up. Thanks for sticking

up for me though.


43/65

Phil smiles weakly.

PHIL

No problem.

Zoe turns to go, but she cant help but notice Phils

downtrodden figure as she does.

ZOE

Do you want to get the girl,

Phil?

PHIL

I--

ZOE

Then stop feeling sorry for

yourself. Youd be cute if you

got your head out of your glass.

Zoe leaves.

Despite his sorry state, Phil smiles at Zoes turn of

phrase. He takes another sip when a thought strikes him.

PHIL

How did you know my--

He turns to Zoe but she has disappeared. He replays theevenings events in his mind, and with a panicked look

searches for his wallet. He finds it and hopes desperately

that one of its contents is still there. Relief washes over

him when as he pulls out the object of his search: a photo

of an attractive woman smiling sweetly. He turns it over,

pauses for a brief moment of reflection, and then, with

determination, dials a number into his portable

communication device.

INT. MOSQUITO - LATER

Wash is sitting in the driversseat of the Mosquito, a

cramped but exceedingly maneuverable little vehicle, having

an animated conversation with an unknown entity.


44/65

WASH

I understand that shes the most

capable member of our crew, but

did we have to send her on the

maneater mission? Maybe we cant

afford a companion, but Im sure

Kaylee could handle it! And I

know this is all coming from my

deep wellspring of insecurity,

but it wouldve been nice if he

had at least--

Wash startles as he hears footsteps and conversation.

WASH (CONTD)

Close journal.

He taps something on a computer screen as both passenger-

side doors open. Zoe climbs in front, Jayne in back.

JAYNE

We got what we came for, I dunno

why you bothered bein nice to

him.

ZOE

Captain made it clear--we may

walk among the scum of the

verse, but were not gonna actlike them.

JAYNE

Yeah, well, first rule of

thievin: you get the goods, you

run like hell.

WASH

I take it everything went well?

Zoe holds up the badge.

ZOE

Like we planned it.

WASH

Alright, lets get this piggy

home.


45/65

He starts the engine and makes for Serenity.

INT. CARGO HOLD - LATER

Mal and Kaylee are going over the details of her last-

minute hack job, which hopefully does not live up to its

figure of speech.

MAL

And itll have my picture in

there?

KAYLEE

Picture, credentials, date of

birth... unless theyre

intimately familiar with every

staff member of the Messenger,

youll be home-free.

MAL

Good, good... did you have to put

my birthday?

Wash, Jayne, and Zoe come striding up the loading ramp,

with Wash holding the badge triumphantly above his head.

MAL (CONTD)

Howd it go?

WASH

Just like you drew it up, Cap.

Youre pretty good at this con

artist stuff, Im starting to

think you planned this all along.

MAL

We all have our talents. Come

help Kaylee make me a reporter.

WASH

(in a mafia accent)

You got it, boss.

Wash and Kaylee leave.


46/65

JAYNE

What about me?

MAL

You stay out of trouble?

JAYNE

Of course.

Mal looks to Zoe. She nods.

MAL

(to Jayne)

Bring down two cold ones.

JAYNE

Now youre talkin.

He leaves, practically sprinting.

MAL

(To Zoe)

You want one?

ZOE

Im fine. You alright stealing

from someone like that?

MALTheyll give him another one.

Besides, you flirted it out of a

half-drunk writer. He practically

threw it at you. Id say it was

like taking candy from a baby but

thats not fair to the baby.

ZOE

We didnt make his life any

easier.

MAL

I have a feeling were going to

be saying that about a lot of

people from here on out, and we

wont just be stealing their

press passes. We just need to

(MORE)


47/65

MAL (CONTD)

make sure were doing it to the

right people for the right

reasons.

ZOE

Are we?

MAL

I guess well find out.

Jayne returns with the beers. He tosses one to

Mal.

JAYNE

Here ya go, Cap.

Mal catches it and twists the top off. He looks at Zoe.

MAL

Cheers.

He takes a good swig.

INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

Closed, white elevator doors. They open and Mal steps out,into a hallway the exact same color. There are passageways

leading right and left, but Mal walks straight ahead to a

door flanked by two large men in suits.

As Mal approaches, BRUTE #1 up his hand. Mal stops and lets

Brute #1 pat him down.

Mal hands his badge to BRUTE #2, who runs it through a

scanner. It comes up clean. Brute #1 completes has patdown

and nods to Brute #2.

BRUTE #2

Go right in, Mr. Lovejoy.

Mal was not expecting that name. He is briefly amused,

recovers and nods to the brute, then steps forward. The

door slides open.


48/65

INT. OFFICE - WAITING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The bright hallway gives way to darker room--furniture made

of mahogany and leather, and bookshelves filled with tomes

bearing earth-tone covers. Helen, a secretary in her early

30s, is typing behind a desk, and never looks up as she

addresses Mal.

HELEN

May I help you?

MAL

Yes, Im with the Persephone

Messenger. Im here to interview

Alan Godfrey.

HELEN

Ah, yes. Your name, please?

MAL

Lovejoy.

Mal looks at the badge.

MAL (CONTD)

Whistler Lovejoy.

Helen types his name into a visitors log, then presses a

button on an intercom.

HELEN

Mr. Godfrey? A Mr. Lovejoy from

the Messenger is here to see you.

ALAN (OS)

(over intercom)

Send him in.

The secretary gestures to a door on the other side of the

room.

HELEN

Go right in, Mr. Lovejoy.

Mal gives a slight bow and strolls to the door.


49/65

INT. OFFICE - ALAN GODFREYS CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS

Mal opens the door to find ALAN GODFERY, well-dressed and

speaking with two politicians, LISA and KENNER, one on each

of two comm screens.

ALAN

--Message service is hemorrhaging

money. We need to scrap it and

divert the funds elsewhere.

KENNER

Then we fix it, dont scrap it.

ALAN

Its an outdated system, it cant

be fixed! Look I have to go,

well chat tomorrow. But I bailed

you out last month Lisa, remember

that.

He shuts down both screens.

ALAN (CONTD)

Welcome Mr. Lovejoy, have a seat.

MAL

Thank you kindly.

ALAN

Can I get you something to drink?

MAL

Im sure youre on a busy

schedule--lets get right to the

questions.

ALAN

Man of action -- I like that.

Fire away.

MAL

A lot of folks today think all

politicians are liars. Care to

refute that claim?


50/65

ALAN

Only the ones who cant follow

through on promises.

MAL

What are you going to do to keep

those still fighting for freedom

oppressed and in line?

ALAN

Considering the Alliance has

already brought them freedom,

lock them up if theyre breaking

the law and apply logic and

reason if theyre not. Youre

asking some provocative

questions, Mr. Lovejoy.

MAL

Im trying to win an award. What

are your thoughts on the theory

that the Reavers are a direct

result of Alliance experiments in

chemical warfare?

ALAN

Started by crackpots and

conspiracy theorists. Shouldnt

you be writing this down?

Mal taps his head.

MAL

Its all up here. I only have one

more question for you anyway--am

I gonna get Badgers money the

easy way or the hard way?

Alans face turns to stone. He looks atMal for a cool

second, then reaches for a button beneath his desk.

MAL (CONTD)

I wouldnt push that if I were

you.

ALAN

And why not?


51/65

MAL

Cause that would be the hard

way. Badgers gonna get his cash

one way or the other. You can

give it to me now and Ill walk

out this door never to return. I

might even set up another

interview for you. Or you can get

me tossed out ass over engine and

Ill walk back to Badger empty-

handed, also never to return. But

then you might count yourself

lucky if the only thing crippled

is your career.

Alan sits with his hands on his stomach, his expression

unreadable.

ALAN

Did Badger tell you why I owe him

money, Mr. Lovejoy?

MAL

I imagine to cover a debt of a

questionable nature.

ALAN

We worked together, up until hegot me shot. He took exception

when I used some of our profits

to pay for my recovery, so I

figured it was time for us to

part ways. Im surprised it took

him this long to retrieve it,

though I suppose he didnt have

much leverage before now.

MAL

Maybe he just didnt get his taxreturn.

Alan chuckles.


52/65

ALAN

We were gonna save the verse.

Rob from the rich, give to the

poor, look dashing while doing

so. But he did always prefer a

good heist to a good deed, so

its probably best we went our

separate ways. He can drown in

wine, women and wealth as an

influential crime lord and I can

do some good without people

trying to kill me.

MAL

Huh. I didnt think yourside

knew how to do good.

ALAN

You were an Indy.

MAL

Still am.

ALAN

Im sure you fought valiantly,

but I believe the wars over.

MAL

Only for those who got what theywere fighting for.

They share a moment of silent understanding.

ALAN

I hope you understand why Im

hesitant to give up this money.

It will serve the people a lot

better in my hands.

MALEvery time a politician says

that, an angel gets its wings.

Anyway, thats between the two of

you. Im just here to do my job.


53/65


54/65

HELEN

Right away, sir.

This is not the outcome Mal was expecting.

Alan stands, buttoning and smoothing his jacket as he

speaks. Mal takes the cue and stands as well.

ALAN

Its important to fight for what

you believe in, but its foolish

to close doors because of it.

Theres plenty to be learned from

those you disagree with.

MAL

Ill be sure to pay for my next

cup of coffee.

Mal walks to the door and Alan follows.

INT. OFFICE - WAITING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Mal opens the door, but before he leaves Alans office:

ALAN

Oh, before you go--

Alan grabs something from a table behind the door.

ALAN (CONTD)

--a little something for Election

Day.

Alan hands Mal a photograph.

MAL

Thanks, but I dont vote.

Alan is stunned, then angry.

ALAN

Then stop your damn complaining.

Alan slams the door in Mals face.


55/65

Mal shrugs--what he said wasnt that offensive, right?--and

walks over to Helen to collect his payment.

Helen holds the transfer order out to Mal, though she still

doesnt look at him. Somehow, she is able to type just as

fast with one hand as she is with two.

HELEN

Enjoy your day, Mr. Lovejoy.

Mal offers no response, though Helen seems too wrapped up

in her work to desire one.

Mal is hit by a realization. There is another world here, a

world that is humming along just fine without him. He

thought his maverick ways and outspoken disdain of the

Alliance would paint him as a thorn in their side, but

apparently they dont even know he exists. If Mal is

affected by this news, he shows it as he always does: a

slight smirk, or nothing.

An ELEVATOR CHIME rings.

INT. ELEVATOR - MOMENTS LATER

Mal stands in the elevator as the doors shut and it

descends. Still mulling over his time in Alans office, hestudies the photograph.

MALS POV

The sepia-tone photograph depicts Alan Godfrey as a

decorated Independence officer shaking hands with a higher-

ranking Independence officer.

Mal thinks for a moment, then calls Wash on his comm.

MALHey Wash, can I get a rsum on

Godfrey?

WASH

(over comm)

Sure boss.


56/65

INT. MOSQUITO - CONTINUOUS

Wash in the drivers seat of the same vehicle he used to

pick up Zoe and Jayne from the bar. The screen in front of

him reads My Journal and is colored a bold blue and

covered with dinosaurs, but he gets rid of it to look up

details on Godfrey.

INT. ELEVATOR - CONTINUOUS

Mal waits patiently for the results.

WASH (CONTD)

(over comm)

Alright, former lieutenant

colonel of the Indy army, earned

a brown crown and an honorable

discharge after sustaining

injuries on the front line. Got a

law degree back home and got

elected to the senate four years

ago, since then his approval

rating has been climbing despite

campaigning for civil rights and

increased sovereignty for the

Rim. Thats thehighlights,

anyway... whaddaya think Mal, did

Badger give us a bad target?

MAL

(into comm)

No, I think he gave us just the

target he needed... warm up the

engine, Ill be there in a few.

WASH (OS)

(over comm)

You got it.

Mal looks to the ceiling as his gears turn. He turns a dial

on his comm.

MAL

(into comm)

Kaylee?


57/65


58/65


59/65

Kaylee walks to Badger and gives him the case. Badger sets

it on his desk and examines Kaylees hand.

BADGER (CONTD)

Those are some delicate digits,

love. Id pay you pretty

handsomely to... slip em into a

few pockets.

KAYLEE

Thanks, but the only thing that

greasy I slip my hand into is an

engine.

Kaylee removes her hand from Badgers, then coolly walks

back to the crew.

Badger is titillated by the cut of her jib, but there are

more important matters to attend to. He puts the case on

his desk, pops the latches, and opens it. He peers intently

at its contents and seems puzzled by what he sees.

BADGER

(into the case)

Whatsthis then?

An elaborate device sprays pepper spray into Badgers eyes.

He screams and drops the case, his hands instinctivelygoing to his eyes.

His goons instinctively turn to help their boss, but thats

all the opportunity the crew needs. Jayne and Zoe rush

forward to deal with the heavies flanking Badger.

The two mooks guarding the door follow Jayne and Zoe, but

Kaylee and Wash each trip one. They grab the guns from the

thugs sprawled on the floor and point them at their owners.

Badgers personal bodyguards are still piecing together

what happened to their boss when they see Zoe and Jayneapproaching. They reach for their guns but Jayne executes a

series of well-trained martial arts maneuvers to disarm

hers and lay him on his back, while Jayne simply punches

his in the face. They each retrieve the guns of their

incapacitated victims.


60/65

While all this is going on, Mal is striding forward calmly,

confident in his crews ability to execute this well-laid

plan.

Badger is on his knees, cursing in pain and furiously

trying to claw the stuff off of his face. Mal grabs the

beverage on Badgers desk and takes a swig. Not bad. He

squats so he and Badger are eye-to-eye, grabs Badgers gun

from his pocket, and then throws the beverage in Badgers

face.

Badger splutters and shakes his head, but he can see again,

which conveniently allows him to stare down the barrel of

his own weapon. A quick glance around the room allows him

to size up his predicament. Slightly terrified, he looks up

at Mal.

MAL

If you want our services, we get

paid for a job well done--

sometimes a little up front. If

we get sloppy you can turn us

out, but until then, how bout

you tell your boys to stop

packing heat when we drop by. Now

whats our cut?

BADGER

Five hundred.

MAL

Great, well take a thousand.

BADGER

Piss off. It took you over a

week, youre lucky to get five.

MAL

How bout this--we take five for

the job, and five because werepointing a gun at you.

Badger says nothing, looking up at Mal like a scolded child

giving the stink-eye to his parent.


61/65

Mal has no time for childish fits, especially when he

clearly has the upper hand. He sighs, stands up, and grabs

the case. He kneels again and drops the case in front of

Badger.

MAL

Ill even let you count it out.

Reluctantly, Badger peels off a pile of bills, counts out a

thousand credits worth, and hands them to Mal.

Mal smiles.

MAL (CONTD)

A pleasure doing business with

you.

He pats Badger on the shoulder and stands up. He nods to

his left.

Zoe acknowledges the nod and points her gun away from her

target. The rest of the crew follows suit, and all four

head for the exit. Mal does as well, walking backwards.

MAL (CONTD)

If youve got another job, you

know where to find us. Im afraid

our rates just went up

significantly, but I bet we canwork something out in your price

range.

The rest of the crew has left the building and Mal turns to

follow. Before he does, however, he turns back to Badger.

MAL (CONTD)

Oh, and the next time you use us

to settle a personal score, make

sure its not with someone

actually doing good for theuniverse.

He tosses Badgers gun back to him; Badger catches it. Mal

bids Badger farewell with a two-fingered salute, and

leaves.


62/65

INT. ALAN GODFREYS WAITING ROOM - DAY

From the side, we see Helen sitting at her desk, typing

just as furiously as when we last saw her. To her left, a

computer screen is the scene of much activity. The top of

the screen reads CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS. Below it are

five panels of information that stretch across the entire

screen. Each panel has the picture of the contributor on

the left, and the rest of the panel shows the contributors

name, gender, age, city, planet, and the amount of the

contribution. Above this is collection of donors is a panel

clarifying the information present in each column. Each

time a new contribution is made, which happens every few

seconds, the bottom panel disappears, the other panels

slide down and a new panel appears at the top. Most of the

contributions range from five to twenty credits, and none

surpass 100.

Helen is forgotten as the screen takes center stage. New

names continue to appear, none familiar... until Mals

smirking mug pops up. His panel contains the following

information:

W. LOVEJOY - M, 28 - UNITY, PERSEPHONE - C500

Malspanel remains at the top for no more than 3 seconds,

then makes way for a new contributor.

INT. SERENITY COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

Mal is in the pilots chair. He taps a monitor and it goes

blank.

Jayne stands behind him, dismayed but still in better

spirits than after their last job.

JAYNE

We finally bring in a decent wage

and you still find a way to losehalf.

Mal stands. He and Jayne talk on their way to the hold.


63/65

MAL

It was his in the first place.

Besides, whats left is all

profit.

JAYNE

Yessir! Well paid for a hard

days work.

MAL

Again, what hard work did you do?

JAYNE

Took a guy out at Badgers didnt

I? And how bout helpin Zoe at

the bar? Not to mention I-

JAYNE MAL

Found the job in the first Found the job in the first

place. place.

MAL

Yeah, we get it. Why dont you

just go find something heavy and

move it to point B?

Jayne heads for God-knows-where while Mal heads outside.

EXT. DOCKING BAY - CONTINUOUS

Mal strolls down the cargo ramp. Hes not skipping, but for

the first time in a while, he seems pleased with where his

life is. He is, in a word, content. Or at least as content

as someone like Mal is capable of being.

Kaylee and Wash have set up the table once more in

preparation for Plan B. Zoe is hanging out and all three

are chatting when Kaylee spots Mal.

KAYLEE

You dont have to do this, Cap.

Imfully onboard with our new

free-wheeling criminal lifestyle.

Handsomely rewarded, no one shot

at us; except for that Badger

creep, it was the perfect job.


64/65

MAL

Which is why we need another

source of income. Even

professional gangsters pretend

theyre legitimate business folk.

Zoe, lets see our first

contestant.

ZOE

Of course, captain.

Zoe hands Mal the first application, then shares a smile

with Wash and Zoe. Theyve never seen Mal this...

agreeable. Zoe leaves as Mal, Wash, and Kaylee examine the

application. Wash spots an issue.

WASH

Uh, Zoe? Go ahead and bring in

the next applicant, I dont think

this one will be a good fit.

MAL

What are you talking about? We

can at least see what she has to

say.

WASH

Uh, did you notice her line of

work?

MAL

Not a problem. Serenity is open

to those of all genders, creeds,

and lifestyles. As long as they

can pay us. Zoe?

Zoe nods and resumes her task.

WASH

What about your... spiritualenlightenment?

Mal shrugs.

MAL

I had another one.


65/65

Wash and Kaylee share a glance: dont ask me.

The first applicant enters. She has long, wavy black hair,

and though we never see her face she is obviously a

beautiful woman.

Mal smiles politely and looks at the application.

MAL

So...Inara.

Mal looks up at the applicant.

MAL (CONTD)

Why should I let you on my ship?

INARA SERRA, 27, sits with her hands in her lap. She smiles

demurely.

FADE OUT.

END OF SHOW

firefly--"the new world"

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