Roots

by Tree Climber

On their way to Paquin, Serenity and her crew is pursued by an Alliance ship. They are put offcourse and must land on a small planet called Shadow. Mal's crew doesn't know why he reacts so violently. He may never tell them his history with the planet. Rev

4. Act 4

Cut to Zoë in a bar, drinking. Inara and Jayne enter and go to the bar.

JAYNE

One.

INARA

One what?

JAYNE

(like it's obvious) Whatever they've got.

INARA

Ah.

ZOE

In small places like this, there's usually only one drink offered.

INARA

Oh. Well, I'll abstain.

Inara wanders to the end of the bar, leaving Zoë and Jayne drinking. She is approached by an unknown, sleazy-but-good-looking-if-he-were-cleaned-up man, named Jimmy.

JIMMY

Hello, darlin'

Inara smiles, moves away. Zoë and Jayne come over.

ZOE

Inara, I'm goin' back to the ship. If Jayne doesn't start a fight in five minutes—

JAYNE

(interjected) Hey!

ZOE

—I will

INARA

Well, I love Serenity, but I don't think I could stand being back on that ship for at least another 20 minutes. I was going stir crazy.

ZOE

I'll leave Jayne here with you.

JAYNE

Suits me fine.

Jayne goes off to get a drink

JAYNE

(from across the room) Damn. This stuff's strong!

Zoë and Inara roll their eyes.

ZOE

I'll see you on the ship.

INARA

(says goodbye in Chinese)

Zoë leaves, Jimmy sidles over.

JIMMY

Darlin', you're too high-class fer this joint. (he leers.) I know several establishments of the highest quality. Will you join me?

INARA

Usually I would put this delicately. I think you're a piece of go se. (under her breath) You couldn't afford me anyway.

JIMMY

Aw, come on sweetheart. You know I've got somethin' those goons ain't got.

INARA

A stench.

JIMMY

Playin' hard to get, are we?

INARA

No, just being honest.

JIMMY

Well then, let's go!

INARA

No thank you, I won't be going anywhere with you.

Outside: Mal and River are walking into the town. While Mal seems to be helping River along, on closer inspection, she is really supporting him just as much as he is her. Mal spots the bar.

MAL

I'm feelin' the need for somethin' stronger than water right about now.

RIVER

Don't let it slip out of your fingers, if you find what you're looking for.

MAL

You ain't comin' in here with me, understand. Can you make it back to Serenity without gittin' yourself killed? Your belovedbrother'd skin me.

RIVER

Once a worrywart, always a worrywart.

She begins making her way back to the ship. Mal enters the bar.

Mal walks in,approaches Inara

MAL

Inara, what're you doin' here?

INARA

I had to get off Serenity for a while, Mal. Do you disapprove?

MAL

Only that you're alone.

Inara pints at Jayne, passed out drunk.

MAL

Like I said, I only object to your bein' here on your own.

JIMMY

Mal of the Serenity? Would that be Mal Renolds? Lived here as a boy?

Mal faces Jimmy, actually notices him for the first time.

MAL

(cautious) Depends on who's askin'.

JIMMY

It's Jimmy, Mal. From the good old days!

MAL

Jimmy? Jimmy! How've ya been?

JIMMY

How'm I? Aw, not too bad. But what about you? You've got a ship? Why'd ya come back?

MAL

(glaring at Inara) It's a gorram long story. But not too great at the moment. I'm lookin' for a pilot.

JIMMY

Truly?

MAL

Yup

JIMMY

I'm a pilot.

MAL

No…(disbelief)

JIMMY

True. Shortly unemployed, but a pilot.

INARA

(seeing where this is going.) Mal.

MAL

(ignoring her) How'd ya like to sign on with us?

JIMMY

I'd love to!

INARA

Mal!

Mal looks at her

INARA

I need to talk with you.

Inara drags Mal to an empty, darkish corner. She has her back to a wall, and he's standing pretty close in front of her.

INARA

You shouldn't hire him.

MAL

Are you telling' me how to run my ship?

INARA

No. But that, that, that…man is a lecherous fool. He'll be trouble.

MAL

And I suppose you know someone else? An old client, perhaps, who happens to live on this god-forsaken rock?

INARA

No, but between you, Zoë, and River, we've been doing just fine.

MAL

Zoë and I got other, better stuff to be doin'. And River's still learnin'. We need a pilot.

INARA

Then get one somewhere else.

MAL

See, it really sounds like you're tellin' me how to run my ship.

INARA

I'm not—

Mal has her pinned against a wall, then kisses her, just a little bit hard. When the kiss ends, Inara's a little dazed.

MAL

Jimmy's hired. And it's final.

Mal walks away.

MAL(to Jimmy)

Let's go pal, I'll show you 'round Serenity.

On the way out, Mal kicks Jayne, to wake him up.

MAL

Movin' out.

JAYNE

Huh? What? Oh, right.

Inara gives an aggravated sigh, then follows.

Cut to Simon and Kaylee in town-pretty much on the edge.

KAYLEE

Well, let's go get that fuel panel. The man said over there?

She points, and starts walking without waiting for an answer.

SIMON

I still don't understand why Zoe sent me with you.

KAYLEE

Well, I wasn't gonna go alone. (ticking off each name on her fingers) Mal certainly won't come, Zoe, Inara, and Jayne are at that bar, and I don't even know where River is. Do you?

SIMON

I suppose she's in her room, still. (he looks back toward Serenity)

KAYLEE

She can take care of herself now.

They arrive at the mechanic's shop. A bell rings as they enter. It is well organized and decently lit. Mechanic enters, wiping his hands on his vest/apron.

MECH

Well sir, (looking at Simon) how can I help you?

Simon is startled-he, as always, looks like a doctor: clean hands and all. Kaylee looks like a mechanic-she's dirty.

SIMON

I'm not the mechanic. She is.

KAYLEE

(indignant) Yeah. Where'd ya come up with the idea that he's the mechanic?

MECH

Oh…well, (looks between Simon and Kaylee, not knowing which one to

defer to. Decides on both.) Well, what're you two lookin' for?

Simon steps back, behind Kaylee

KAYLEE

I need a left fuel panel for a Firefly class transport.

MECH

Ok then. Think I got what you need out back.

Mech leaves to get part

SIMON

Why the nerve! To assume I'm the mechanic.

KAYLEE

Yeah, you really look like a mechanic!

SIMON

I oughta call that man out for insulting you.

KAYLEE

Simon! I'm flattered, but you shouldn't go to such lengths for me.

They kiss. The mech comes back with part, clears throat, is uncomfortable. Simon and Kaylee part.

MECH

That'll be forty platinum

KAYLEE

I'll give ya ten.

MECH

Thirty-five.

KAYLEE

Fifteen.

MECH

Thirty.

KAYLEE

Twenty.

MECH

Twenty-five.

KAYLEE

Yeah, yeah, all right. Deal, if you'll deliver the panel to the Serenity in two hours. I'll give you fifteen now and twelve more at the ship. A little extra for the delivery.

MECH

Yeah, I'll do that.

Kaylee pays him, they exit. Walking on road to Serenity-away from town.

SIMON

Back to Serenity?

KAYLEE

If I wanted to go back to Serenity now, I'd a had the man deliver that fuel panel now. Way I see it, we got 'bout an hour and a half to ourselves.

SIMON

Well planned. Did you have anything in mind?

KAYLEE

Yeah, I had some loiterin' in mind. (she kisses him)

Cut to Serenity's cargo bay. Jayne, Zoë, and River are doing something. Mal, Inara, and Jimmy enter.

ZOË

Hey. (on seeing Jimmy) Who's that sir?

INARA

A pig. (walks out past Zoë to her shuttle; Zoë raises her eyebrows at Mal)

MAL

Our new pilot. (claps Jimmy on the back)

ZOË

Sir? Our new pilot?

MAL

That's right Zoë. Jimmy's an old friend, and so happens to be a pilot.

Zoë pulls Mal aside

ZOË

Sir, I wish you'd have talked to me before hiring him. I don't like him.

MAL

Gorram it! Is everyone trying to run my ship? (he's angry, and loud enough that everyone can hear what he's saying) Anyway, that's what you said about Wash too.

Everyone falls silent. Zoë is furious. Mal realizes he made a mistake

MAL

Aw, hell, Zoë. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.

ZOË

(stiffly) Of course not sir. Serenity's your ship, sir.

Zoë leaves

JAYNE

That didn't go over too well.

MAL

Jayne, this is Jimmy. Jimmy, Jayne. C'mon Jimmy, I'll show ya the bridge.

Cut to bridge. Mal and Jimmy are there.

MAL

Well, what d'ya think?

JIMMY

She's a beauty. (looking at screen) Well now. That's something you don't see everyday.

MAL

(little nervous/cautious) What's that?

JIMMY

Alliance ship landing on Shadow. (Mal has all attention on Jimmy) Usually the medical supplies are dropped off by third-party ships.

MAL (on radio)

Zoë, get up here. Now. We got company.

JIMMY

What's goin' on?

MAL

We ain't too good of friends with the Alliance right now. That bother you at all?

JIMMY

Naw.

Zoë enters.

ZOË

(still stiff and a little offended) What've we got sir?

MAL

Alliance cruiser. Let's get outta here ASAP.

ZOË

Sir, we have to wait for Kaylee, Simon, and the fuel panel, sir.

MAL (on radio)

Jayne, tell me as soon as they're here.

JAYNE (over radio)

You're in luck. They're jus' gittin' here. The Alliance really landin'

MAL

Yup. I'll be right down.

Cut to Simon and Kaylee entering cargo bay. Jayne is there, Mal comes striding in. Kaylee is a bit disheveled.

MAL

Where the hell have you two been?

SIMON

(trying to cover) well, we, uh, got a bit delayed in town.

KAYLEE

Aw, (yeah right sorta noise) We was just havin' a little sex Cap'n.

Simon turns beet red

MAL

I didn't need to know that!

JAYNE

Sex?

SIMON

I, uh, I, that is to say, … I'll be leaving now.

Simon leaves

KAYLEE

C'mon Cap'n. Don't take it like that. We were just havin' a bit of fun.

MAL

(sorta ignoring her) yeah, that's fine. This ship fixed yet?

KAYLEE

No cap'n. I asked the local man to deliver the part around now. It should be here in a couple a minutes. There ain't no rush.

MAL

Yeah, there is.

KAYLEE

(realizing he's serious) What's goin' on?

JAYNE

Gorram Alliance cruiser on this planet, that's what's wrong. We all know who they're lookin' for. (looks at everyone) US!

Jayne leaves, Jimmy looks at Mal

MAL

What can I say. It'll be exciting.

JIMMY

Aw hell! You didn't think I'd actually leave?

MAL

Course not! Just, some folks get scared bout crossin' the Alliance.

Cut to Mal and Jimmy in the bridge. Mal is sitting, looking at his hands. Jimmy is looking at a screen.

JIMMY

Uh, Mal? (at Mal's look) They're landing.

MAL

swears in Chinese (looks at screen) Where? I don't see them.

Jimmy isn't looking at the screen. He points out the window, where the Alliance cruiser can be seen landing not too far away.

MAL

(more swearing )(runs out) Zoe! Zoe, we gotta problem!

Mal gets to the cargo bay. Everyone looks at him as he arrives.

MAL

All right everyone, we have a problem. That Alliance ship is parked just outside. We're gonna close everything up, hopefully they won't come sniffin'. Kaylee, there anything you can do to prep

KAYLEE

Sure thing,Cap'n. (she gets up, goes towards engine room, presumably to get tools)

MAL

Jayne, once she's out there, close the doors.

JAYNE

I'm on it.

Mal crosses towards Simon. During the following interaction, Kaylee leaves the ship and Jayne closes the doors.

MAL

'Fore you say anything, we ain't runnin'. That'll only get their attention. Anyways, I already paid for that gorram part and I ain't gonna waste money like that. You and your sis oughta hide though. If you can make her.

SIMON

I don't think anyone could make River do anything she doesn't want to do.

MAL

Well, however you do it, you oughta hide.

Simon leaves, presumably go get River. Mal sighs.

JAYNE

Mal? You reckon I oughta get Vera?

MAL

We don't want them to think we got somethin' to hide.

JAYNE

But we do…

MAL

So we're gonna trick 'em. (Jayne grunts)

Simon and River enter, coming down the stairs, River is in front and hurrying.

RIVER

Hurry Simon. Unknown variables make things complicated. And they'll be complicated soon.

Everyone looks at River, confused. She and Simon go to their bunks.

MAL

Jayne, get Vera.

JAYNE

What about-

MAL

(interrupting) No grenades.

Jayne stands to go get Vera when there is a knock on the door. Mal approaches cautiously. We can see the Mechanic through the window. Mal opens the door.

MAL

Yeah?

MECHANIC
This the Serenity? Young girl told me to deliver a part here. Said I'd get extra.

MAL

(calling to where Kaylee is presumably outside of Serenity) Kaylee. Think your fuel panel's here.

Kaylee comes running over, appearing behind the mechanic. She examines the fuel panel.

KAYLEE

Perfect.

The mechanic hands it over and waits to be paid. Kaylee looks expectantly at Mal.

MAL

What?

KAYLEE

(nodding toward mechanic)

It's your ship.

Mal rolls his eyes, but pays up. The mechanic departs.

MAL

Jayne!

JAYNE

Yeah?

MAL

Give Kaylee a hand with the panel!

Jayne comes over.

KAYLEE

We just gotta get it up there. (she points to what seems absurdly high up on Serenity.)

JAYNE

There? You sure it can't wait, maybe 'til we've left and the Alliance ain't right there?

KAYLEE

We can't leave without it.

JAYNE

We could try. I'm sure not keen on gittin' caught by the gorram Alliance. In case you haven't noticed, they're sittin' right there!

KAYLEE

You'd rather explode?

There are no more complaints from Jayne. As Mal walks away, the camera follows him. He walks back into Serenity, to the bunks where River and Simon are.

MAL

Doc, you can come out now. Man's gone. Was just the local mechanic.

Simon and River emerge.

MAL

(to River) I thought you said things were 'bout to get complicated.

RIVER

They are.

ZOE (from the bridge)

Mal!

River smirks a little, as if to say, Told ya so.

MAL

(cursing in Chinese) Better get back in your bunks.

Simon opens his mouth, as if to begin protesting, then closes it and turns back into the room.

MAL

Any last words, Albatross?

RIVER

They wouldn't be my last.

River goes into the bunk and closes the door. Mal looks at the closed door, then goes to the bridge. Zoe is there, looking out the window.

MAL

What's goin' on?

ZOE

I'm not sure, sir. They appear to have sent patrols to circle the ship occasionally. I thought you might like to know.

MAL

You did the right thing. (Zoe looks at him) Of course you would. I know how you were in the war. (laughs humorlessly.) Tell me if they seem too interested.

ZOE

Of course sir.

Mal leaves, goes back to the cargo bay and outside.

MAL

Kaylee? How're you coming?

KAYLEE

Almost done Cap'n. Just gotta tighten a few screws. Don't wanna lose this just after getting' it!

MAL

Come in soon's you're done. We'll be leavin' right quick. I'll be in the bridge.

Mal goes back to the bridge.On the way he "knocks" on the door of Simon and River's bunk.

MAL

We're leavin' soon. Get ready. Might not be real smooth.

Zoe is still in the bridge.

MAL

Any changes?

ZOE

Yes-and they're not good. They just started looking at us, sir.

MAL

(Chinese cursing.) We're leaving soon as Kaylee and Jayne are back onboard.

Everyone waits for a few moments. Zoe and Mal watch the Alliance troops inspect them through a 'scope.

MAL

Zoe, that look like the same ship that chased us on the way here?

ZOE

It may be that ship sir. Alliance ships all look the same.

MAL

But I distinctly remember that ship crashing into an asteroid.

ZOE

(Chinese cursing) Now that you mention it, sir, there's a dent in the very same spot.

Jimmy enters from wherever he was. Mal and Zoe look up as he enters.

JIMMY

Figured this is where I better be, when we need to leave.

MAL

Well, I"ll be flyin' right now. This is too important to give control over to someone who, if you'll pardon me, doesn't know any quirks Serenity might have.

JIMMY

You're the Captain.

They all wait for a little more. Out of the silence:

JAYNE (over intercom)

We're on, Mal. Let's get the hell outta here!

MAL

Everybody get ready for liftoff.

Mal, Zoe, and Jimmy prep for takeoff. Mal, a little awkwardly, gets her off the ground. They all anxiously watch the Alliance ship as they leave. Apparently, the Alliance isn't following. A series of shots shows everyone in their respective rooms, breathing sighs of relief. Jayne and Kaylee are in the cargo bay, Inara in her shuttle, Simon and River in their bunk, Zoe, Mal, and Jimmy in the bridge.

ZOE
Well, sir, I think we've left them behind.

MAL

Looks like.

Zoe glances at Jimmy, who is at least pretending to be absorbed in something else.

ZOE

Mal…

MAL

(Coldly)

Shouldn't you be checking up on the crew?

Zoe leaves without another word. Mal is in the pilot's seat, Jimmy in the co-pilot's. River enters.

MAL

Hey li'l albatross. (River crosses to where Jimmy is in her usual seat.) Ain't your chair anymore, girl. That's Jimmy, our new pilot. An old friend of mine.

River looks at Jimmy, then back at Mal.

RIVER

I wouldn't sit there anyway. It's dirty.

River leaves.

MAL

(Apologetically) That's River. She's a little touched in the head. Decent co-pilot, though, in a pinch.

JIMMY

Cute little thing.

Alarm sounds

MAL

Gorram it. We got company again.

JIMMY

What's up?

MAL

That cruiser's back. (looks at screen) and it's following. (insert Chinese expletives here) Ok, let's see…(Mal begins fiddling with dials and buttons. Serenity gets shaky-very unusual. This isn't where Mal wants to be in an emergency, and he is now missing Wash very much.) Um…maybe this'll work….

JIMMY

Mal!

MAL

Huh? What?

JIMMY

I'm the pilot, get up and let me take care of this.

MAL

Fine. (Mal gets up, Jimmy takes Mal's place, Serenity immediately gets smoother.) Oh. Right. Let the pilot fly. That's good.

Camera pulls back out the door to show River standing next to the door.

Cut to Zoë, Kaylee, and Inara in Inara's shuttle.

INARA

I just don't like this. The man's a lech.

ZOË

I don't like him either. (she looks emotional)

Kaylee and Inara share a look

INARA

Kaylee, promise me you'll stay away from that man.

KAYLEE

Course, 'Nara. I promise. Anyways, I can always bean him with somethin' heavy.

Inara looks at Zoë.

ZOË

Don't worry about me. I'll be avoiding him as much as possible.

Serenity starts getting bumpy.

ZOË

What's going on now? Kaylee, I thought you fixed Serenity.

KAYLEE

(defensive and indignant) I did! This is because a whoever's piloting.

ZOË

Told you the new guy was no good.

Knock at door.

INARA

Come in.

Simon enters. He sees all the women and turns red.

SIMON

I, uh, was just looking for Kaylee.

ZOË

Don't blush now. A little lovin' isn't anything to be embarrassed about. (shares look with Inara) Should we leave you two alone?

SIMON

No. Thank you. I was just wondering what's wrong with Serenity.

KAYLEE

There ain't nothin' wrong with my girl! Stop sayin' that! My girl's runnin fine!

SIMON

Ah. I apologize.

The ride suddenly smoothes out

ZOË

Mal must have taken over again. I wonder what was going' on.

MAL (on intercom)

Zoë, that cruiser's back and following. Jimmy's piloting now. I want you up here to help with the plan of action.

Intercom dies, room is silent, all looking at Zoë

ZOË

Well, I guess he's not terrible.

Back on the bridge with Mal and Jimmy.

MAL
Second time today, gorram it.

JIMMY

Well, how'd you lose them last time?

MAL

Asteroid.

JIMMY

Feinted left?

MAL

How'd you guess?

JIMMY

Right side's her good side.

There happen to be several asteroids floating around in space around here.

JIMMY

I'm getting an idea. Think your trick will work again?

MAL

Worth a try, if you can handle it.

Zoe enters.

ZOE

You asked for my help, sir?

MAL

No need, Zoe. Jimmy here's got a plan all worked out.

To Jimmy

Plenty of flying space rocks out there, Jimmy. Take your pick.

Jimmy steers Serenity, to the left of an asteroid. The Alliance ship does not follow.

MAL

They're not fallin' for it.

JIMMY

If they don't, we keep on flyin'. If they do, we're in luck.

At the last second, the Alliance ship turns to follow Serenity left. They're closer to the asteroid than they were the first time, when Mal was piloting. Jimmy turns a sharp right. Everyone else gasps, thinking that they won't make it. Jimmy brings Serenity out of the turn without even a scratch.

Cut to a discussion later on. Mal and Zoë are…somewhere. Mal is still angry abouthis crew stealing his ship. He is giving Zoe the cold shoulder.

ZOE

I don't like him.

MAL

He's staying

ZOE

You don't think you should check out his credentials first?

MAL

He's an old friend. I don't need to check out his credentials.

ZOË

I don't think we should keep him. He's only an okay pilot.

MAL

He's more than okay. He's great.

ZOË

No disrespect, sir, but I disagree.

MAL

Zoë, you're just used to considering Wash a good pilot, and by comparison, Jimmy does seem just ok. But Wash wasn't a good pilot. (pause) He was a brilliant pilot. He flew Serenity like she was part of his body. I've never seen anyone work with a ship like that before. We can't find anyone like that. I don't know if we ever could. Wash is dead, Zoë. Jimmy's not as brilliant as Wash was, but he's still pretty damn good.

ZOE

I still don't like him.