Firefly: Serenity's Shadow
EXT. SERENITY - SPACE
Serenity glides smoothly through the blackness of space.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY
Jayne is working out, grunting and lifting weights. Kaylee enters, delighted, holding a makeshift SPACE HULA HOOP. River watches from a distance, intrigued.
KAYLEE
(spinning the hoop around)
Look what I found! Thought it'd be a fun way to spend our free time. Y'all wanna give it a whirl?
JAYNE
(eyeing the hula hoop)
Ain't got no time for that, Kaylee. Gotta keep in shape to protect this boat.
KAYLEE
You oughta live a little, Jayne. River, wanna try?
RIVER
(puzzled)
Circular motion... redundant.
Kaylee giggles and demonstrates hula hooping for River.
INT. SERENITY - DINING AREA
Mal, Zoe, and Wash are discussing their next course of action. Inara enters, overhearing."INARA
(serious)
Y'all mind if I join the discussion? We can't keep avoiding the topic.
MAL
(sighing)
Shadow. It's risky. But... considering we're low on cash and Alliance presence is growin'... maybe it's time we faced our past.
WASH
(doubtful)
What's the guarantee that we'll succeed?
MAL
No guarantee. But we've come across information on an old scavenger's lore, sayin' there's a huge stockpile of unclaimed goods from Shadow's aftermath. It's an opportunity we can't ignore.
ZOE
(stern)
Captain's right. Shadow ain't a tourist attraction, but it's a necessary step to stay in the game.
Mal nods in agreement, and Inara looks deep in thought. Their course is set.
INT. SERENITY - INFIRMARY
Simon is prepping first-aid supplies when Book enters, holding a BIBLE.
BOOK
(pensive)
We may find ourselves in need of the Lord's guidance. Are you prepared, Simon?
SIMON
(smiling)
I keep Serenity stocked with the essentials, Shepherd. But I hold no expectation of anyone gettin' more than the usual scrapes on this trip.
BOOK
(nods)
I hope you're right.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE
Wash sets a course for shadow as Mal and Zoe approach.
WASH
(bounds)
Here we go, folks. The past is a black hole, aim to throw and devour us whole.
MAL
(confident)
We've faced worse odds. Let's be ready to pull off the heist of our lives.
Serenity's engine roars as they head towards Shadow.
TO BE CONTINUED
An Uncertain Haven
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
The crew of Serenity is in the cargo bay, unloading their latest haul. Mal and Zoe at the front, Jayne tossing crates to Kaylee and Simon. They're barely containing their excitement.
MAL
Well, now that was a successful heist.
ZOE
Yes sir, can't complain.
KAYLEE
(smiling)
This will keep Serenity flyin' for months.
JAYNE
(grunts)
Might be enough for a bonus too, right Mal?
Simon quietly lifts crates, glancing at River who is perched on the catwalk, seemingly lost in thought.
MAL
(smirking)
We'll see, Jayne. We'll see.
Sudden COMM CHATTER interrupts their jubilation.
WASH (V.O. - COMM)
Captain, you're gonna want to hear this.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - DAY
The crew gathers around Wash, who looks concerned. Mal looks at him expectantly.
WASH
Picked up a distress signal. It's a transport ship called the Canterbury - and they're getting attacked by Reavers.
ZOE
(tense)
Reavers?
The term sends a chill down the spine of the crew.
SIMON
Is it close?
WASH
A few hours away, but -
MAL
(interrupts)
Well, what're we waitin' for? Set a course, Wash.
JAYNE
Ain't our problem, Mal. We got a deal to close.
MAL
People could die, Jayne.
KAYLEE
(angry)
Reckon you'd be fine if it were Reavers coming for you?
JAYNE
Ain't sayin' that, but -
MAL
(sternly)
We're helping them. We can't just turn a blind eye to those bein' hunted by those animals.
INT. SERENITY - COMMON AREA - DAY
The crew is preparing for the rescue mission. Jayne is loading his guns, Zoe and Mal strategizing, Simon and Kaylee gathering medical supplies.
RIVER
(whispers)
Cold metal, hungry teeth.
All eyes turn towards River, who's standing in the doorway. Simon rushes to her side, concerned.
SIMON
River, what's wrong?
RIVER
(quietly)
The Reavers...we must hurry.
Zoe exchanges a worried look with Mal.
ZOE
She's feelin' 'em, Mal. It's not a good sign.
MAL
I know. But we're doin' this. It's the right thing.
INT. SERENITY - INFIRMARY - DAY
Inara, having heard the news, is with Book, packing up her things.
INARA
I need to go. The Guild has forbidden any dealings with Reavers.
BOOK
I understand.
INARA
I'll just find somewhere to lay low until it's over.
BOOK
Take care, Inara.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - DAY
Wash finishes setting their course, making a final course correction.
WASH
We're all set, Mal.
MAL
(sincere)
End the day savin' lives. Not a bad deal. Let's do it.
The crew braces themselves as Serenity changes direction, heading into danger.
TO BE CONTINUED
Firefly: The Long Haul
EXT. SPACE - SERENITY (FLYING IN OUTER SPACE) - DAY
We open on Serenity as she soars through the vastness of space.
INT. SERENITY - COCKPIT - DAY
CAPTAIN MAL REYNOLDS sits at the controls with RIVER TAM as his co-pilot. ZOE looks on from nearby.
MAL: 'Zoe, how long until we reach our destination?'
ZOE: 'Estimated time until we reach Haven is about ten hours, sir.'
RIVER: 'Stormy weather ahead, Captain.'
As River speaks, the screen flickers to the planet of Haven, showing that it is being engulfed in a massive storm.
MAL: (smirking) 'Looks like we're in for a bumpy ride. Strap in, everyone.'
INT. SERENITY - COMMON AREA - DAY
The rest of the crew, KAYLEE, SIMON, JAYNE, and INARA, sit around the room in various states of relaxation.
SIMON: 'A storm, really? Just what we need.'
INARA: 'Perhaps we could use some downtime to practice our sparring, Dr. Tam.'
Jayne smirks, enjoying the thought of Simon getting beaten up by Inara.
JAYNE: 'Yeah, doc. Sure could use a laugh.'
KAYLEE: 'I can think of better ways to pass the time, myse...'
Zoe and Mal enter the room, cutting off Kaylee's thought.
MAL: 'Hate to break the news, but we've got a bit of a storm to get through before we make it to Haven.'
KAYLEE: (worried) 'You think the ship can handle it, Captain?'
MAL: 'We've handled worse. Keep systems running smooth and we'll sail right through.'
SIMON: 'And if not?'
MAL: 'Well, Doc, then we'll figure it out like we always do. Serenity's a sturdy ship; we'll be alright.'
EXT. SERENITY - OUTER SPACE - DAY
Serenity approaches the stormy planet of Haven, bathed in dark, menacing clouds.
INT. SERENITY - COCKPIT - DAY
Fingers tapping the controls, Mal and River guide the ship through the storm.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
The crew gathers as turbulence strikes the ship, causing items to fall from shelves.
KAYLEE: (nervously) 'Hold together, girl. Just hold together.'
ZOE: (to the crew) 'Everyone stay close, be ready to move in case anything falls.’
INT. SERENITY - COCKPIT - DAY
The ship jolts violently, foreshadowing the coming chaos.
RIVER: 'We have to go back, Captain. We have to go back.'
(to be continued)
Firefly: Lost Echoes
INT. SERENITY - COMMON AREA - DAY
We see the crew of Serenity gathered around the common area, everyone talking over each other, lively and comfortable. MAL, ZOE, WASH, KAYLEE, INARA, JAYNE, and SIMON are present. RIVER is playing with a small toy ship in a corner of the room.
MAL
Can we all just settle down for a minute?
ZOE
Alright, so what's the plan, Captain?
MAL
Got wind of a job on the border. Haven't gotten all the details yet, but it seems like it's well-paying.
JAYNE
Money's got a charm of its own.
KAYLEE
Are we far from the destination, Cap'n?
WASH
Should be a three-day trip, assuming smooth sailing.
INARA
(looking at MAL)
Not too far off from my next client. I'll take the shuttle from there.
RIVER
(spacey)
Shadows follow. Darkness comes.
SIMON
River, are you alright?
The crew falls silent, eyes on RIVER.
ZOE
What did she say?
SIMON
I don't know, she... (trailing off) She's been improving. I promise I'll keep an eye on her.
EXT. SERENITY - WASTELANDS - DAY
Serenity lands on a deserted, dusty planet. MAL and ZOE walk up to a makeshift, rusty gate that is the entrance to a seemingly abandoned settlement.
MAL
You ever get the feeling that we're being set up?
ZOE
All the time, Sir. Comes with the territory.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
The rest of the crew waits, attempting to look casual yet remaining alert. KAYLEE tinkers with the engine, JAYNE sharpens his knife, and SIMON gives RIVER a quick check-up. The sound of the gate creaking open echoes through the cargo bay.
MAL
(voice over)
Alright, get ready. We got ourselves a deal.
TO BE CONTINUED
Firefly: Forgotten Cargo
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
Mal, Zoe, and Jayne are hauling some mysterious crates. Kaylee watches, curious, from the catwalk above.
MAL
Zoe, what'd our contact say about these crates?
ZOE
He was vague. Said only that it's valuable, but not like to arouse suspicions.
Jayne grunts as he struggles with his crate.
JAYNE
Feels like it's full of lead... or somethin' heavier.
KAYLEE
(offering help)
Want me to take a look, Cap'n? Might be somethin' needs fixing.
MAL
No, best not to poke around too much. We'll just focus on getting this to the drop-off point.
INT. SERENITY - DINING AREA - DAY
Wash enters, joining Inara, Simon, and River.
WASH
Hey, what's the word on that cargo?
INARA
I'm not sure, but Mal seems intent on completing the job quickly.
SIMON
(suspicious)
I don't like it. Hiding something valuable in an unmarked crate feels wrong.
RIVER
(smiling as she listens)
Not everything in a box is dangerous... but some things deserve to stay hidden.
Simon gives River a worried look.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
Mal and Zoe lock the crate securely in place. Jayne grumbles nearby.
MAL
That should do it. Let's set course and keep a low profile, as usual.
ZOE
Any slight change in plan and we'll be ready, sir.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - DAY
Wash is at the helm, setting course for the destination.
WASH
(whispering)
Here's to another smooth job, Serenity.
As Serenity takes off, the camera reveals a small transmitter, blinking on the side of one of the crates.
TO BE CONTINUED
Firefly: The Lost Treasure
EXT. OUTER SPACE - NIGHT
Serenity, the Firefly-class ship owned by Captain MALCOLM"MAL" REYNOLDS, drifts smoothly through the black of space.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY
The crew is gathered around a hologram table, studying a map. Mal and ZOE ALLEN, Mal's second-in-command, stand at opposite ends of the table.
MAL: All right, we're on the clock. Badger said the contact will be here in less than a day.
ZOE: (sarcastic) Because Badger's always been reliable.
Mal shoots her a look.
KAYLEE FRYE: Captain, why are we going after lost treasure? Seems awful risky.
MAL: It ain't lost treasure, Kaylee. Just some goods our contact misplaced.
JAYNE COBB: So, we're retrieving treasure for someone else? That hardly seems profitable.
MAL: We get paid for the job, and we don't have to worry about where it came from.
SIMON TAM: Still seems like a lot of effort for a small payout.
MAL: (snaps) You got a better idea, Doctor?
RIVER TAM: (smiling) Treasure hunt.
Simon looks at his sister, concerned.
INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN
INAARA SERRA, the Companion travelling with the crew, sips tea as she sits at the kitchen table.
ZOE: (entering) You're awfully quiet, Inara.
INAARA: I rarely get involved in these planning sessions. I like to think of myself as an innocent bystander.
ZOE: (laughs) Ain't no innocents on this ship.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE
WASH, the helmet-haired pilot, is at the controls when Mal enters.
MAL: Wash, set course for the coordinates on the map. Then let's get some speed on us.
WASH: (smirking) The faster we get there, the faster we can turn this treasure hunt into a payday.
Mal doesn't respond but turns to leave.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY
The crew continues planning their approach as they follow Mal's instructions.
SIMON: Can I speak with you for a moment, Captain?
Mal sighs, nodding.
INT. SERENITY - CORRIDOR
Simon looks worried as Mal listens, barely containing his impatience.
SIMON: I'm worried about River. I don't think she should be involved in this mission.
MAL: I know you're protective of your sister, Doctor, but River can take care of herself.
SIMON: (annoyed) She's still recovering, Mal. You've seen her episodes.
MAL: (frustrated) River's a part of this crew, and we need her. You help her if she needs it, but I'm not leaving her behind.
Simon nods reluctantly, and Mal returns to the cargo bay.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY
The crew watches as Mal reenters.
MAL: All right, the plan's simple. We get in, find the goods, and get out. No heroics. Let's suit up and get this job done.
The crew scatters, and Mal stops to look at River.
MAL: (softening) River, you stick with your brother, all right?
River smiles.
RIVER: I'm your best shot, Captain.
She walks away, leaving Mal to ponder her words.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Firefly: Stella Maris
INT. SERENITY - CARGO HOLD - DAY
The cargo hold is filled with crates and boxes labeled 'MEDICAL SUPPLIES'. The crew is busy securing the cargo in the hold.
MAL
This job should be smooth sailing. Get these supplies to Stella Maris colony and we're golden.
ZOE
As long as we don't run into any Alliance patrols or pirates.
KAYLEE (optimistic)
I've tweaked the engine a bit to give us a little extra power.
SIMON
Well, let's hope we don't have to use it.
JAYNE (snarky)
I'm more concerned if these here meds aren't filled with rocks.
RIVER (whispering softly)
Shadows in the dark.
Everyone looks at River for a moment, then goes back to securing the cargo.
EXT. SERENITY - DAY
The ship takes off from a desolate landing pad and heads for the stars.
INT. SERENITY - COMMON AREA - NIGHT
The crew gathers around the table eating dinner, casual conversation can be heard.
INARA
Jayne, do you remember what we talked about in terms of table manners?
JAYNE (chewing loudly)
What's wrong with how I'm eatin'?
WASH (jokey)
I think Inara's just jealous of your masterful fork technique.
Inara just smiles and shakes her head.
KAYLEE
Captain, have you ever been to the Stella Maris colony?
MAL
I have. It's a peaceful place, not much to look at but folks there just try to get by.
SIMON
Well, I'm just glad we could get these medical supplies. They are in dire need of them.
RIVER (whispery, staring to space)
Energy is shifting, we must be vigilant.
The crew glances at River but goes back to their conversation.
INT. SERENITY - COCKPIT - NIGHT
Wash is at the controls as the ship glides through space. Zoe sits next to him.
ZOE
You got the course plotted?
WASH
Yep, we'll be in the Stella Maris system in a few hours.
An alert blinks on one of their screens.
WASH
Uh oh.
ZOE
What is it?
WASH
Looks like we've got an Alliance patrol not too far behind us...
INT. SERENITY - CARGO HOLD - NIGHT
Everyone is gathered again in the cargo hold.
MAL
Wash, how close are they?
WASH
Seems like they're gaining on us slowly.
JAYNE (annoyed)
I told ya we should have doubled back.
MAL
We'll talk options later. For now, we need to find a place to lay low, get these supplies to their destination and shake the Alliance off our tail.
KAYLEE (pointing to a map)
There's a moon a few hours from here that we could hide in. We've been there before, remember?
TO BE CONTINUED.
Firefly: Serenity's Depths
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
MAL and ZOE are checking their supply inventory. In the background, JAYNE is lifting weights, occasionally glancing over at RIVER, who is quietly meditating nearby.
MAL: (Sighs) We're going to have to find ourselves a job soon.
ZOE: Running low on supplies, sir?
MAL: (Nods) We can't exactly expect our passengers to survive on good intentions and dust.
INT. SERENITY - DINING AREA - DAY
KAYLEE and INARA are seated at the table, talking softly. In the kitchen, SIMON is preparing a meal, listening to the conversation while he works.
KAYLEE: (Smiling) I don't know, Inara. I think I'm kinda taken by that Simon fella.
INARA: (Smirking) Really, Kaylee? What gave it away? Your stares, or the way you follow him like a lost puppy?
KAYLEE: (Blushing) That obvious, huh?
INARA: (Laughs) Just a little bit.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
The sound of the bell ringing signals the arrival of a WAVE from an unknown source. MAL heads to the nearby console.
MAL: (Tapping the console) Alright, let's see who's calling.
The screen flickers to life, showing a frightened-looking MAN.
MAN: (Nervously) Captain Reynolds? I, uh, I need your help.
MAL: (Eyebrows raised) Do I know you?
MAN: No, but a friend of mine said you might be able to help me. I've got some cargo I need transporting, and I'm willing to pay well for discretion.
INT. SERENITY - DINING AREA - DAY
KAYLEE and INARA are joined by RIVER and JAYNE, just as MAL's voice comes over the ship's intercom system.
MAL: (VO) Crew, we've got ourselves a potential job. Meet in the cargo bay in five minutes.
As the others leave, SIMON nervously wipes his hands on a dish towel, preparing to join them in the cargo bay.
SIMON: (Quietly) Can't imagine what could go wrong this time.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
The entire crew is now gathered as MAL discusses the potential job.
MAL: Alright, here's the deal. This fella's got some cargo he needs moved, and he's willing to pay well for it. Of course, we gotta deal with the usual discretion.
JAYNE: (Grinning) What kinda cargo we talkin' about, Mal?
MAL: Didn't say. But since we're runnin' low on supplies, I reckon beggars can't be choosers.
SIMON: (Frowning) With all due respect, captain, shouldn't we be concerned about the legality of this job?
MAL: (Smirking) Doc, our primary concern is keeping Serenity flyin'. Sometimes that means we gotta take on some questionable work.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - DAY
WASH is in his pilot's seat, preparing for takeoff. ZOE enters and stands by his side.
WASH: (Excited) So, we've got ourselves another exciting adventure on the horizon, huh?
ZOE: (Smiling) Seems like it, dear. Strap in and enjoy the ride.
The sound of the engines starting fills the room as Serenity begins to lift off.
TO BE CONTINUED
Firefly: Lost Treasures
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - DAY
Mal pilots the ship, as Wash enters looking concerned.
WASH
Captain, we got something on the radar. An Alliance cruiser.
MAL
How far out?
WASH
Too close for comfort. A few hours away, tops.
Mal sighs, gripping the controls tighter.
MAL
Tell everybody to get ready, then. We're going for a wild ride.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
Kaylee and Inara are talking about a client Inara has just seen.
KAYLEE
You ever think you're gonna settle down, 'Nara?
INARA
Perhaps someday, but for now, I enjoy the unpredictability of this life.
Simon and River enter, scanning the cargo bay.
SIMON
Has anyone seen Jayne and Book? We're supposed to be playing cards.
RIVER
He's hiding. Afraid of losing.
INT. SERENITY - KITCHEN - DAY
Zoë and Jayne prepare a meal as Shepherd practices his shooting skills on cans of condensed soup.
JAYNE
You know, Shep, most people wouldn't give a man a gun after looking at the can of soup.
BOOK
What can I say? I'm a sentimental old preacher in need of food and target practice.
Wash stumbles in and heads for the comm system.
WASH
Attention, crew of Serenity! Alliance cruiser on our tail. Prepare for evasive maneuvers!
Zoë leaps to her feet, Jayne and Book exchange looks of concern.
ZOE
Everybody strap in. Wash, take the helm; Jayne, grab your gun. Kaylee, I want you in the engine room, just in case.
The crew scramble to their positions.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - DAY
Mal and Wash work together, getting ready to make a run for it.
MAL
Prepare the Crazy Ivan, Wash. We'll give 'em a run for their money.
WASH
Aye, Captain. Here's hoping we get through this.
SERENITY performs an incredible maneuver as the Alliance cruiser closes in on them. They manage to slip behind the cruiser, successfully evading it.
MAL
Never thought I'd be thanking the stars for leaving us in one piece.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - DAY
The crew gather, relieved by their escape. Shepherd holds a mysterious crate filled with valuable items.
BOOK
Captain, while we were dodging that cruiser, I found this. We never finished containing the cargo from our last job.
Simon picks up an ancient artifact from the crate.
SIMON
What is this?
RIVER
Something powerful. Dangerous.
Mal stares at the artifact, concern in his eyes.
MAL
Then we'll be needing to sell this quickly. Zoë, reach out to our contacts on Beaumonde. It's time we rid ourselves of this dangerous treasure.
TO BE CONTINUED
Firefly: Distant Stars
INT. SERENITY - COMMON AREA - NIGHT
The crew is sitting around the table, eating dinner together. The room is lit by dim, flickering lights. Zoe is sitting next to Wash, who is in the cockpit peering out into space. Jayne is next to Simon while opposite him, Kaylee is giggling and chatting with Inara. Both River and Book are sitting together in quiet contemplation.
WASH: So we're headed to a planet that's not on any maps?
MAL: That's right. A bit of a secret rendezvous. Details are a little hazy, but it seems the pay is good for this one.
JAYNE (muttering): When are they not hazy...
KAYLEE (excited): I love surprises! It's like shakin' presents under the tree!
SIMON: ...that's assuming we get presents and not just another trap waiting to fold us in.
MAL (smiling): Cheer up, doc. One of these days, we'll find a job that ain't some new flavor of disaster.
RIVER: The sky is so empty out here.
EVERYONE turns their attention to the cockpit window for a second.
INARA: We're far from the main shipping routes. Stars are very distant.
BOOK: They say God placed each star to guide lost souls through their distant journeys.
JAYNE: If that were true, we wouldn't be so gorram lost all the time.
INT. SERENITY - COCKPIT - NIGHT
Everyone starts to get up from their seats, preparing to go to their quarters when MAL approaches WASH.
MAL: Make sure you keep an eye on the fuel gauge, Wash. We don't want to be marooned out here.
WASH: (nodding) Aye aye, Captain.
INT. SERENITY - CARGO BAY - NIGHT
MAL and JAYNE descend into Cargo Bay after the dinner.
JAYNE: So...What do we know about our contact?
MAL: Name's Endicott. Apparently some kind of bigwig on this mysterious planet we're headed to. Lots of cash, so I've been told, which should tell you something about the nature of our business.
JAYNE: That don't go far when we don't know what they want us to do.
MAL: Suppose we'll find out soon enough. Best be ready for anything.
EXT. SPACE - NIGHT
Serenity glides through the vast emptiness of space, the distant stars shimmering dimly in the distance.
INT. SERENITY - JAYNE'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
Jayne is in his bunk, cleaning his weapons while Vera, his cherished rifle, sits nearby.
INT. SERENITY - INARA'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
INARA is packing some of her belongings, considering which to bring on their upcoming job.
INT. SERENITY - SIMON'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
Simon is studying some medical files, attempting to decipher any clues about River's condition.
INT. SERENITY - ENGINE ROOM - NIGHT
KAYLEE is humming a tune as she works on the engines, making sure everything runs smoothly.
INT. SERENITY - BRIDGE - NIGHT
WASH and ZOE are at the controls. Mal walks up and peers out of the window when he sees a glimmer in the distance.
MAL: What's that? We ain't anywhere close yet, are we, Wash?
WASH (puzzled): We shouldn't be...but it looks like we're already there.
MAL: Didn't expect to be here early. Keep an eye out for surprises!
AS SERENITY approaces the mysterious planet, the ship is suddenly surrounded by a fleet of menacing ships.
TO BE CONTINUED.
