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Episode: Shindig

Inside a pool hall, Mal and Jayne play against two other men, Wright and holder, as Inara observes. Mal warns Inara to leave, telling her there's "a thief about." He then slips her a handful of money, taken from his opponents, who earned the cash using slave labor on a planet being terraformed. Shortly thereafter, Wright notices someone stole his money. A fight ensues…and Inara heads for the front door.

As the Serenity heads for the planet Persephone, Inara screens several recordings of young men hoping to be chosen as her companion. She then receives a message from Atherton Wing, a handsome man with an aura of entitlement. Atherton invites Inara to accompany him to the social event of the season. Later, Inara tells Mal that Wing has engaged her services for several days.

Mal and Jayne make their way to the lair of a cockney criminal named Badger. Badger tells the pair about a client named Warrick Harrow, who wants some property transported off-planet so he can sell it at a higher price. As Harrow dislikes Badger, the only way for Badger to deal with him is through an intermediary such as Mal. He gives Mal two invitations to an upcoming social event so a meeting can be arranged.

Meanwhile, inside a sumptuous ballroom, a porter announces guests as they arrive for an expensive party. Inara and Wing, both elegantly attired, enter the ballroom. Wing offers Inara the opportunity to become his personal companion, an offer Inara considers. Her attention is drawn to the front of the room when the porter announces the arrival of "Miss Kaywinnit Lee Frye" and her escort…which turn out to be Kaylee and Mal. Inara is not pleased with the turn of events.

Meanwhile, back on the Serenity, Simon, Book and Jayne pass the time with a poker game. The game comes to a quick halt when River begins ranting. Simon moves to his sister and calms her down. At the ballroom, Kaylee's attention turns to the bountiful food at a buffet table. She strikes up a conversation with several girls her own age, including Banning, Cabott, Destra and Zelle. It isn't long before the girls belittle Kaylee's attire. A kind-looking man, Murphy, interrupts, and quickly insults Banning by insinuating she's slept with a lot of men. Meanwhile, Mal approaches Harrow and introduces himself.