The Serenity delivers their cattle (from "Shindig"). Kaylee and Inara are shopping on the planet, and Kaylee's crush on Simon is again brought up. Later, Book is shot as a bystander during the crew's cattle deal. Unfortunately Simon and River have been captured by hillfolk who need a doctor for their community. Book eventually receives medical attention when Mal takes a chance and takes him to an Alliance base. When they see Book's ident card they immediately give him treatment.

Meanwhile, Simon and River receive an initially warm welcome from the community which has many afflicted people who are in need of serious help. When River is able to telepathically find out things about a little girl named Ruth who has not spoken since her mother went insane and tried to kill her, she is accused of being of witch. The townfolk try to burn her at the stake, but Simon is able to stall, just enough for Mal and the crew to come back and save them.

Meanwhile, we see flashbacks to how River was taken to The Academy and Simon's early attempts to get her free