EXT. UNNAMED TOWN - DAY

Mal strolls down what looks like the main street of the town. Children are playing in fallen snow, throwing snowballs and making snow angels. Mal smiles at their antics, checking out the passing buildings. A small garrison of Alliance troops, eight in all, dressed in winter gear passes by across the street. Mal tactfully glances away, entering a small shop.

* * *

INT. OLD SHOP

The shop is ancient-looking, though immaculately clean. A grandfatherly looking man leans on the counter next to an old cash register. The room is filled with trinkets, some recognizable devices from various eras. Mal steps close to a table and picks up a small device.

SHOPKEEPER - Can I help you find somethin’, son?

MAL - Not rightly sure. Just... I’ll know it when I see it, I s’pose.

SHOPKEEPER - Well, I won’t be givin’ you the usual song ‘n dance. I let my wares speak for themselves. Everything works. Money-back guarantee and all, ‘less ya let yer toddler use ‘em for a hammer.

Mal shakes his head and sets the device in its place.

MAL - No toddler to speak of, just one over-big juvenile. (glances around the shop) This place reminds me of the shops on my home-world.

SHOPKEEPER - Where’s that now?

MAL - Little rock, used to go by the name o’ Shadow, til some friends showed up for one rousin’ shindig.

SHOPKEEPER - Ah, yes. Kinda friends that clean out yer icebox and trample yer rug without so much as a howdya-do.

MAL - Ain’t that the truth.

* * *

EXT. TOWN - DAY

River and Kaylee walk leisurely down the street, Kaylee occasionally looking into windows and pointing excitedly for River to look as well. River smiles at Kaylee’s excitement. Inara walks a couple steps behind them, people-watching. All three are dressed in heavy winter coats and hoods, hiding much of their appearance.

KAYLEE - Ooh. Simon would love that...

Kaylee points through a window. We see a gold-trimmed black vest hanging on a mannequin.

RIVER - I don’t think... (be