INT. SERENITY – CARGO HOLD – CONTINUOUS

Haymer addresses the other bidders while Mal rushes down the stairs, followed by Inara and Wash.

MAL: You're welcome to bid, same as anyone else.

HAYMER

Why should I bid on something that was stolen from me?

BELOV

Stolen property, this is? You did not say that, Inara.

Mal and Haymer now stand face-to-face, and it seems fairly likely that no good will come of it. Inara tries to intervene.

INARA: Mr. Haymer, I'm sure we can sort this out—

Incoherent conversation erupts as everyone begins speaking at once, mostly yelling. Jayne and Zoe inch closer to the captain.

BELOV

Perhaps we could see the artifact, now.

LECOINTE

(sarcastic) Yes, let us see the Lassiter. Perhaps it has Mister Haymer's name on it, no?

EXT. SERENITY – SAME TIME

Kaylee and her father are now working on the port ENGINE POD. As Simon approaches with a tray of sandwiches, they seem to hit a snag.

MISTER FRYE: Gorram—

(noticing Simon) Doc, would you mind runnin’ to my workshop? This coupler done snapped!

He holds the COUPLER up, so Simon should have no problem finding an item that looks the same.

MONTAGE OF QUICK INTERCUT SCENES

—Inara in her shuttle, opens the safe. Inside is the Lassiter box.

—Simon rushes across the field toward the house and the workshed behind it.

—Inara returns to the crowd in the cargo hold carrying the Lassiter box.

—Simon approaches the workshed.

—Inara places the box on one of the tables. The bidders gather close.

—Simon reaches the open door of the workshed.

—Inara opens the box…

INT. MISTER FRYE’S WORKSHOP – SAME TIME

Simon spots River, beaten and unconscious, balled up in the fetal position.

INT. SERENITY – CARGO HOLD – SAME TIME

The box is empty. Everyone peers at it.

MAL: Huh.

A beat, then a flurry of activity as Haymer’s bodyguards draw their weapons and point them at Mal and the crew. Zoe and Jayne draw their own in response, while Wash puts his hands up.