Serenity stops at a space station to pick up their mail and get a little R&R. Simon tries to whisper sweet nothings in Kaylee’s ear, but manages to put his foot in his mouth instead. The mail turns out to be a bit of a surprise when a package addressed to Mal and Zoe turns out to be coffin carrying the body of Tracey, a private they fought alongside during the war. He carries a message tape asking Mal to bring his body home to his family, a request Mal tries to fulfill. When Alliance officers pursue Serenity, however, he wonders what’s so valuable about Tracey and asks Simon to perform an autopsy. The second Simon’s knife hits, Tracey wakes up screaming. Tracey had been faking his death, trying to get away from people he doublecrossed during a job smuggling artificial body parts. Tracey begins to befriend Kaylee while Mal looks for a way out of their jam. Book may have an idea . . . but Tracey fears betrayal just enough to do something stupid.
written by Joss Whedon & Tim Minear
directed by Tim Minear
music by Greg EdmonsonGuest Cast: Jonathan M. Woodward (Tracey), Richard Burgi (Lt. Womack)
Notes: This episode was not broadcast by Fox and first aired on Sci Fi in 2005. It was also the last episode produced.
LogBook entry by Dave Thomer