Synopsis:
In the infirmary, Simon and Book discuss the works of Shan Yu, a psychotic dictator who believed the best way to truly know a person was to expose him to a life-threatening situation. The conversation shifts to River's condition, and Simon's continuing experimentation with a variety of medications. Meanwhile, Wash mentions to Mal that they could increase profits, but before he finishes his sentence, Mal counters that eliminating the middleman is never a simple operation. Wash realizes that Zoe already told Mal his idea. Meanwhile, aboard the Skyplex, Niska and a torturer apply a lethal-looking device to a hapless victim. One of Niska's underlings, Dalin, enters the room and relays word that long range sensors have pinpointed the Serenity.Wash confronts Zoe about discussing his ideas with Mal. It soon becomes obvious that Wash is discomforted by the closeness Zoe and Mal shared when they served together. A short time later, Wash resets the ship's ignition sequence to ensure that he accompanies Mal on the latest mission, replacing Zoe on the adventure. Zoe allows Wash to act as her substitute. The crew reacts with surprise when Inara's latest client, the Councilor, turns out to be a woman. The pair retire to Inara's shuttle, where they make love. Wash and Mal pilot the shuttle to the planet Ezra, where they rendezvous with their contact, Bolles. A red laser dot appears on Bolles' forehead, and a shot rings out. Bolles' men are also killed as more gunfire fills the air. Mal and Wash hit the ground, and moments later, they are surrounded by a group of camouflaged men. When Mal and Wash fail to return to the Serenity, Zoe, Book and Jayne fly to the rendezvous point, where all evidence of the pair's disappearance points to Niska.Meanwhile, a blindfolded Mal and Wash are transported to the Skyplex and incarcerated in the torture room. Back at the Serenity, Zoe gathers together all the cash on hand, hoping she'll be able to buy Mal and Wash's release. Mal and Wash attempt to endure Niska's torture sessions by talking to each other. Mal tells Wash that the first thing he'll do when they get back to the ship is bed Zoe. A short time later, Zoe arrives at the Skyplex with a canvas bag filled with cash. Niska tells her the money is insufficient to buy the release of both men. He tells her she must choose between the prisoners. Zoe instantly picks her husband. Before Zoe leaves the Skyplex, Niska tells her she's paid slightly too much money a deserves a small refund. With that, he cuts off Mal's ear.Zoe returns to the Serenity with Wash, where Simon puts Mal's ear on ice. It turns out that Niska, too, is well acquainted with the writings of Shan Yu. He then uses a special machine - a mechanical hose with sharp teeth on one end - to torture Mal, in the interest of “finding out more about him.” Meanwhile, Inara travels to the Councilor's house, where she appeals for her help in neutralizing Niska. The Councilor states that Niska's skyplex is beyond her jurisdiction. Back at the Serenity, Zoe, Kaylee and Jayne gather up weapons as they prepare to raid the Skyplex and rescue Mal. Simon and Book insist they be allowed to accompany the group.Meanwhile, at the Skyplex, the torture sessions take their toll, and Mal's body goes limp. The torturer proclaims that Mal is dead. Using cardiac infusers, the torturer revives Mal so Niska can continue inflicting pain upon him. Niska states that he hopes to continue torturing Mal for at least another two days. Using smoke canisters, Zoe and the others stage a diversion and successfully board the Skyplex despite the odds against success. They make their way to an airlock, where the Mule roars to life and a gun battle ensues. Zoe pulls a grenade from her belt and tosses it in the direction of Niska's men, blowing them away.Book, meanwhile, uses his firearm to shoot the kneecaps of the enemy. Distracted by the sound of gunfire, Niska turns his back on the seemingly unconscious Mal. Mal then opens his eyes and turns the tendril device on the torturer, wounding him. Meanwhile, River exits the Serenity cargo bay and, with her eyes closed, manages to shoot and kill several gunmen. Back at the torture room, Mal backhands Niska repeatedly. The torturer grabs him from behind, and the pair smash through a window. Zoe, Wash and Jayne enter and, seeing Mal and the torturer locked in battle, decide to take matters into their own hands. They open fire, killing the torturer. The group returns to the Serenity, where Simon reattaches Mal's ear.