Part 3/8:
In a shocking reveal, we learn that this classroom is merely a simulated dream experienced by River, who is actually imprisoned in an Alliance-controlled facility for possessing unique abilities. She had inadvertently unearthed damaging secrets about the Alliance, and to suppress her knowledge, they conduct invasive experiments on her.
Meanwhile, River's brother, Simon, has infiltrated the facility to rescue her. After a daring escape, he breaks River out, leading them to join the crew of the spaceship Serenity, led by Captain Mal. The Serenity crew includes Mal’s wife Zoe, pilot Wash, mechanic Kaylee, and the mercenary Jayne. They live on the fringes of the galaxy, performing heists and evading the Alliance.