Summary

In the far future, humanity has mastered interplanetary space travel and terraforming. Far off planets are made hospitible and then colonized but then "The Alliance" just leaves the people to fend for themselves. The result is that in this distant future of space ships and other gadgets, civilisation on the outer planets is cruel and as harsh as the Wild West. At some point many of these outer planets fought a war against the Alliance for their right to independant rule but the war pretty much ended with 'the battle of Serenity Valley'. One of those who fought and lost is Malcom "Mal" Reynolds. After gathering a crew of outcast and thieves they 'sail the sky' where they can be free beyond the Alliance's control. Thievery and hillarity ensue.