Mal sat in the galley thinking, once again. Seemed like that was the only thing he could do nowadays. He heard the Shepherd come in, but since he didn't think he came to talk to him, he didn't acknowledge the fact. He felt someone by his side, and turned. He was shocked to see Shepherd Book standing by him, looking unsure of himself. He sat back and motioned for the older man to sit next to him.

"Somethin on your mind Shepherd?"

"Yes, but I'm not sure how to begin."

"The beginnin's always a good start."

The Shepherd didn't mind the sarcasm, "Do you remember what you said to me on that hill at Haven?"

"Yeah."

"You were right."

Mal leaned forward, "I was?"

"Confession is something I should be good at, but given the nature of my confession, I don't know how it will be received."

"Shepherd, you have picked the one time I might be open to ideas, don't miss your opportunity."

He took a deep breath, "You are always wondering why I know so much about crime, it is because I used to be in charge of stopping it. I was a very important man in my younger days, working for the Alliance."

Mal stiffened, "Really."

"Yes, I was in charge of a great deal of the core, in charge of a lot of covert and sensitive missions. When the war came up, I disagreed with my superiors, and left for the Shepherds way of life."

"What do you mean disagreed?"

"I felt controlling what we did was enough, that every man should have some control over his own destiny, that people would eventually choose one or the other, and that would be it. I was not exactly heard. I found God's path and have never looked back."

Mal was silent for a long time, "You know, I suspected, but it's different to know. Why did you tell me?"

"Something River said to me. It was hard to understand, but the simple way to say it is, that we control our destiny, not the other way around. If I want honesty, I need to live honesty. I hope I will still be welcome here."

"Preacher, now that you're back, you really think we're gonna let you go?"

Shepherd Book smiled. He had found his path again, after wandering too long.

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HERE

Almost everyone was in the galley a few days later when they all turned toward the engine room and the stairs to the infirmary at the sound of arguing. Jia limped up the stairs with Simon right on her tail.

"I don't care Simon."

"You are going to put your recovery back."

"I don't care. I'm not going to put up with this horrible food and boredom anymore."

Jia slowly made her way to her station and Simon tried to get support. "Captain..."

"Jia what are you doing?"

"My job sir."

He went over to her while she you started to work. "I told you..."

As he started to talk, Jia dug her hands into the lip of the island, and hooked her feet under it. Mal looked at the determined expression on her face, and looked at Simon. "This one's yours Doc." Mal went back to the table and sat.

Simon sighed, "Jia , please."

"Doc, I can't do it anymore. My one and only job is to cook, that's it. I want to do it. I'll take it easy, but the gosa you keep sending me down there has got to stop. I am feeling great."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I would have thought ten broken bones and internal injuries would require a little down time. I guess it's just the doctor part of me."

Jia sighed, "I do appreciate it Simon, and I won't do anything that will screw with your work, I promise."

Simon looked slightly mollified, "If something happens..."

"I will stay in my room until the end of time, or until you say it's alright to go."

"Fine."

Jayne clapped his hands together, "Yes, that's what I've been waiting for."

Kaylee said, "And her recovery of course."

"Huh?"

Kaylee elbowed him.

"Oh yeah, your recovery." He smiled at Jia.

"I'm touched Jayne."

Jayne nodded in a satisfied way.

------------------------------------------

After a meal and Wash proclaiming her a goddess, a tired Jia went back to her room, very satisfied. She flopped down on her bed when there was a knock on her door.

"Come in," It was Zoe, with a package. "What's on your mind Zoe?"

Zoe looked uncomfortable, "I have been thinking..." she moved into the room and shut the door behind her. "About how to thank you for what you've done."

"Oh, you don't have to..."

"Yes, I do." She was dead serious, "The only problem is that there is no way to repay what you have done for me, so I decided I wouldn't even try, but that I would give you something you would never get yourself."

She then held out the large package to Jia and she took it. She began to open the package, almost afraid of what was inside. She pulled out a black silk comforter. "It's beautiful." It had grey embroidery and was made of the finest in silks. "Oh, Zoe, I can't except this, it must have cost you a fortune."

"It wasn't so bad. I noticed you were not the kind of person who bought for herself. I thought maybe this would be comfortable and just nice. Please take it."

Jia knew how important this was, "It's lovely Zoe, thank you."

Zoe just turned to go and faintly said, "Thank you, beyond words." she left without another word. Jia snuggled into her gift and wondered at the enigma that was Zoe.