“…and I want all Alliance citizens to be reassured that the parliament and their local governments are fully committed to purging this blight from the galaxy. Yes the Reavers are a real threat to life on the Rim. But this threat is a temporary one as long as our collective will to vanquish it is strong and unified. I think, at the end of the day, the Alliance will be strengthened by this challenge. I think we forget how much the Rim contributes to the greatness and diversity of our society. I also think that our past difficulties still divide us. After Unification Day began the great Reconstruction but we failed, in some ways, to have an equally great reconciliation. Let us begin the Great Reconciliation with victory over the Reavers!” the well dressed Parliament member held his fist in the air to a subdued, polite applause. He smoothed out is immaculately tailored suit and nervously said, “We have a limited time for questions and comments from the media. Let’s begin with Ms. Peters…always patient this one is.” He leaned on the podium and smiled at an attractive blonde in a fitted blazer and skirt. “Yes Mr. Ling. Could you confirm the rumors that this new military campaign will begin with a renewed recruiting effort that will focus on recruitment in the Rim?” “Oh, my. Somebody does their homework. Uh, yes. The official announcement isn’t until next week but I can share some details now. I wouldn’t characterize it as focusing on the Rim. We are streamlining recruitment in the Rim. As a matter of fact you could say we are fixing recruitment in the Rim. Part of this is better infrastructure another part is reducing the amount of restrictions and disqualifying conditions.” The representative counted on his fingers. “Age limits are going to be the same in the Rim as they are in the Core. New recruits from the Rim that need remedial skills training will undergo that training in boot camp while enlisted for free. No longer will they have to pay for it and wait in line after their certification. And, the big one, effective immediately for those whom fought for or supported independence there is no Oath of Disavowment.” The last statement spurned genuine surprise and excitement. Media reps whispered comments back and forth. The Parliament member nodded his head emphatically. “Yes. Yes. I think that last one says it all. I think it speaks volumes about the level of trust the Alliance has for it’s people on the Rim. Trust that they earned long ago but was not extended until now. Something that, mark my word, the Alliance will not disavow.” “Now to further answer your question, there are other incentives in the works. Uh, I’m no longer a part of the Military Human Resource Appropriations Sub Committee but I can tell you there are plans of extended family benefits, pay increases, and some programs with Blue Sun that will help veterans transition to a civilian job and life. The details of which, I am not privy. Like I said, this was meant to be released next week. Good job Ms. Peters. You probably made me violate a half dozen non disclosure orders.” The blonde gave a short salute with her data recorder and the assembled crowd chuckled. He held his hands up, “I’ll have to smooth it over with the Inner Security Administrator over drinks at the pub tonight.” “Next question please.” The Parliament member scanned the room with his finger, “How about Mr. Kim from Daily Blue Sun Sentinel? Nice to see he’s still alive and awake.” “Mmhm. About the changes to recruitment--,” “I have some questions!” yelled someone in the crowd. “John Tran from Sihnon Skeptic Quarterly.” “Tran, I did not call on you. Please wait your turn.” “Sam, we all know what Kim is going to ask. Let’s have some real questions like; what is the significance of both an Alliance and Reaver space fleet graveyard orbiting the abandoned communication post where the Miranda broadwave origniated?” The geniality drained from the Parliament member’s face, “Tran, we have no further comments on the pirate broadcast about Miranda. And you should…” “What is the connection between this battle of and the Miranda broad wave?” “You should be careful about promulgating propaganda from an unidentified source.” By this time the reporter’s voice was distant and someone could be heard asking him to leave, “Why is there a planet wide quarantine of a supposedly lifeless planet? Why is half of Miranda’s land mass on fire as we speak?” A door slammed loudly and the questions stopped. Sam let out a long sigh. "Tran, I’m disappointed. We invited you from the university in good faith. You decided to invite chaos and confusion in… this was supposed to be a good news day. Do you remember what those were like?” The man looked down at the podium. “No further questions.” He stormed off of the stage while the crowd watched silently. A commentator appeared on the screen, “That was the scene at Parliament’s public forum on Londnium. The conference answered some…” “That’s enough,” said Zoe. River switched the video screen to a view of Persephone. “Not the usual puppet show I would say,” said Mal. “Did you catch the part about recruiting? Seems like the Alliance is stooping down to using carrots galore. I wonder what went wrong with the stick.” Zoe shrugged. “Hard to say, sir. Do we still want to go planet side?” “It’s more of a question of need. Little money, no food, low fuel, and no jobs. We can’t afford to replenish in the black anymore. It’s been three months now. Time to sniff some air.” Mal stepped behind the pilots chair and rested his hands on the back of it. He leaned over River’s shoulder. “What can you tell me lil one?” “The Cortex downlinks are all transmitting and security levels are the same. The local uplinks are limited to telemetry, navigation, weather, and emergency frequencies. Almost a total media and communication blackout.” “What about warrants?” asked Zoe. “None,” replied River, “not even Simon and I.” “Might be a trap,” said Zoe. “Or it might be our best opportunity to step on the grid but under the radar. Either way; doesn’t make a difference…we need work.” Zoe put her hands on her hips and walked off of the bridge. Mal turned back to River. “What else do you see?” River switched the autopilot on and turned her back to the planet to face Mal. Now that she was the pilot of Serenity, River wore pants and footwear more often which Mal appreciated. She was always lucid on the bridge. Something else he appreciated. She sat with perfect posture and said, “We can’t stay long. It will be safe if we are fast enough. But it’s a powder keg revolving around the bond fire. They all are.” Just as she said that the sun appeared and illuminated Rivers’ tendrils of hair in golden light along with the surface of Persephone. The sight, which was usually very welcome, did not have the same familiarity. “Take us in Albatross.”