The carnage was terrible. Bodies were strewn across the field and the irony tang of blood permeated the air. The T-Rex roared and bent down giving its prey one last wrench…. “Yum.”….. Wash was pleased. His T-Rex hadn’t eaten well over the last few weeks. To many other predators in ‘This Land’

“Pay attention Hunny.” Zoe chided from the door way. Only then did Wash notice the com beeping. “Thanks Hun Bunch.” then to his dinos “We can play later.” “Not till you’ve earned it.” replied Zoe, giving him a reproachful look. Wash sighed and with a chuckle hit the com.

* * *

“I’m just sayin’ ruttin’ with two is certainly worth tryin’ even if you are a Shepherd.” “Maybe so Jayne but it simply doesn’t hold any interest for me.” countered Book, who was beginning to get bored with Jayne’s attempts to get him talking about sex

Wash’s voice broke over the intercom “I’m and sure this discussion has some deep religious undertones Shepherd, but I have an incoming wave for you. Looks high brass.” The confusion in his voice was obvious. “Thanks, I will take it in my room.” Book turned and made for the door but Jayne caught the puzzled look on his face. With a wide grin Jayne called after Book. “What’s up preacher? You must have some friends, or even lovers who would want to catch up.” The Shepherd left the room with out a backward glance.

* * *

The crew were all in the mess having their evening meal and Kaylee had jumped at the chance to have a go at Mal. “Come on Cap’, a new ion splitter would cut the Serenity’s magno radiation by 25%. You realise…” “OK, ok Kaylee next port we pull in at I’ll give you the cash to get a…. what ever it is. Just let us finish the meal.” “Shiny Cap’n” said Kaylee. Happy to leave him alone now that she had her way.

Book came down the steps in to the room and Mal turned to him. “Must o’ bin a damn good catch up with some old friends for a wave to last that long.” Then with a lopsided grin. “Might have been quicker just to run you to who ever wanted to talk” For a minute Book didn’t reply but just stood inside the door looking at the floor. The silence grew and eventually Jayne opened his mouth, about to say some snide comment, but Books head snapped up and he said “Could you.” Mal blinked. “Could I what?” “I need to get to Sihnon” Mal could see Book had some serious reason for asking this. “It’s a mite out of our way Shepherd, and then there is the matter of it being a major core planet. I am certain you have a good reason for this….” Mal deliberately left his statement hanging. Book gave him a long speculative look, obviously weighing up what to say. Then he sighed. His eyes fell away from Mal. “The wave was from the Abbot at the Sihnon Cathedral. My son is in a critical condition.”

* * *

Book was a little surprised at how quickly Mal had agreed. He knew how risky it was for them to even be near the core planets let alone on them. He even expected at least some comment from Simon, considering their situation, but Simon only glanced at his sister before saying “I don’t think it would be to hard for River and I to remain inconspicuous in the ship.” Wash stood and started out the room “At high burn we will be there in 2 or 3 days. I’m thinkin we just potter on through alliance space rather than sneakin round the side.” “Yeh, no point tryin to lie low if we are goin to be landin on Sihnon.” Replied Mal. Then to Inara he started “I don’t suppose…” “Of course Mal.” She turned to Book “Sihnon is my home planet. I…trained there, so I should make any of your movements go smoothly.” The Shepherd opened his mouth to thank them but could only give a nod before excusing himself and leaving the room as he muttered something about sending a return wave.

The remaining crew sat silently picking at their food while several people tried to think of something to say. Eventually Jayne grinned “I knew he must o’ done it with….” “Don’t. Just don’t.” Zoe cut in. “Looks like the Shepherd ain’t all we thought him to be.”

* * *

The next few days on the way to Sihnon were spent covering all the possibilities if, no when, something goes wrong. River and Simon were strictly confined to the ship. Jayne, Kaylee and Wash would stay with them and restock the ship with anything it needs. After as Kaylee pointed out “Its ain’t often they get the chance to buy real shiny stuff.” Of course when Jayne heard he had to stay with the ‘crazy girl’ and ‘wuss’ he immediately started complain he would miss out on all the fun. Mal quickly changed his opinion. “We’re goin to a Cathedral Jayne. Ain’t likely to be fights nor naked chicks. It’s a place of harmony. Not your scene.”

* * *

“So Shep, we’re here…now what?” asked Mal as they left the ship. He had expected to be given coords for the Cathedral docks but Shepherd had told him to land at the public platform. “Never been to this city before Captain.” He turned to Inara. “I was assuming Inara knew where it would be.” “Luckily Shepherd, your assumption was correct.” She replied and set off with an authoritative stride. Unknown to them, after turning a corner, two of the dockhands broke away from what they were doing and followed.

* * *

“Well. Not what I was expecting but at least there’s none of that boring stone work.” Mal commented. They had grabbed some transport, which wouldn’t have been possible without Inara, and headed out of the city proper. They stood outside what Mal thought to be the most impressive looking building he had ever seen. It wasn’t nearly as large as the structure on the city but it had the same Chinese architecture that was common among the high class of Sihnon. The sweeping curves of the rust red roofs drew the eye up across the timber framework which were intricately carved with images of myths from Earth That Was. Light gauze hangings were tied back at the windows and swirled in the light breeze. Here and there tall, bright green trees poked up between buildings and seemed to frame the main structure that stood perfectly central amongst all the others. What did seem out of place was the surrounding fortified wall! Though built with the same grace and style as the rest of the building it was all business. A wall like this across Serenity valley and there would have been no battle, thought Mal. Two men and a woman stood in front of the open gate. She was dressed in a simple peony cheongsam very much like one of Inara’s everyday costumes. Mal picked up on this and leaned in towards Inara. “Looks very much like somewhere you’d be comfortable.” He got no reaction other than a scathing look. As for the men they must have been some sort of guard, which really didn’t fit considering that they were in a Cathedral, escort though all they carried was a small pistol on their hips. Inara stepped forward but the woman ignored her, instead turning to Book. “Shepherd Book.” The woman stated in a quiet tone “Please follow me.” Mal and Zoe exchanged glances. No doubt she also knew who the rest of them were. The group started after the woman following her down the gravel street toward the main building. Kaylee would love this place Mal thought to himself. Outside the walls, half in the shadows the dockhands waited until Malcolm Reynolds crew were out of sight before sending a narrow wave transmission.