Why was Book in the cargo by in 'Serenity' ? by AURaptor

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Why was Book in the cargo by in 'Serenity' ?

POSTED BY: AURAPTOR
UPDATED: Tuesday, April 6, 2004 13:25
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Sunday, April 4, 2004 5:29 PM

America loves a winner!

Again, I know this must have been posted, but it just dawned on me. Sorry if I missed an earlier discussion on this.

After Wash intercepts the signal to the Aliance, Mal finds Simon in the cargo bay. The passengers were told to stay out of there unless w/ an escort, so Mal was justified in thinking Simon was the mole. But Simon was checking on his cargo - River, and Lawrence was tailing Simon..why was Book in there ?

Ok, so this isn't the most pressing question ever, but it just hit me when Book comes out from behind Mal and says he has the wrong man.

" They don't like it when you shoot at 'em. Worked that out myself. "

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 7:41 PM

JEBBYPAL

I think this is shortly after Mal tells them all they can go and get their things isn't it? The bigger question would be where's Zoe?

I assumed that Book was also getting luggage etc, but would need to rewatch to be sure.

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Monday, April 5, 2004 1:38 AM

ECGORDON

There's no place I can be since I found Serenity.

Quote:
Originally posted by jebbypal:
I think this is shortly after Mal tells them all they can go and get their things isn't it? The bigger question would be where's Zoe?

I assumed that Book was also getting luggage etc, but would need to rewatch to be sure.

No, that was earlier, remember when Dobson bumped into Simon as he was getting his stuff and checking River's cryo box? Then camera pans to Mal and Zoe discussing the passengers and their hidden cargo. The passengers were told they could only be in the cargo bay with an escort, and this was later, with Wash obviously on the bridge and Mal was in his quarters when Wash called him about the aborted message on the Cortex.

I can't recall who it was that posted one of the Book theories a week or so ago, but their idea was that Book was involved with the people that helped Simon rescue River from the academy, and he is there to observe and protect them, and he always seemed to be in a position to do that. On the other hand, he could be involved with the Blue Hand guys, there to observe River to see if she reveals any of the types of behaviour they were trying to induce in their subjects. Either way, Book is usually around whenever there is a direct threat to Simon or River.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

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Monday, April 5, 2004 4:29 AM

EMBERS

Wow! My theory on Book couldn't be more different than THAT one (the protecting/helping theory):
I'm thinking Book was a very high-up Govt/military/corporate official, that he was involved with the Alliance crushing the independents...and he may even have signed off on or approved the budget for the 'school' where they experiemented on River.
I think that when Book cried to Inara that he was on the wrong ship it was because, even tho he had left the Alliance and become a Monk in the hopes of redeeming his past sins, he is now on board a ship which will remind him every day of the terrible things he has done in the past.

JMPO(!)

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Monday, April 5, 2004 4:42 AM

PALADIN

Book was there most likely because he knew something was about to happen. The question is, what did he have to do with what happened? Although Dobson was indeed an officer of the law, couldn't he have been a diversion sent in to help Book make good with the crew?

That is to say - perhaps Book was sent onboard as a mole to keep an eye out for Simon and River (be it a good eye or bad), and Dobson was just a decoy.

Of course, none of this goes with my preferred theory on Book, but it could happen.

------------
"If you take sexual advantage of her, you're going to burn in a very special level of Hell, a level they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theater." -Book

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Monday, April 5, 2004 5:35 AM

BLAZINGBUG

I think it's a little more straightforward. Book just followed Simon.

Book and Simon are staying in the passenger quarters. We know Book is highly perceptive. Simon trying to sneak into the cargo bay would be obvious to him, and it probably intrigues him, so he follows.

Simon goes in and directly to the box. Book however takes the best tactical position. He sneaks around the cargo and the Mule towards the front where he can observe both Simon and see every entrance into the cargo bay.

Then Mal coming from the cockpit enters the cargo bay from the front steps. He would immediately see Simon, who would have his back to him and his focus would be there. Book would be nearly invisible below him.

When Mal punches Simon, Book doesn't interfere because his attention is on Dobson, whom he has seen enter openly carrying a gun (greater threat). And when Dobson points the gun at Mal and Simon, Book enters the scene.

"Wacky fun..."

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Monday, April 5, 2004 4:55 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

'Bug, that makes about as much sense as anything. However, as was likely posted in another thread about Book, Jayne sure does pick up on how much the good shepard knows when it comes to crime. After watching the episodes over and over, while Jayne is so often w/ out a clue,yet he sure does show flashes of brilliance.

*In OiS, he's the one who found Mal and Zoe
*In Shindig, Jayne picks up on what Badger said when he's talking about getting his " hands on a pair " - of tickets , to the party. Jayne also comes up w/ the word Badger is trying to think of - pretentious - when trying to characterize Mal.

Ok... this is slowly becoming a thread about Jayne, and not Book. My bad.

" They don't like it when you shoot at 'em. Worked that out myself. "

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Monday, April 5, 2004 5:07 PM

JENTLE

Theories are great and all, but I'm afraid that this instance is FAR less complicated than all that.

Book was coming back from taking supper to Inara in her shuttle.

==================
Every well-bred petty crook knows that the small concealable weapons always go to the far left of the place setting.

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Monday, April 5, 2004 5:36 PM

WHOODAHN

Quote:
Originally posted by embers:
Wow! My theory on Book couldn't be more different than THAT one (the protecting/helping theory):
I'm thinking Book was a very high-up Govt/military/corporate official, that he was involved with the Alliance crushing the independents...and he may even have signed off on or approved the budget for the 'school' where they experiemented on River.
I think that when Book cried to Inara that he was on the wrong ship it was because, even tho he had left the Alliance and become a Monk in the hopes of redeeming his past sins, he is now on board a ship which will remind him every day of the terrible things he has done in the past.

My fun theory is that you both are right.

Book was a high level officer and joined the Abbey to repent from his war sins. The Abbey turned out to be filled with high level officers that decide to fight a secret war against the Alliance. Since they know what the Alliance is doing and all of the secret projects. They do what they can to covertly sabotage the Alliance. Book is working with his brothers in the Abbey's to keep an eye on River.

Remember the Academy had a lot of students, there have to be a lot of 'Rivers' out there. The Abbeys on each planet give the repentant war criminals a united organization to watch all of the gifted children the Alliance is after.

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Monday, April 5, 2004 5:42 PM

EMBERS

so you are figuring that Book helped River escape...?
But then why would Book question (at the end of 'Serenity') his being on the right ship? Because if he was supposed to be looking after River he would clearly be on the correct ship.

oh, and Jentle: I think you are probably right about Book's reason for being there

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Monday, April 5, 2004 5:52 PM

FIREFLYTHEMOVIE

Quote:
Book was coming back from taking supper to Inara in her shuttle.

Coming back to where? That doesn't make any sense, given the layout of the ship. He was pretty much right next to the cargo bay doors. The only thing over there is cargo storage and the doors themselves. I'd go with the "Book followed Simon" theory. It's the only thing that makes sense to me. (Other than the "the writers didn't think it through" theory, of course. But I like the first one better.)

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Monday, April 5, 2004 5:59 PM

JENTLE

Quote:
Originally posted by Fireflythemovie:
Quote:
Book was coming back from taking supper to Inara in her shuttle.

Coming back to where? That doesn't make any sense, given the layout of the ship. He was pretty much right next to the cargo bay doors. The only thing over there is cargo storage and the doors themselves. I'd go with the "Book followed Simon" theory. It's the only thing that makes sense to me. (Other than the "the writers didn't think it through" theory, of course. But I like the first one better.)

There's also a staircase over there that leads up to Inara's shuttle.

==================
Every well-bred petty crook knows that the small concealable weapons always go to the far left of the place setting.

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Monday, April 5, 2004 6:12 PM

WHOODAHN

Quote:
Originally posted by embers:
But then why would Book question (at the end of 'Serenity') his being on the right ship?

Great cover story wasn't it?

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Monday, April 5, 2004 6:12 PM

FIREFLYTHEMOVIE

No, the shuttles are much further back. He would've had to go well out of his way to get over there. And I don't think it would be easy to get down those steps without being noticed, when the only other person in the cargo bay was trying to be sneaky and quiet.

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Monday, April 5, 2004 6:23 PM

WHOODAHN

Embers,
If you have a chance, look at this message. It's a little story I wrote last year. The idea was that Book's Abbey brothers help him save River.

http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=2177

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 6:09 AM

EMBERS

WhooDahn:
Thank you for the link, you have some interesting theories...I like the idea that River's parents were actually part of the Alliance/Blue Sun conspiracy...

But regarding Book I have to admit that I think you are stretching a little too far (JMPO)

I believe that the last scene of 'Serenity' when Book 'confesses' to Inara was raw emotion, that he was speaking the absolute truth, I don't think he was trying to fool her in any way in that scene.

Of course I'm hoping that one of the major plot points in the movie will be about Book, his past and his current agenda(!)

BTW will you be writing more? I think you should!

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 8:36 AM

WHOODAHN

Quote:
Originally posted by embers:
I believe that the last scene of 'Serenity' when Book 'confesses' to Inara was raw emotion, that he was speaking the absolute truth, I don't think he was trying to fool her in any way in that scene.

Maybe so.

It just always seemed a little out of character from the Book that we get to know later on. If he was so upset, then why didn't he leave the ship the first time they landed? He seems to want to stay on the ship and even shoots knee caps. For a man that cries to a Companion about being on the wrong ship, that's a pretty big change of heart.

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 8:48 AM

EMBERS

Originally posted by WhooDahn:

Quote:
He seems to want to stay on the ship and even shoots knee caps. For a man that cries to a Companion about being on the wrong ship, that's a pretty big change of heart.

That is a really excellent point, and definitely supports your theory.
I agree that Book is going through a lot of changes and emotions (which fits with someone who has been escaping life in the solitude of an Abby and has only recently come back out into the violent world).
I think he has become supportive and protective of this crew, but I think he didn't come onto the ship originally to help them (or hurt them). And I believe that once the Serenity crew finds out about his past they are going to be very suspicious of him.

There are a lot of ways Joss can go with this character...but growth and change are always part of the package. Just look at how much Jayne has grown from the pilot episode!

At any rate, don't worry about not converting me to your theory...I am pretty attached to my own POV and will only abandon it when Joss tells me the truth of the situation!

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 9:05 AM

WHOODAHN

Quote:
Originally posted by embers:
I think he has become supportive and protective of this crew, but I think he didn't come onto the ship originally to help them (or hurt them). And I believe that once the Serenity crew finds out about his past they are going to be very suspicious of him.

In reality I agree with you. I know a lot of people think that Books getting on Serenity was planned. I don't think it was. It seems that he made his decision to board Serenity before we see Simon and his box. As he told Kaylee, "it's not the destination, it's the voyage" or something like that. I think he is staying with Serenity because he has adopted the crew and they have adopted him and his new life course intrigues him.

My theory about Book and his Abbey brothers helping River is just a pet theory. I don't believe it is part of the actual storyline, but if it is, I'd be the first to say "I told you so"

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 9:10 AM

FIREFLYTHEMOVIE

I still think Book was being entirely honest with Inara. He almost certainly has a violent past (or at least witnessed a lot of violence, and trained for violence, regardless of whether he participated) then joined the Abbey, presumably to repent for earlier actions/inactions.

We saw from the beginning that he was a man of action. I think he felt so bad about Dobson because Dobson was arguably on the "right" side of things. He was trying to pick up a wanted fugitive. Book beat the crap out of him, then watched Mal kill him, and couldn't say, with his heart of hearts, that that was the wrong thing to do. Hence, the crisis of conscience.

Niska's men were an entirely different story. Book still didn't kill anyone, but there's no arguing that even they thouhgt they were doing what was right. I don't think Book has any problem with violence as long as it's for a morally good purpose (saving the captain) and isn't any more violent than it needs to be to achieve that purpose.

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 9:42 AM

WHOODAHN

Quote:
Originally posted by Fireflythemovie:
I still think Book was being entirely honest with Inara. He almost certainly has a violent past (or at least witnessed a lot of violence, and trained for violence, regardless of whether he participated) then joined the Abbey, presumably to repent for earlier actions/inactions.

I still wonder why he stayed on Serenity if he knew he was going to be with violent people. If he was so concerned about being on the wrong ship, why didn't he run the first time they landed?

Something must have happened to make him decide it was safe enough to stay. Perhaps he agreed with Mal's decision to shoot Dobson and knew that Mal and the crew were not bad people but were good people in a bad situation.

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 11:13 AM

KARENKAY99

remember in the deleted scene, book asks simon why he chose serenity and simon said because it seemed disreputable. maybe that's the same reason book chose serenity. maybe he figured that's where he would find simon and river. or maybe he is running/hiding from something too. or maybe he really does just want to help the heathens aplenty. :-)

as for why he shows up in the middle of mal finding simon in the cargo bay ...
i sorta like the conspiracy theory between him and dobson. i had never thought of that before. maybe there was more to what he said about 'the man he swore to protect'. maybe that's why he's so upset that dobson was dead and he wasn't so sure it was wrong.

course he could have just heard the commotion and followed the voices.

"They say the snow on the roof is too heavy. They say the ceiling will cave in. His brains are in terrible danger."

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 12:34 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

Look, unless Book had some special - tell the future/ Jedi like powers - its unlikely he knew about Simon / River. They got on AFTER he chose Serenity. A case COULD be made that he was looking for a ship that might fit a certain profile,one that Simon would likely go for.....
As for me, there certainly is something about Book and his past, but I'm not ready to fall in line w/ the crowd and assume he is some guilt ridden Alliance officer. I'm not saying he couldn't be, but usually when everyone tends to favor 1 explanation, there's something else to the story.

I think that if Jayne doesn't figure it out, he'll at least wonder out loud often enough so that Mal or Zoe finally puts the pieces together and figures it out .... possibly in the movie ?

" They don't like it when you shoot at 'em. Worked that out myself. "

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 1:04 PM

MAY LEE

What nobody hyar seems to realize is that if Book and Dobson were in cahoots they could easily have picked Simon up between the two of them on Persephone and avoided the whole mess. I think Book really is a preacher, was obviously some kind of Alliance bigwig before taking orders, and had no idea whose ship he was riding on when he took passage.

Never let an upside-down corset stop you from having a good time.

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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 1:25 PM

SHINY

Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:
Why was Book in the cargo by in 'Serenity'?

To smoke a joint? ;)

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