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His momma died when he was in solitary, praying for the souls of those currently swept up in the war. Father Zhao interrupted him in the middle of his closing prayer to break the news.

The Alliance and the Independents had only been fighting for a couple months. The first big battle started in the system next to Constantine, where his home planet was. Earlier that day, it spilled over onto Shadow. Alliance forces tried to force his momma to turn her ranch into food and shelter for their side, but she refused. Emma Reynolds was an Independent supporter and clung firm to her ideals, and it got her killed.

Mal clutched his Bible tightly while he listened. It was three weeks since he left Shadow for extended study on Syro; five days since he last spoke to her. Father Zhao placed a hand on his shoulder, then turned and left him to his prayers.

He remained kneeling at the foot of the bed in – shock, silence, prayer, contemplation – for more than a day. His heart was torn apart and his mind couldn’t seem to make itself up. More than once he cast his eyes heavenward, searching for an answer, trusting that one would come.

Whether the answer came from God or from his momma, he didn’t know. But eventually, Mal felt his heart fill with purpose, and he had faith that his decision was going to lead him to fulfill that purpose. The next day, armed with only his Bible and his cross, he left the Abbey and never looked back. The Independents has themselves one more recruit.