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.”

* * *