If they ever get round to cloning humans, I think they should make an army of Joss Whedons so we can have more of his genius.

* * * * *

CHECK MATE: Desperado.

* * * * *

“My name,” Book says solemnly. “My real name.”

There's something so damn unsettling about the preacher's reply that for a moment no-one can think of anything to say. Instead they all stare at him, waiting for him to elaborate, but Book holds his tongue.

“Must be one hell of a name,” Zoe says eventually, the truth of the comment reverberating around the cargo bay even as she says it.

Book nods, just once, his eyes full of an emotion that sure ain't pride.

“Care to tell us what it is?” Zoe takes a step towards him. She's not exactly menacing, being all aware of how the preacher just got them off the Alliance hook, but she does want to apply a little pressure.

“Give a dog a bad name and hang him,” River interjects in a flat monotone.

“Let's not be mentionin' hangin',” Zoe says with a shudder. “So, Shepherd – why don't you introduce yourself?”

Book looks across to where Mal's still form lies on the trolley and bites his lip. He turns to Simon. “Have heard tell as how hearing's the last sense to go. And that folk often remember things said when they were unconscious. That right, Doctor?”

“Absolutely. There are many documented cases. In fact, in his case study of ...”

“Tell us yer gorram name, preacher!” Jayne demands, unwilling to listen to more of Simon's doctor-speak.

“Prefer to wait until the Captain regains consciousness. Story's a long one. Don't want the Captain only half-knowing it.” He pauses, remembering. “Besides, after my little adventure on Jianyin I made him a promise of sorts ...”

He's interrupted by a strange noise issuing from the back of Mal's throat. Simon looks anxious. “I really must run some checks on him now,” he says and pushes the trolley off towards the infirmary. Kaylee trails along behind, trying to smile bravely but she's absent-mindedly wringing her hands.

“So, with your permiss