Five months ago … Khaled Fed Base

“Sir.”

“Yes?”

“A report’s just come in from Shepherd Delrani at Bathgate Abbey.”

“Delrani? What does that old scoundrel have to say?”

“They’ve had a visit from some suspicious individuals on board a ship called Serenity.”

“Visit. What kind of visit?”

“A sabbatical. Only I cross referenced the names he gave, sir.”

“And?”

“River and Simon Tam.”

“The Tams? Are you sure?”

“Yes sir. There were unconfirmed reports of a Firefly with the fugitives on board taking off for Persephone nearly three years ago, and some sketchy sightings around the time of the Miranda incident.”

“Three years. You don’t really think they’re still on board?”

“The names tally, sir. Don’t you think we should report this to the Commander, sir?”

“No. I think the names may be a coincidence. Just mark it received and file it. There’s been no new warrants on the Tams for two years. I hardly think that would be the case if they were still a threat, would you?”

“But sir –“

“Just file it. You’ve done your job. Now leave it.”

---

Two months ago … IAV EXCALIBUR

“Sir.”

“Yes?”

“I came across this in the files. It doesn’t look as if it was ever acted upon.”

“Serenity. So? Just another smuggling ship.”

“The names, sir?”

“Private, it isn’t our problem. If the high-ups wanted to chase this up, they would have. Just put it back in the archives and get on with your work.”

“Yes sir.”

---

One week ago … Alliance Control, Persephone

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

“You wanted me to let you know if I found anything on the Tams?”

“And?”

“There’s a report from a Shepherd Delrani, Bathgate Abbey, about some people named River and Simon on board a ship called Serenity.”

“How old is this report?”

“Nearly five months, sir.”

“Did anyone ever investigate?”

“No, sir.”

“Well, leave it with me. And I wouldn’t worry. I think it’s just coincidence.”

“Yes sir.”

The lieutenant waited until he was sure he was