Disclaimer thingy: Firefly/Serenity are owned by other folks and not by me, though I appreciate being able to write some stuff purely for fun inspired by the Firefly 'Verse.

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This three-parter is a prequel for my separate fanfic, Hard Times. As ever, all feedback is appreciated.

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The holding cell door unlocked. Leon looked up from where he sat on the bed, his face still. The sight of the federal guards did not stir him to movement. Since he’d seen Jake for the last time, weeks ago back on Beylix, the fear had gone away; a cold heavy stone seemed to have settled deep inside him, numbing him to everything. Even when they’d taken him to the courtroom, where the judge had pronounced his sentence he had hardly listened, hardly heard the words falling into the silence. - You have been found guilty on both counts, of conspiracy and abetting a fugitive from federal law. I hereby sentence you to twenty years in federal custody, in a maximum security facility. This court also recognises that right to appeal is summarily denied.

“On your feet, Rachid.” One of the guards advanced and jerked with his thumb. “You’re moving out.” Leon looked up, then slowly began to rise from the bed. The guard caught hold of his shoulder and shoved him out of the cell.

They marched him down the corridor, through the building, out to a waiting transport vehicle. The guards pushed Leon inside and climbed in themselves. The journey to the docks passed quickly. After negotiating several security checks, the vehicle stopped and Leon was taken out and led to a waiting prison transport ship. Guards waited at the entry, checking documents. As Leon was brought to a halt they looked him over, then nodded at his escorts. “He for HSF7?”

“Yeah. Rachid.” The new guards took charge of Leon, one escorting him onto the ship. On board he was taken to another cell, far smaller than any he’d yet been held in. The guard pointed t