**Spoilers** I accidently used a plot device from the movie, which I have not seen. I wrote this story long before I got spoiled, so I guess it was in the air. :)

Standard disclaimers apply. Firefly, Serenity, and the original characters are not mine. This was written for fun, not profit. Two new characters are mine, but Joss can have them if he wants because they really want to come out and play. Thanks to Ali D. for asking for Tom's perspective.

Archiving: Just let me know where.

Rating: PG

Pairings: None explict

PENAL MOON DETENTION FACILTY

CELL

NEXT MORNING

The cell is clean, well lit, and not too small. A largish window covered in a grid of laser beams looks out over a newly terraformed and fairly barren landscape. Tom Carlisle is sitting cross-legged on a bunk, which is chained to the wall. Tom is a tall, lanky man in his early 30s, with wavy brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a light tan. He’s dressed in a bright yellow prison jumpsuit, which is slightly too short, and sandals. He sits straight, with his back and head against the wall. His hands are folded in his lap; three fingers on his right hand are neatly splinted. His eyes are closed and there is a slight smile on his face, which is covered in bruises, some fading, and some fresh.

An official-looking man in a neat uniform (not Alliance) approaches the out side of the solid cell door, looks through the window at Tom, and hits a com button on his collar.

OFFICIAL: Open cell 28.

The door clicks and slides open just wide enough to admit the official. Tom doesn’t move a muscle except for an almost imperceptible twitch at the corner of his mouth. The official moves until he stands in front of Tom.

OFFICIAL: Good morning Mr. Carlisle. I hope you slept well. Your breakfast should be here soon, but I thought we could have a little chat first.

Tom opens his eyes slowly, but doesn’t move or speak.

OFFICIAL (cont.): You have had time to consider your options. Now, will you cooperate and be allowed to