Disclaimer – Everything either does belong to Joss or it should. I’m just borrowing his shiny ‘verse for a while.

The 21st Lancers belong to the British Army so I’m borrowing them too. I hope they don’t mind.

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“Because a necessary war is a just war and where there is hope only in arms, those arms are holy” Titus Livius (Livy) 59BC – 17AD

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Fort Obsidian – Beyond the Outer Rim – 2521AD

‘I know you’re fond of the traditionalist approach so I’m wondering if perhaps you’ve bought a cake with a file in it?’ Book asked smiling to himself as Simon took up his offer of the single chair whilst he himself sat on the bed.

Simon shook his head. ‘Jennifer baked a cake but Jayne ate it and besides Kaylee doesn’t lend out her tools I’m afraid’ he replied playing along.

Book sighed. ‘In that case I’m afraid I might have to fall back on Plan B and tunnel out using the plastic spoon on my dinner tray.’

Simon looked thoughtful and considered the plan. ‘Well I think that given the fact you’ll be tunnelling through steel-reinforced concrete and then volcanic rock you might need more than just the one spoon’ he said. ‘It doesn’t look quite sturdy enough’ he concluded.

The Shepherd nodded. ‘I may have to ask for seconds for dessert perhaps so I can get a spare’ he replied. ‘It’s a shame really because I’d have to eat the dessert to keep up the cover-story and I have been finding it harder to stay in trim as I get older.’

Simon laughed awkwardly and then looked away from the other man. ‘I’ve got to know’ he said eventually. ‘Were you spying on us?’

Book reached over to pick up a cup full of water from the small table besides his bed. ‘No’ he said taking a sip from the metal container. ‘Steven would say it was just an astonishing coincidence that I ended up on the same ship as you and your sister. I would prefer to think some higher power led me to Serenity. I really was just looking for an opportunity to leave the Abbey on Persephone and get out into the univ