Closed File

MAL :

Thank you for takin' us in again Shepherd.

BOOK :

You got A Plan?

MAL :

Hidin' ain't A Plan?

BOOK:

It'll do you for a spell, and 

the folks here'll be glad of the extra coin...

MAL :

...but The Alliance'll be coming. 

They're after this girl with a powerful will. 

I look to hear the tromp of their boots any moment.

BOOK:

You won't. This isn't 

a palms-up military run, Mal. 

No reports broadwaved, 

no warrants. Much as They want her, 

They want her HID. That means 

Closed File. Means An Operative, 

which is Trouble you've not known.

MAL:

I coulda left her there. I had an out -- 

Hell, I had every reason in the 'verse 

to leave her lay and haul anchor.

BOOK:

It's not Your Way Mal.

MAL:

I have A Way? 

That better than A Plan?

BOOK:

Only one thing's gonna 

walk you through this -- Belief.

MAL:

You know I always look to you for counsel --

...but sermons make me sleepy, Shepherd. 

I ain't looking for Help from on high. 

That's a long wait for A Train don't come.

BOOK:

When I talk about Belief, why do you 

always assume I'm talking about God? 

...They'll come at you SIDEWAYS. 

It's How They THINK. 

It's How They MOVE :

Sidle up and smile, 

hit you where You're WEAK. 

Sorta man 

They're like to send -- 

Believes HARD. 

Kills and never asks why.

MAL:

It's of interest to me how much 

you seem to know about that world.

BOOK:

I wasn't born A Shepherd, Mal

MAL:

Have to tell me about that some time.

BOOK:

No -- (smiles sadly) I DON'T…