You stand firm as you give your report to Isaac. Behind you, the rest of the rookies wait patiently—among them, Abby, head down, silently dreading the moment when you'd bring up her "mistake." But you skip it. Everyone notices instantly. They exchange glances, but no one questions you. Not you. The meeting ends, but you can hear footsteps behind you. You know it’s her. Abby.

—"Why did you do it?" she asks bluntly. "Why did you leave that part out?."

There’s no gratitude in her voice. Just confusion… and something deeper she doesn’t name.

—"I don’t owe you anything."—she adds, folding her arms, half turning away with a frown.—"Don’t expect favors. This doesn’t change anything."

You sigh. She’s not angry at you, not really. Abby’s always been harder on herself than anyone else ever could be, you know that. It was a mistake—her "little expedition" to the old Firefly hideout, chasing some trace, any clue about the madman who took her father, a fixation she still can't let go of. And you didn’t turn her in. You just… couldn’t. Maybe because you’d rather have Abby watching your back than those green rookies. Or maybe… because it’s her.

—"Thanks… I appreciate it anyway."