>What's the deal with Book?
>Is it pretty much the collective opinion that he used to be an
>Operative?
>That is what I think the film hints towards.
>He knew a lot about Operatives.
>He was all about "belief."
>If one loses belief in the Alliance where does one turn their
>belief to?
>God?
>Maybe the operative at the end of the movie will go to an abby
>himself and become the next Book?
>Mayhaps?

ye i think it's pretty damn obvious by now Book was a major player in the Alliance. whether or not he was an operative is up for debate, but remember, the Op in SERENITY said he technically doesn't exist. he's totally off the radar. but during FIREFLY, Book is recognised as having Alliance ties (the ep. where he gets shot and has to be treated by an Alliance cruiser, they take his card or whatever that thingy was and immediately recognise him as someone important, he's visible). im thinkn he mighta just been someone who was of a very high rank, but then again, the whole belief thing works perfectly in explaining his past. if all operatives work on a system of devout belief, than there's a definite chance Book was one in a past life. and it's logical to assume that the operative in SERENITY might follow that same path and join an abby. not only would it give him something to believe in, but it would also give him shelter to lay low from any possible retribution by the Alliance.

V.