Serenity/Firefly Question. What happened in Shephard Book's past?

Question

I know that we'll never find out , but I'm still curious. Tell me what you think.
I think that Book was a (very) high-ranking general for the Alliance forces during the war (hence his knowledge of guns, alliance protocal and ID card that gets him excellent medical attention). However, during the war he saw some unsightly things that made him question what he was doing.
So, at a point he resigned his commission (but kept his ID card), went to find god and got sworn into his religious order and became a Shephard. He then left to travel and spread the gospel and ended up on Serenity. The rest is history.
Anyone else have an theories or comments.

Answer 1

I think his past is the most likely jumping off point for another movie (prequel in this case)

Answer 2

I think he was the same kind of Alliance Assassin/Samurai the guy from the movie was.
Furthermore I think something traumatic/more than he could accept made him become a Shepherd while on duty....
My best guess is the Hands of Blue guys where his breaking point. Insider knowledge. Afterwords he became a member of, if not founded the group that is eluded too that "helped" Simon rescue River and confirmed she was in danger.
Its possible the Shepherd thing is cover up for the resistance movement that may actually be "Shepherds" but are most certainly fighting against whatever it is the Hand of Blue guys wished to accomplish with River.
I think the Alliance still thinks he is an Assassin, undercover, but in actuality he looking after River, he was following Simon......

Answer 3

Have you ever read or seen the series Cadfael? It is about a Welshman who fought in the Crusades. When all the horror of it is over, he joins a monastery and works as their herbologist/healer. He has an excellent understanding of his times and how his government is working. Even though he is now a man of God, he remains a most excellent warrior. ; )

I suspect that Shepherd Book's history is similar, but being in a more advanced time he isn't able to completely remove himself from life.

I would love to see a pre-quel on the subject. He and Wash are just great...and I'd love to know how Wash and Zoe managed to become Mr. and Mrs.! LOL (I'm betting it has something to do with the mustache...)

Answer 4

It's as good a guess as any. But I didn't really see fear in the reaction from the alliance people who find out who he is - so I think he's powerful - but maybe not just a sleazebag.

I'm hoping for Firefly series 2 & maybe we'll meet some of his colleagues/friends.

P.S. If in doubt - buy the DVD box set of series 1 - I did & really enjoyed it.

Answer 5

J.ok. Rowling wrote the Harry Potters in previous demanding. definite, they occurred interior the overdue 1900's, yet that's no longer what the question is calling. in case you have been writing a narrative approximately your day at present, you may write it in previous demanding, because of the fact it is not happening on the very 2d you're writing the story. in spite of the undeniable fact that, the way the books are written, it seems such as you're being sucked in and watching those events ensue in real time. yet, the books are truly written in previous demanding, no longer modern-day. <3

Answer 6

I disagree. I think that he was undercover for the alliance in the ship. after all mal was fighting against the alliance in the civil war. i also dont think he's dead. like that guy on the series that wasnt dead he was there to transfer organs.