I'm Missing Something-Firefly Episode-Spoiler

I just don’t seem to get it.

In the “Firefly” episode “Out Of Gas”, Mal doesn’t quite make it to the recall button. He passes out and wakes up in sickbay.

He says something like “Did I call you back?” and Zoe responds " I take full responsibility, sir."

So, did Zoe actually stay behind without Mal’s knowledge? Being injured, how did she escape detection by the salvage crew?

Thanks.

Mal ordered Zoe to head to the closest port, but she turned back before she got there.

::Edith Bunker voice:: OOhhhhhhh…

Thanks, that makes sense.