Disclaimers : Everything belongs to Joss, except for one character of my creation

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As Jayne carried Alex down the stairs and through the common area, River rose from the corner where she had been huddled. She followed Jayne into the infirmary, her eyes fixed anxiously on Alex’s limp form.

“Did you get them?” she asked.

Jayne looked at her scornfully. Simon cut in. “He only brought one, River. Just Alex, the nurse. Remember Alex?”

River didn’t respond, just continued to stare.

“We can’t help everybody,” Simon said gently. “Other people are taking care of the rest.”

He gave River’s shoulders an encouraging squeeze then turned his attention to Alex. The other crewmembers began to pile in behind Jayne as he laid Alex on the exam table.

Simon assessed Alex quickly and then began barking out orders to the others.

“I need an IV setup and lactated ringers,” he commanded Kaylee. She looked at him blankly, and he pointed to where the supplies were kept.

“Jayne, get her coat and gloves off. I need a thermometer, blankets, and my stethoscope. Someone get my med kit outta my room.” He was moving quickly about as he spoke.

“I could really use a nurse right now...” he mumbled.

Inara and Book ran out to grab the bag and blankets. Simon began assembling syringes and collection vials. He quickly wrapped a tourniquet around Alex’s arm and felt for a vein, then drew a blood sample.

“She needs a transfusion,” Simon said to the group as a whole. “Anyone a universal donor? I don’t have time to type her.”

Zoë stepped up. “I am.”

“Will you?” Simon asked her, and she quickly nodded and rolled up a sleeve.

Simon began assembling the transfusion supplies. River frowned again and looked from Alex to Zoë, and then at Simon, the worried look back.

“Does she have enough for both of them?” she asked.

“It’s fine, River,” Simon said reassuringly. “She'll have plenty. People give blood all the time.”