Disclaimer. Joss Whedon is a genius. I merely worship at his feet.

HAWKS AND DOVES (Part 3)

* * * * * *

Kaylee snapped the last of the connectors into place and screwed the top panel back down. “There y'are. All set.”

But Mal needed to be certain everything would go smooth. “So, we'll be able to divert any wave they try to send the Alliance so's it comes through here?” he asked her.

“Yep,” she replied, as though all that tinkering and rewiring she'd done were child's play. She shooked her head indulgently at his technical ineptitude and began to explain.“Our system will track the official two-six-two channel. I've rigged it to capture any wave comin' off Hera. It'll come up right here...” she pointed to the screen. “Don't worry, Cap'n,” she smiled at the bewildered face he was pulling. “Book knows how to work it.”

“Shiny. OK Wash. Set a course for Hera. Fast as you like.”

* * * * * *

Kaylee got to the top of the ladder leading from her bunk and peered around anxiously. It was late and all was quiet. Holding the dove close against her body, she crept down the walkway to Simon and River's bunk and knocked softly. The door opened.

Simon nodded and just as cautiously mounted the ladder, River following behind. All three were barefoot and made their way noiselessly to the infirmary.

Once the swing doors shut behind them they felt able to speak, but kept their voices low. Just in case.

“Here, let me.” Simon held out his hands and Kaylee passed the bird over. River watched fascinated as Simon placed it in a plastic container fitted with a hose.

“I'm just going to anaesthetize it in here,” he explained. “Should reduce its fear. But you've got to remember, Kaylee, in all probability it's going to die. Of shock, if not the injury.”

“Asleep in a box.” River said wistfully. “Forget to be afraid.”

“We got to give it a chance, is all,” Kaylee replied. “Do our best for it.”

Simon smiled at her naïve faith in him and began the task of removing torn feathers and setting the broken