Title: Black Market Beagles

Author: babies stole my dingo (agilebrit)

Fandom: Firefly

Rating: PG

Length: Short story (a little over 2000 words)

Disclaimer: Joss Whedon is the genius behind these characters; I am but a lowly follower. I make no money from any of this, so please don't sue me.

Notes: Well, you know me and dogs. Wash's mention of Beagle smuggling spawned a plot bunny...

"Take us out of the world, Wash! We got us a job," Mal said, coming into the cockpit and slouching into the co-pilot's chair.

"Shiny." Wash flipped some switches and began his takeoff sequence, then noticed Mal's grouchy expression. "Um, Mal, you usually look happier when we have a job. Something about this one not settin' right with you?"

"Remember when we smuggled those cows? What was it you said about transporting something smaller next time?"

Wash frowned. "I think it was...black-market Beagles?"

Mal leaned his head back and closed his eyes as Serenity broke atmo. "Yeah. Beagles. Tell me, Wash...was that a notion out of your own head, or did you know something you ain't tellin' the rest of us?"

Wash stared incredulously. "We're smuggling Beagles? What on Earth-that-was for?"

"Seems some idiot decided he wanted a wild game hunting preserve for small predators. Wolves and bobcats and servals and such. Well, those things eat rabbits, so he imported a bunch of them. He assured the locals that nothin'd get through his fences, but I ain't seen a fence yet that'll keep a rabbit from going where it wants to go."

"So, some of the rabbits got out and started multiplying like...rabbits," Wash deduced.

"And now they're eatin' the grass that rightfully belongs to the cattle, and the ranchers are a bit hot under the collar about it. So Mr. Mighty Hunter, in an effort to smooth things over, is holding a bunny roundup. Using Beagles." Mal put his hand over his face. "Which