"So you get the air is toxic for humans outside the compound?"
Mal rolled his eyes as Simon played the cynic.
"Come on Simon! They have Exoskeletons!" Kaylee pointed at the pamphlet.
"What are avatars?" River asked.
"Seems like it's how you can get around easiest in the world..." Inara stated as Zoe glanced over it.
"I could use one..."
"They create it in a splicing process..." Simon stated. "They take The DNA structure of the aboriginal people and blend it with your own DNA that you send ahead. Through that process it's usually done by the time you arrive. Usually the trip itself takes longer."
"Right." River looked up. "I'll send it ahead. Who needs an Avatar?"
"Well if I am to commune with them..." Inara began. Mal snorted.
"They're a different species. I doubt your womanly wiles would have an effect on them." He stated.
"Believe it or not Mal, my occupation is more then sex." Inara retorted. "Say, social skills. Not something you would know of."
"Okay, Inara..."
"I don't want to be a useless warrior because of my condition." Zoe stated. "So if they can sort out my DNA from..."
"You'll need to fill out a special form." Simon stated.
"I can do that."
"I should have one too," Simon added, "Being as I'm going in as someone who can offer first aid."
"Right!" River nodded. "Simon, Inara, Zoe...any other takers?"
"I don't want no blue clone." Jayne stated.
"I still don't understand how these things work." Mal pointed out.
"Mental synchronization." River perked up. Simon exhaled and nodded.
"They connect synapses between your and the Avatar's mind. Since it brain is supposed to be an empty replica of yours, the process isn't too intrusive. It's mostly technobabble, but your human body is placed in a cylindrical chamber. They induce sleep and rather then dream, your mind enters the Avatar's empty brain."
"Right. I'll past on the out of body experience." Mal stated
"The Packet says we need to seen DNA ahead of us if the Avatars are to be completed by the time we arrive."
"I guess we'll stop in Persephone. Kaylee!" Mal stated as River began to gather locks of hair from Inara, Zoe, and Simon.
"Yes sir!" The mechanic stood up.
"Make sure the Serenity can make it to Pandora. I don't want our home to become our coffin. There isn't much out there besides that little moon."
"Do I have a price range I have to work with?" Kaylee asked.
"Whatever money isn't being used on food. Inara, I leave that on your hands." Mal stated. Inara paused and looked up.
"Me?"
"You have a good sense of nutrition. Jayne will bring home junk and River..." Mal shook his head. Last time River had brought on a live cow. He didn't even know where it came from. "And Simon, you restock our first aid. Bandages and alcohol and the like."
"What should I do?" River asked.
Mal flinched at the thought of her running wild.
"Jayne, escort her to drop off our advance packet to be sent express to the RDA." He stated.
"What? Why me?" Jayne protested.
"Zoe can help me guard the ship. You need a role."
"But-" Jayne protested.
"Can I get reading material on Pandora?" River asked.
"As long as you avoid further Greek myth references. Its damn depressing." Mal exhaled. "Any further statements?"
"I don't know why we're doing this?" Simon asked. "This RDA-"
"Is the Alliance's only rival for control over the 'verse." Zoe informed. "They won't come looking for River there. They have no power."
"Right." Simon nodded.
"Come on guys. Theres work to be done..."
Mal blinked as River walked over to Zoe and grasped her hand.
"Hope."
