Adopted Stray

[force_captain]

[Spam for Crichton]

[At some point, his inmate has found her way into John's quarters. She found him not in at the time, so she made herself at home. She pokes into his things, touches his clothes, and eventually decides that since his job is to assist her (twisted as it may be), then he could assist her by loaning her his amenities.

She strips off, a piece at a time, leaving a very short trail of red clothes to his bathroom, where she proceeds to take a nice long shower. The inmate showers served perfectly well, but there was a certain luxury in privacy.]

Comments

[neverfeltbetter]

You tend to let a lot hang out.

[But, perceiving this challenge, he finally does look squarely at her. His eyes, however, stay front and center on her face.]

I'll get used to it, but that would take some of the fun out of it for you, wouldn't it?

[force_captain]

That's the challenge isn't it? You get used to me, and I try to find new ways to ruffle your feathers.

[She stands, keeping the eye contact, but her hand is on the place where she tucked the towel so it wouldn't slip off her.]

In the interest of honesty, you might want to turn around now.

[neverfeltbetter]

Uh uh. Sorry sister, I don't feel like playing that game. [ Not that it will stop it from happening.]

[He does turn away at her suggestion.]

I was hoping to keep this on friendly terms. You seem a lot more reasonable than some of the other inmates I've seen around. If you're not than you fake it well. I don't see why we can't be cooperative with one another.

[force_captain]

[Oh but you will play Crichton.

She smirks behind his back and he'll hear the soft sounds of the towel moving. And then it's unceremoniously draped over his shoulder.]

I've told you why. We want different things, John. You want to change me, and I don't want to change.

[neverfeltbetter]

[He huffs at the towel draped on him, but makes no comment. He's trying to have semi-serious conversation here, though Heaven know's why, considering the circumstances.]

I just want to help you get some new perspectives. You need to realize there's more to life than militaries and conquests (conquests of any type).

I want you to want more for yourself Catra.

[force_captain]

I doubt our definitions of "more" are the same, dearie. But I'll humor you. What kind of things?

[neverfeltbetter]

Maybe we do. So maybe I'm just hoping to show you my perspective.

You have any friends Catra?

[force_captain]

[She laughs, genuinely amused.]

No.

[neverfeltbetter]

well, that's one of those things. That'll be something to work on.

[He believes very strongly in the importance of friendships.]

[force_captain]

[She drapes herself over his shoulder, hand resting just after the bend of his neck, chin on top of the hand.]

I've no interest in making "friends", John.

[neverfeltbetter]

You're more the useful allies type.

[It's a statement. He can tell that just from talking with her.

To his credit, he doesn't throw her off when she comes to drape herself over him. It's not a safe position for him to be in, he's aware, but he's going out on a limb here. He's got something to say to her, and it might double the value to do it while she thinks she's in position of power over him.]

Allies like Scorpius.

[force_captain]

[She's very experienced in being caught in doing traitorous things, so the flat statement doesn't shake her. It gets a delicately raised brow, which is actually get being impressed. Look at him finding out her secrets. The question was how much did he actually know.]

Or like Sterling. Or Frances, lovely gentleman. Both highly stimulating in their own ways.

[She's playing it all down to casual entertainments. She leaves out others she has her eye that are far more obviously dangerous.]

[neverfeltbetter]

I'm not as interested in them. [Though, he's noting those names for later.]

I know about you drugging my food Catra.

[Gard suggested that he test the theory to see if it was true. Instead, maybe he'll take the shortcut. This flood might prove useful after all. He pulls out of Catra's arms and turns to face her.]

Did Scorpius tell you to do it?

[force_captain]

[She doesn't look guilty, merely put out. She turns and walks back to his bed, not just sitting, but lounges, in his borrowed shirt.]

He did.

[neverfeltbetter]

[He never really expected her to look guilty. She is an inmate. An inmate who it still somewhat exposed and lounging on his bed... ]

What does it do?

[The conversation helps distract him from it.]

[force_captain]

It's a hallucinogen, I believe. He doesn't want you dead. He wants you pliant.

[She curls onto her side, resigned to the interrogation. If he was going to make her tell all, then she'd do it while comfortable.]

[neverfeltbetter]

That explains some things...

[He crosses his arms, frowning at her so casually curled up on his bed, very much like a cat.]

How long have you and him been in cahoots?

[force_captain]

In what?

[Are you making up words now, John?]

[neverfeltbetter]

[Being misunderstood by his crew mates...Ah, it's kind of nostalgic now. Her and Aeryn could have talks about this.]

How long have you been working together?

[force_captain]

Since his arrival. We have a mutual desire to get out of this prison.

[neverfeltbetter]

[It is relieving to know Scorpius didn't go to her just because she's his inmate. But, this is also troubling.]

Did he say he would take you with him if he escaped?

[force_captain]

No, I did. Never agree to help anyone unless the terms of payment are quite clear.

[neverfeltbetter]

Okay. So what are all the terms?

[force_captain]

Nothing fancy, dearie. I agreed to help him find a means of escape, and I go along for the ride.

[neverfeltbetter]

So where does drugging my food fit into that scheme?

[He's completely stopped noticing or caring that she's exposed lounging on his bed still. He's finally looking openly at her.]

[force_captain]

[That's fine, she's not exactly trying to pose for him at the moment. She's more concerned about snuggling up with his pillows.]

I have no idea. You'll have to ask him.

[neverfeltbetter]

Yeah, I'll get right on that.

[He needs another conversation with Scorpius like he needs a nail in his head.]

Now, how about you work on getting the rest of the way dressed? You've had your fun, party's over.