Free to Good Home

[force_captain]

Open Spam

[The wish was born of frustration. It happens every now and again...in any given day. Catra is a temperamental sort, so her mood swings are many.

And this one caught her on deck. She made the wish in her mind, but it seems those still worked if they were clear enough. And no sooner had she thought it, bam she was gone. In her place, is a large cardboard box, with an equally cardboard sign leaning against it. In black marker is written: Free to a good home. Inside the box, is a very small black kitten. It's just this side of too small to effectively climb out of the box, that doesn't stop it from trying. It also mews plaintively, over and over. Which is actually Catra calling for some help, but it's only actual words inside her head. Verbally, she can only mew like the tiny kitten she currently is.]

Comments

Spam

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I'm not certain. I've been counting heads since I encountered her but a significant portion of the Barge is affected.

[He continues to pet the kitten, watching John the entire time]

What does your kind normally do with them? I believe you're more well-suited to this than I am: you can at least identify the species.

Re: Spam

[force_captain]

[She can barely focus on the conversation. She's started snuggling into the petting. She can't help herself. Her little body starts to rumble gently with baby purring. ]

Spam

[neverfeltbetter]

She seems to like you.

[Yep. This sure is awkward. If that's an crew member...this might be weird for them later.]

What do we do with them? Pretty much what you're doing now. Feed them, protect them and give them attention. You might want to invest in a litter box too.

[Isn't he nice? He didn't have to tell you that Scorpius. Just...don't push a potentially pissed-off-later crew member on him please. This is your problem now.]

Spam

[keeps_a_cool_head]

She is ill-informed.

[Scorpius falls silent at the purring, tilting his head to the side. It's obvious he doesn't know what the kitten's doing, but he'd rather not ask]

And in exchange for my providing for them, what do they offer in return? She's far too small to serve as an effective guard, and her claws are not fully formed.

Does she spit poison?

Spam

[neverfeltbetter]

[He snorts. Loudly.]

No! Why would you...?

She's just a kitten. What you see is what you get. They're here for companionship. At best she might occasionally catch pets in your room if she feels like it, and give them to you as gifts. But that's about it for practical uses.

Spam

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius nods, absorbing this information. Trust humans to cultivate a pet whose only purpose is companionship.

Still, he gently turns the kitten over so that she's lying on her back, glancing at her eyes again. His thumb brushes against her cheek, scrutinizing her for any glean of worthiness]

Companionship.

[Disappointing, really. But she has his coloring, and he...likes her. He's heard that purring before...and something clicks]

Given the hostility of our environment, I doubt she would survive long.

John, show me your communicator.

Spam

[force_captain]

[She would object to being manhandled so, if it didn't feel so nice. She rubs get cheek against his thumb, scent marking him.

Cats are scrappier than you think, dearie.]

Spam

[neverfeltbetter]

[Some might argue that the cats have cultivated the Humans.]

Not everything has to be about fighting.

[It's strange how Scorpius is looking her over...it's making him a littler nervous for the small thing. He agrees though, she wouldn't make it without some help.]

My communicator? Why?

Spam

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Still admiring her blue eyes, Scorpius doesn't lift his gaze to Crichton. Must everything be an argument? She is delicate in his slender hands, but he can't help how predatory he comes off, sometimes. At least here he's not using it to purposeful effect]

No, I suppose not.

A theory I wish to test. If you would.

Re: Spam

[neverfeltbetter]

[That's the price you pay for his mistrust Scorpius. Get used to it.]

Fine.

[He slaps the communicator into Scorpius' hand with a sigh.]

What are you thinking?

Spam

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius takes the communicator, pleased that Crichton can obey him in this respect, at least]

Thank you, John.

[He opens it up, tracking John's inmate's movement]

I have a theory over who our friend might be.

[And he's idly petting the kitten's chin now, hand guiding down absentmindedly to her fluffy tummy]

Spam

[force_captain]

[The purring kicks up a little more fiercely, her little paws kind of hugging his hand, even though her back legs start to bunny kick at it. The mother of all mixed signals. Kitty nirvana achieved.

And of course, John's inmate is right where they are. Having her tummy pet and just having a grand time.]

Spam

[neverfeltbetter]

[Crichton disregards his usual aversion to close proximity so he can lean over and see what it is Scorpius is looking at on his communicator. It's his inmate tracker, and that's weird...It says she's right here.

Uh oh.

He looks down at the kitten purring while she has her belly rubbed.]

Catra?

Re: Spam

[force_captain]

[She rolls back her eye, blue eyes looking at John.

Yes.

It was about time they'd figured it out.]

Spam

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[His lip curls as the kitten kicks at him: Scorpius withdraws his hand from her tummy fur to roll her back over, petting her back. Odd thing.

He does, however, give an entirely satisfied smile at finding his suspicions confirmed. Closing the communicator, he hands it back to Crichton]

It would appear I do a better job of keeping track of your inmate than you do.

Spam

[neverfeltbetter]

[Crichton's lips pucker into an irritated frown. Goddammit Scorpius.]

You know some people don't actually believe in stalking. i know that's a hard concept for you.

But, you're right. Maybe i better take her off your hands for now, until this flood ends and she's back to normal.

Re: Spam

[force_captain]

[She sits up, curling her tail around her front paws.

Now, boys, don't fight over me. Or do. Yes, do.]

Spam

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius casually moves his arm so that it encircles Catra without touching her, glancing back up in uninhibited amusement]

I think not, John. I would much rather keep her under my protection. Unfortunate accidents seem to commonly befall your companions, and Catra's safety is...important.

Spam

[neverfeltbetter]

[His eyes narrow dangerously.]

Why are you suddenly so concerned for her?

Spam

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[In contrast, Scorpius' eyes seem to glitter with the light of an unspoken challenge. No; he won't back down easily from this.]

There is nothing sudden about my concern. Catra and I have been allies for quite some time. As I'm sure you're aware.

She fulfills her purpose admirably as a companion. [Yep, back to petting now]

Spam

[force_captain]

[Her eyes do that slow blink of happy cats, and just purring. Best fight she's ever been in the middle of.]

Spam

[neverfeltbetter]

Oh, I am aware.

[He spits out that last word venomously. Yes, he's aware of how friendly these two have been. He can use his imagination, though he tries hard not to.]

Fine if you wanna be all buddy buddy then who am I to stop you? I hope you two have fun.

[Why the frell did he come over here anyway? He doesn't need this! Scorpius wants to take care of a kitten for a few days, fine!]

Spam

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius doesn't smile, but the inclination to do so is there. He reaches behind the kitten to continue petting behind her ears, eyes locked on Crichton]

I will return her to you in good health at the end of the flood.

You can trust me, John.

Spam; So guess what idiot forgot to hit post? Sorry guys!

[neverfeltbetter]

I never do.

[With that he's turning away to go back to his room. He'll eat the fruit and cereal he's got on his tray in there so he doesn't gag watching these two.]


[Oh...and he hopes she coughs up a nice big hairball on your pillow Scorpius.]