Claws That Catch: Section Four

    "Good to hear, Captain Weaver," the CO said, grinning at the XO's tone. "Glad to hear you got it all back. You're going to need to arrange transportation... Okay, glad we're clear on that. And a working party to... I'll make sure the COB's aware of the importance. In case I wasn't clear, good job on all of this from tracking down the problem to rectifying it.... Yes, I'm fully cognizant of Miss Moon's part in this and appreciate that as well. She may not be the problem-child she at first seemed."

    "So I've been thinking," Miriam said.

    "Oh, those are scary words," Sub-Dude replied.

    "My belly's quaking for some strange reason," Red agreed.

    The threesome were playing cards in a small space between the number fourteen and sixteen chaos launcher. Technically a storage space for peripheral materials, it was strangely empty because the parts that should have filled it were sitting in a warehouse in Delaware.

    "The CO's still not real happy with me helping you guys out," Miriam continued, ignoring the jibes. "And I got really bored on the last cruise. Worse, I had nobody to snuggle."

    "You're not snuggling me or Red," Gants said, sucking his teeth. "Married. Damnit."

    "So I need something to snuggle," Miriam continued, ignoring him again. "And the ship really needs a mascot."

    "Oh, God," Red said. "This is getting worse and worse!"

    "All I'm talking about is one little kitty," Miriam said."It will take up hardly any room. Nobody will notice. Probably."

    "And just what is this kitty going to eat?" Red asked. "We don't stock cat food."

    "He eats raw meat just fine," Miriam said. "Don't worry, I got that covered. With my access, tweaking the supply orders was easy."

    "Oh, God," Red said. "You hacked the supply system?"

    "Duh."

    "Okay, how are you going to get it on the ship, Smart Lady?" Sub-Dude asked.

    "All hands! All hands! Assemble by Hatch Three for working party!"

    "I dunno," Miriam said. "Maybe in a Hexosehr cargo box I just happen to have and that looks just like the rest we're getting ready to load."

    "Damnit."