Chapter Text
“So these are cats”, Jaal said, looking into the crate and watching as the twelve cats interacted with each other.
“Technically, they’re called kittens”, Sara said, reaching into the crate to pet a fluffy black and white one. “It’s what we call baby cats. Aren’t they cute?”
“They are. They kind of remind me of angaran babies.”
“Well, now I really want to see one. Are they furry too?”
“No. It’s more their eyes. One of my cousins is planning to try soon. My other cousin’s that Scott saw are past their baby stage. You could join us in a visit if more babies do happen. You are family too.”
“Maybe. Still feel-. Never mind. So Scott’s seen angaran babies. He must have enjoyed that. Especially if they looked anything like these guys. Scott always wanted a cat. Our parents always told him no. Surprised he’s not out here with us. I don’t think he’s gone near them since they came on board.
“Maybe he doesn’t want to get attached? We’re only delivering them.”
“Hmm.” She petted the belly of a pure white one who had flipped over for her. “So what if he did? They’re not assigned to anyone yet. All the outpost knows is we’re bringing them. They don’t even know the numbers. Easy matter to fudge the paperwork and keep one on the ship.” One of the kittens drew his eye as she spoke. It was a smoky gray colour. It just sat there, staring at him with eyes the same colour of his taoshay. The same colour of eyes that had stared at him as he walked down the steps on Aya so long ago. Before he knew it, he was picking the kitten up and cuddling it close.
Yep”, Sara smiled at him. “That one’s a cutie. Let’s see.” She picked up a data pad off the ground and scrolled through it. “That one’s a female. Oh. It’s the baby. Youngest of the litter.” He got to his feet and started out of the cargo bay, the kitten still clutched tightly against his chest. “Want me to change the manifest?”
“Maybe. I’ll be back.” He walked out of the cargo bay and into the hallway, smiling when he saw the door of their room wide open. He knew what that meant. His taoshay would be hard at work, dealing with the paperwork of his title. And hoping someone would distract him so he didn’t have to do it. Luckily for him, he had the perfect distraction. He silently entered their room and found Scott exactly where he thought he’d be, sitting in front of his computer. He crossed the room to stand directly behind him just as he groaned and put his head down on the desk.
“I know that groan”, he chuckled. “What impossible thing does Tann want now?”
“I’m the Pathfinder, dear. Nothing’s impossible for me.”
“I stand corrected.” He put a hand on the back of the chair as Scott went to turn around. “No, don’t. Close your eyes. I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise? Do I need to close the door”, Scott asked, unnecessarily, as SAM was already doing so. They briefly heard Peebee protested before it closed completely. “Thanks, SAM.”
“Privacy mode engaged. Enjoy your surprise, Scott. And Jaal? Sara says she did as she told you she would.”
“Thank you, SAM.”
“You involved both SAM and my sister? Just what is this surprise and how long have you been planning it?”
“Um… Less than five minutes. Hold out your hands.”
“Remember that I trust you completely”, Scott asked, holding out his hands. “You don’t want to ruin that, right?”
“Never.” He reached over and placed the kitten in his hands. “Surprise.”
“What is this? Very fluffy. Please don’t say it’s a…” Scott switched to English. “Dustbunny.” What’s the shelesh word for that?”
“What’s a Dustbunny?”
“Big, fluffy looking, clump of dust. Usually dark gray in colour.”
“Don’t know but it kind of sounds like what you have in your hand. Open your eyes, taoshay.”
“It’s… Jaal, I… I love it but you shouldn’t have.”
“Why not?” He turned the chair and saw Scott cuddling the kitten close, petting it with one hand as it made a purring sound. “You obviously love it.”
“I do. I always wanted one. But the kittens aren’t ours to keep. We’re just delivering them.”
“Sorry to interrupt”, SAM said. “But you have a new email.”
“I’ve probably gotten at least twenty since I last looked. Why you feel the need to-?”
“Open it, Scott. The one right at the top.”
“Here”, Scott sighed, handing the kitten back to him. “Take it back to the others.” He turned the chair back around and returned to his work.
He should have factored Scott’s sense of duty into this surprise. Who was he kidding? He hadn’t done any planning at all. He reached the door when Scott started to laugh. He turned back to look at him.
“Taoshay?”
“Five minutes, huh? You sure you haven’t been planning this since before we left the Nexus?|
“Of course not.” He walked back to him. “I wouldn’t lie to you.”
“I know.” Scott turned in his chair and stood up, kissing him before taking the kitten back. “I love you, taoshay.” The kitten mewed. “And this is a great surprise. Does it have a name?”
“It’s a she and no.” He pulled him close, careful not to squish the kitten between them. “What did the email say?”
“Doctor Aridana says of course the Tempest can keep one of the kittens. She was actually surprised I didn’t ask when I picked them up.”
Stars be thanked for Sara. He’d have to find some way to thank her. Oh. Maybe.
“Dustbunny.”
“What’, Scott asked, tilting his head back and smiling at him.
“That could work as her name. Couldn’t it?”
“It could.” Scott pressed even closer to him, leaning up to kiss him. “It’s perfect. As perfect as you. I’m so lucky to have met you.”
“As am I.” He brushed his hand over his cheek before kissing him. “As am I.”