☼ 004 [video]

[got_it_memorized]

[See Axel. See Axel looking puzzled. See Axel looking puzzled with a very small cat sitting neatly on his shoulder, mesmerized by this strange device in Axel's hands.]

So this happened. [He shrugs the shoulder that is not a cat perch.] I was near the ruins and... Well, she followed me home, you might say. As in she staged a hostile takeover of my hoodie pocket.

[He looks a little uncomfortable. Watch out, Axel, your squishy side might be showing.]

I think she's still too small to take care of herself, you know? So... [Fidget fidget. The little cat blinks at the screen, then turns to look at Axel and impulsively bonks her head against his jaw. Great. Cat, you're not helping that squishy side showing thing at all.] I've never had a cat before.

[Translation: HALP?]

Comments

video;

[givetheslip]

Have you got rats in your housing?

video;

[got_it_memorized]

Haven't seen any. [Chuckle.] She's a little small to be catching rats at the moment, though--they'd be almost as big as she is.

video;

[givetheslip]

What's the purpose of keeping it, then?

[She doesn't intend to be rude; she's genuinely curious.]

video;

[got_it_memorized]

Oh, not a cat person, huh? [He's not offended, she sounds more confused than anything.] I always wanted a cat when I was a kid, just to keep as a pet, no mousing duties necessary. [Though he wonders what a cat would make of King Mickey, for that matter. Good luck stalking that mouse.

[He reaches up and tweaks the kitten's ear.]

I think they're cool. I like the whiskers. Plus they're great listeners and they don't interrupt.

video;

[givetheslip]

They're mangy creatures suitable for keeping the vermin population down and little else.

[So, that's a no. She does look a little amused, though.]

You could buy a stuffed toy to serve the same purpose.

permavid

[got_it_memorized]

Hey, now, that ain't polite. How would you like it if somebody said you only had one purpose and couldn't do anything else?

[He's trying not to let it show, but he might be taking the idea a little personally. Nobodies aren't even supposed to exist, right?]

[givetheslip]

They did. I ran away from home and did something else. But I am not a cat.

[got_it_memorized]

Well yes, I can see you're not a cat, but I think the principle still stands. Just 'cuz she's not human doesn't mean she can't do what she wants, says I.

[Yeah this conversation just took a sharp turn into parallel meanings Maria won't understand, but Axel's pretty adamant about it.]

[givetheslip]

If you say so. At least you can be sure that your housing will stay free of rats now. If she's any good, at least.

[got_it_memorized]

Rat-free is always good. I'll make sure to send you updates on her vermin-hunting training.

[givetheslip]

Oh, please do. I expect written reports of any major milestones.

[got_it_memorized]

[He laughs.] Noted.

Name's Axel, by the way. To whom should I address these reports?

[givetheslip]

I'm Maria. Maria Thorpe.

[got_it_memorized]

Nice to meet you, Maria. I'll make sure to send you memos regarding her progress.

[givetheslip]

Oh, I'll look forward to them.

[SHE'S SMILING BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T EXPECT TO REALLY GET ANY.]

[got_it_memorized]

[JUST YOU WAIT, MARIA. AXEL ALWAYS FOLLOWS ORDERS.]

[givetheslip]

[NO. NO YOU DON'T.]

[got_it_memorized]

[SHH, HE DOES WHEN IT'S FUNNY OR IRONIC.]

[givetheslip]

[ANYWAY.]

By the way, how do your roommates feel about animals?

[got_it_memorized]

Mm, I was a little unsure at first about bringin' her to the apartment, but they both seem fine with it. Cat likes them, too, so I think it'll work out.

[givetheslip]

Interesting. The felines we used to keep didn't seem to like anyone but themselves.

[got_it_memorized]

Guess I lucked out and got a cat with people skills. Cats pretty common where you come from?

[He's seen cats on most worlds he's traveled too; it's interesting to find constants like that between so many varying places.]

[givetheslip]

Aren't they everywhere? They breed like mad.

[got_it_memorized]

I've seen them here and there during my travels for work back home, but not everywhere. It's just intriguing that cats seem to be a pretty reliable thing you'll find no matter where you are.

[givetheslip]

I suppose so. I never imagined they wouldn't be a common sight for other Transports. But then, I never gave them much thought to begin with.