Sweetums and Catnip
Rip heard a commotion in the hall. He stepped out, only to duck as a tiny ATOM suit flew past his head, Dr. Palmer shouting about obedience lessons.
The kitten raced along after him, leaping up occasionally to swat at the flying suit before landing gracefully to continue his galloping pursuit.
Rip heard the laughter even before he turned, scowling.
Len was videotaping the spectacle.
“I take it we have found a use for the catnip?” Rip asked, exasperated.
Len grinned. “Yep. Smear some on Palmer and it’s the best show in town,” Len said.
Rip sighed as he trotted after the fleeing pair.
He found Dr. Palmer on top of a bookshelf in Sara’s quarters while the kitten leaped against the smooth side and slid down.
“Oh baby,” Sara crooned, picking him up. She held him up, nose to nose. “Lucky, we talked to you about torturing Ray. As much as we all enjoy it, we really might need him in one piece someday.”
“Very funny!” came the squeaky reply.
“Resizing button still not working?” Sara asked.
“It’s being overridden,” Ray said.
Sara looked at the laughing Snart and sighed. She held out a hand and he handed over the remote.
“Wanna fly down before I resize you?” she asked.
“Have you got Lucifer under control?”
“Lucky promises to be a good boy,” Sara said.
Ray flew down, keeping a weather eye on the cat struggling in Sara’s arms. He resized and the kitten shrieked his displeasure. Ray sneezed.
“Bast,” Kendra said, joining them. “Are you bothering Ray again?”
The kitten meowed in response.
“I suggest you put your suit through a proper detox rinse, Dr. Palmer,” Rip said. “Gideon, please note that catnip will no longer be allowed on the Waverider.”
“Yes, Captain,” Gideon responded as all eyes turned to Snart.
“What? You can’t blame a guy for trying,” he said, grinning.
Ray’s eyes narrowed and Rip held up a hand. “Perhaps it would be best to keep the kitten confined to only certain areas of the ship in the future.”
“Captain,” Gideon said, a question in her voice.
“Yes Gideon?”
“Is it normal for one animal to have so many names?” she asked.
Rip sighed as he glowered at his second most troublesome crew member. The kitten batted huge eyes back at him.
“I’m sure eventually the crew will choose a name for the beast. It really isn’t that important though,” Rip said. “Personally, I am still hoping to find a nice family in a peaceful time that might adopt him. Until then, I would prefer to not deal with the little disaster,” he said, sounding grumpy.
“I understand,” Gideon said. “Perhaps you would feel better about the situation if the crew used the name you call it when it’s sleeping on your desk?”
Now all eyes turned to Rip as he blushed. “Gideon, about that supply list I requested?”
“Oh-ho,” Sara said, laughing. “Gideon, what does our illustrious captain call Lucky when they're snuggling?”
Gideon answered before Rip could stop her.
“Why, Sweetums,” Gideon said.
Len snickered and Ray arched an eyebrow. The women both giggled before they recovered and gave Rip expectant looks.
“Fine, the furball stays, but…” he said holding up a hand, “No more catastrophes!”
Everyone snorted at this and Rip sighed, thinking fondly of the days when time masters worked alone.