Wishin and Hopin
Posted on 18 Jul 2026 @ 3:12am by Lieutenant JG K'Rin "Tiger" C'Tinu & Ensign Sh'asi M'Rori
846 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission:
General Sim Postings
Location: USS Tomcat — Recreation Lounge
Timeline: Gamma Shift — Off Duty
ON:
The recreation lounge aboard the USS Tomcat was one of the few places where the constant rhythm of duty schedules, tactical briefings, and flight operations seemed to fade into the background. The lights were lowered slightly, music played softly from the sound system, and several off-duty officers had gathered to relax after another long day.
At one of the quieter tables near the viewport sat two Caitian women who, despite their differences, shared a connection that only their species could truly appreciate.
Ensign Sh’asi K’Meia M’Rori sat with a bright smile, her striped white and black mane falling around her shoulders as she animatedly described a new morale event idea. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement while her tail swayed behind her.
“I am telling you, Lieutenant, it would work,” Sh’asi said, holding up her padd. “A crew talent night. Singing, dancing, storytelling, maybe even a cooking competition.”
Across from her, Lieutenant JG K’Rin “Tiger” C’Tinu leaned back in her chair, her powerful frame relaxed for once. The golden-tan Caitian fighter pilot crossed her arms, her iridescent green eyes studying the younger officer with amused curiosity.
“A cooking competition,” K’Rin repeated.
“Yes.” Sh'asi nodded
“On a starship.”
“Yes.” the younger Caitain confirmed
“Where half the crew can barely operate a replicator without requesting engineering assistance.” K'rin asked for clarity
Sh’asi tilted her head. “That is exactly why they need it.” she purred.
K’Rin stared at her for a moment. Then a low rumble escaped her throat. A laugh. “You are strange, little one.”
Sh’asi smiled. “I get that a lot.”
“I did not mean it negatively.” K'Rin added
“I know.” Sh'asi said never losing her purr.
That answer seemed to catch K’Rin off guard.
Many people were intimidated by the towering Caitian pilot. Her scars, her reputation as a Raider pilot, and the intensity she carried from years of combat made most officers careful around her. Sh’asi simply treated her like anyone else.
“So,” Sh’asi said, leaning forward slightly, “you really did modify your fighter to improve maneuverability?”
K’Rin’s ears twitched. “Madrie told you that?”
“He told me several stories.” Sh'asi replied with obvious interest.
“Of course he did.” K'Rin growled
“He said you were the only person who could tell him his modifications were terrible and make him listen.” There was suggestion in that comment.
K’Rin glanced away. “Harrison talks too much.”
“He likes you.” Sh'asi teased
“He annoys me.” K'rin grumbled
Sh’asi smiled knowingly. “That was not what I said.”
A pause. K’Rin looked at her. “You are very observant for someone so young.”
Sh’asi shrugged. “My job is understanding people.”
“Your job is morale.” K'Rin pointed out
“Morale is understanding people.” Sh'asi shrugged
The older Caitian considered that. Then nodded. “Fair.”
Sh’asi looked toward the viewport, watching the stars drift by. “You know, I always wondered what it would be like meeting another Caitian out here.”
K’Rin’s expression softened slightly. “And?”
“It is nice.” Sh'asi stated. She had met quite a few now.
The simple honesty made K’Rin quiet. After a moment, she reached over and tapped Sh’asi’s padd. “So this talent night.”
“Yes?” Sh'asi gave her her full attention now.
“You are going to need help.” K'Rin remarked
Sh’asi blinked. “You want to help?”
“I said you need help.” K'Rin corrected
“That was not my question.” Sh'asi returned unphased
K’Rin sighed. “You are persistent.”
“SoI have been told.” Came Sh'asis smooth reply
Another small rumble of laughter. “Fine. I will help.”
Sh’asi’s ears perked happily. “Really?”
“Yes. But I am not singing.” K'Rin said evenly
“Everyone says that before they sing.” Sh'asi said slyly
“I am serious.” K'Rin growled softly
“We will see.” Sha'asi narrowed her eyes playfully.
“Ensign.”
“Lieutenant.”
“You are testing the elasticity of my patience.” Sh'asi smiled as she said it to K'Rin
K'rin stated. “You learned that phrase from Master Chief Madrie.”
“Of course I did.” Sh'asi. "You know when he said he was looking for a nice piece of tail I didn't understand it at first."
The two Caitians laughed together, the sound drawing a few curious looks from nearby crew members.
"I would advise you to keep your tail as far from that man as possible he is all sorts of bad news." K'Rin warned the younger Caitian woman gently.
"Oh I know." Sh'asi stated taking a sip from her mug. "Remember I am the one he confesses everything too."
K'Rin nodded. "I almost pity you...Almost,"
That set the two laughing anew.
For a moment, they were not a fighter pilot and a morale officer. Not a veteran Raider and a young ensign finding her place. They were simply two Caitian women sharing stories, enjoying the quiet, and finding a little piece of home among the stars. And for K’Rin C’Tinu, who had spent years trusting only the person flying beside her in combat, that was something rare. Something worth protecting.
OFF:
RSS Feed