h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Greetings, RB!

I was really disturbed learning about what happened to Falstaff (I can't stand cruelty against animals).

Do you think I might be allowed to be let in and try to restore his trust in humans (only those he's familiar with, as being friends, of course) by cuddling gently?

I won't be hurt if you turn me down. Your major concern must be Falstaff.

Thank you Titania! Of course, you are welcome!
*opens hatch door for her*

It's been a tough time for him. I found Falstaff and his brother when they were 5 weeks old -- they had been mistreated and were left out in the winter to starve. It took a long time to gain their trust, and they still have fears. Jean-luc is terribly afraid of storms. But they are happy and affectionate cats, comfortable staying with each other and me on the ship. Neither of them have left the ship since they first arrived... until now, of course.

*shows Titania the bedroom*
Falstaff is over his sickness now, and of course back to eating his normal IAMS cat food which is the only diet that they are used to.

There he is, peeking out from under the bed.

It's OK, Falstaff -- it's Titania. She's a friend.

*hands Titania a string of beads*
Here -- he loves to play with these.

Can I get you some coffee?

RB, do you know how to make a café mélange?
If not (people usually don't know) I think I'll have a cup of tea instead..

*laying down on the floor, extending her arm towards Falstaff under the bed, letting him sniff it*

*relieved to see that Falstaff is not intimidated by her arm, starts tickling Falstaff's chin*

Come, kitty, kitty, kitty...

*pulling back arm, Falstaff following, wanting just a LITTLE bit more of that elvish cuddling*

*brings cup of tea for Titania and French Roast coffee for himself*

Sorry. Not sure how to make café mélange. There's a weiner mélange coffee that's a mixture of coffee, milk, and chocolate. Any connection?

*stands back so Falstaff doesn't feel overwhelmed*
Looks like you're making some progress. Yesterday he was so frightened that he backed into the corner under the bed and wouldn't move.

Weiner melange sounds just like it!

*patiently withdrawing her arm, still tickling Falstaff's chin*

*Falstaff following the tickling hand, not quite willing to give it up, yet*

*humming softly, still cuddling Falstaff, still withdrawing*

*now well out from bed, Falstaff still not noticing, bewitched by the cuddling, elvish hand..*

Falstaff, you're such a handsome kitty!

*starts tickling Falstaff's stomache*

*Falstaff turning over on back* Mew!

*crooing*

Falstaff, just remember to never go with strangers!

*Accepting cup of tea from RB, drifting off*

Thank you so much, Titania!

*watches Falstaff intently*

*floating in to see how Falstaff is doing*

G'morning, all!

*Falstaff stiffens at first, relaxes when he regocnizes Titania*
*Titania is happy to see Falstaff hasn't hidden under bed again*

I just wanted to leave this Indian (North American) don't-know-the-English-name-for-it-but-translated-from-Swedish-it-would-be-something-like-Dream Catcher.
Looks like a big circle with spider web, pearls, feathers and stuff... All bad dreams are supposed to get stuck in the web, allowing only nice dreams to slip through to anyone sleeping underneath it. It will make you all sleep better. And I bet you cats will enjoy playing with it...

*giving Falstaff good bye-cuddle, drifting off*

Thanks, Titania!
*sits on floor next to Falstaff and gently plays with him*

*just passing by outside the ship, releaved at noticing Falstaff is peeking out through window again..*