Rimmer's Decision


Lister slowly shook his head in joyful disbelief as Ethan continued. Now you're here as well, it almost seems like fate. What could give us more chance of survival than having not only Ace Rimmer, but his right-hand man David Lister on our side?
Right-hand man? Lister grinned, raising an eyebrow. I'm not entirely sure I could claim that.
Ace told me all about you. About the adventures you shared. He says that you fought together many times. Ethan chattered enthusiastically. Lister cast a sidelong look at Rimmer, who was grinning sheepishly. Well, I can't argue with that I suppose.

Ethan seemed to compose himself slightly. Anyway, I'd better go and organise a place for you guys to sleep tonight.
Oh, hey, don't worry about it. Lister said, We can just crash back at the
Ethan exclaimed, You're guests here and we'll find you a decent place to sleep. It will be freezing back on the ship without the engines going. He ducked through the doorway and disappeared. The rest of the crew stood up and gathered around Lister and Rimmer.

Ace, buddy! You look fantastic! The Cat beamed, Do I detect a nuance of a tan?
Sure do, Cat, me old mucker. Weather here's pretty damn splendid, don't you know. He turned to Kriss, And unless my peepers are on the way out I'd say that this lovely vision here is Miss Kristine Kochanski, although I'd have to admit it's a bit of a shock to see her.
It's a long story. she said, holding out a hand, I'm a bit shocked too. I've never met a Rimmer quite like you.
I bet you say that to all the alternate versions of me. He grinned. She laughed. Lister bristled slightly and cut in.

Kriss is from a parallel universe. There was a little accident and she got stuck with us. We're still trying to find a way to get her back to her own reality and her boyfriend. It came out sounding a bit sharper than he'd meant it too and he saw Kriss give him a look made up of surprise and, he almost hoped, a touch of hurt. Rimmer hid it well but Lister saw the quick flash of sympathy in his eyes and knew he understood.

Why don't you fellas go and take a look around and make yourselves at home? he suggested diplomatically, Me and Skipper have some catching up to do.
Good idea, Mr Ace, sir. Kryten nodded, ushering the group out. We'll see you later on.
Rimmer turned to Lister, Come on, Davey-boy. Let's go for a stroll.