The cat and the first mate
Zoe wasn't a warm and fuzzy type. Animals were okay, but she didn't particularly like them. Wash used to talk about getting a pet instead of having a baby, just to see how hard it would be to raise something on the ship. He wanted a dog, but she pointed out the mess they make and their lack of diapers. He insisted he didn't care. Pets were like people, if people were loyal and loving all the time.
She had nothing against May. She was a nice enough cat and made River all sorts of happy and responsible. Yet, she could cause some trouble. Ever since she came on the ship, the doctor was sick, the mechanic was painfully happier, the hired gun was Mr. Whiskers, the pilot was always fussing over her, and the captain was not himself. She knew why he bought the thing, which made him twitchy. On top of that, he wouldn't admit he liked the cat, which made him even twitchier. He had more secrets than places to keep them. Of course, keeping them is fruitless when you have a reader onboard.
There wasn't much to do after dinner. All the chores were done and it wasn't like she could go for a walk in the Black. So, she settled for reading at the table. At first, everything was quiet. Nothing stayed that way on their boat. It started with a commotion and River hollering about something. She didn't think much of it, even though River hardly carried on anymore. Suddenly, a soft tail brushed against her ankle and May leapt onto the table top, a dinosaur in her mouth.
She dropped it by Zoe, and meowed like she rutting knew what it signified. Zoe picked it up and raised an eyebrow at the beast. "What you bringin' me this for, kitty?" she inquired.
"She understands and comprehends," River answered, joining the table. "I put the dinosaurs pack in their place. She likes to bat things."
"I noticed," Zoe smirked. "Are you sayin' this cat knows about Wash?"
"Animal instinct. Senses beyond the human five. Know what you feel. Know what you lost."
Carefully, River stood the dinosaur upright and May went to her. She scratched her ears and looked at Zoe seriously. "I know you don't like pets. May's different. She wants to help."
May purred in agreement and the girl carried her away. Zoe smiled to herself.
"The reader has a reader cat."
She held the toy fondly, considering maybe Wash was right about pets after all.