Just a short update – big one coming next. As with most stories and most authors it's the same old story as the more reviews I get the faster I will write, stupid but psychologically if I know people are waiting I will work faster. Hope everyone enjoys it. Thanks. X

"Rimmer for the last time, I had nothing to do with it" Lister threw his arms up in despair, his eyes following the raging hologram, he had been sitting here listening to Rimmer accuse him of everything from personally switching him off … to plotting to destroy him and all of his dreams and goals. "It was Holly, I was in stasis. You put me in there yourself. You pressed the button!" he cried, "How can I have had anything to do with it? As far as I knew you were needed to help Kryten loot that ship because it was safe, because you wouldn't have died like I would have!"

"Yes, that's because I am dead Lister. Dead as a dodo, thanks for reminding me! And it's always something to do with you! I've just spent an entire week not existing; do you know how that feels Lister? That I can just be switched on and off like some sex aide" Rimmer gave up and threw himself upon the nearest chair and stared at the stasis pod. "Kryten, how much longer is this going to take?" he demanded rubbing at his H irritably.

"It shouldn't be more than another half an hour or so sir. All is going well"

"Nothing goes well in this ship" Rimmer grumbled, "If its not senile computers playing god its superior officers are being given as much respect as a community police officer."

Lister pulled a face and stood up, "You are a second technician Rimmer, and in your absence it was reported by the skutters that all the vending machines worked fine. Tut and to think, we could have done another few months without you!" Flashing Rimmer a dirty look he left the room and motioned for Kryten to follow him.

Rimmer didn't even bother to reply, he closed his eyes and mulled sadly on his situation. On one hand he could sit Lister down and explain just how unsettling and terrifying it felt to be so disposable, so easily switched off and that to make matters worse Lister and the Cat had been woken and had enjoyed a hearty dinner and drinks before Lister even realised Rimmer wasn't around. On reflection though explaining anything to Lister seemed an altogether too difficult and dangerous situation, he was sure he would only be laughed at and made to feel even worse so what was the point? Rimmer looked around the medi bay and asked himself the same question he has asked ever since he had been revived by Holly so many years ago: Would it have been better if he has been left to rest in peace. Instead of the shadow he was now, the only small joy he got out of life now was that he was a hard light hologram which came with a few benefits but he still felt like a ghost. Unable to connect with anyone around him he was a laughing stock, each day just felt like more and more of a struggle and it was getting harder and harder to keep up the act of being in control. With a sigh he walked over to the pod and reached his hand out towards it, feeling its cold surface chill his fingers slightly "What's the point in reaching out to anything?" he whispered to himself, blinking back tears he left the room. Everything was so bloody funny to them. He would make them pay.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Lister stormed down the corridor in a rage, "Why does he always think the worse of me? Why does he manage to make me feel so smegging guilty for something I haven't done?" spotting an empty crate up ahead Lister kicked it will all his might and punched the button allowing him entry to the bunk room.

"Well if I might make one suggestion sir" Kryten started.

"Don't" Lister sighed, "I know. That was harsh. Scale of one to ten?"

"I would say an eleven. You know I don't like defending Mr Rimmer not unless I am forced to. But he does seem to have been a little down of late and I don't think this latest 'joke' will be forgotten easily."

"Argh" Lister cried throwing himself onto his bunk, "I can't even fix this now. He does this all the time, gets me so mad that I just lash out and now I feel like a complete and total gimboid"

"I don't know sir." Kryten mumbled.

"It's not like he would accept an apology even if I offered it. I am not going in there to be made to feel like a twat"

Kryten shook his head at the deadlock situation between the two men and continued about his duties, "Well in half an hour or so that pod will open and I am sure all this will be forgotten in the excitement of a new crewmember"

"Yeah. I hope so Kryts"