The kneazle's weight disappears from Jim's shoulder in short order, landing nimbly on all four paws to greet his brother with a friendly headbutt, and a great deal of purring. Laps can wait until after they catch up properly, and possibly hunt a few dustbunnies under the bed.

"Rank has its privileges," Jim says with a wry grin, claiming a steaming mug for himself. At least, that's the excuse if anyone asks. Or careful rationing, as the case may be. Not that anyone but his inner circle is likely to notice anyway, and there's no need to feed them a line about it. "It's been a while since I've been to the Nexus. I keep meaning to, it just kinda... slips past me. Hunter's been busy lately too, so we don't get much time where we can meet up somewhere."

One thing he hadn't really anticipated when he'd enlisted was how much paperwork there was going to be. It's not difficult or stressful, most days, just... voluminous. And often tedious. As the older captain no doubt is all too aware himself.

Jim blows across the surface of his mug and takes a careful sip, feeling just that little bit better already. "Whose turn is it on white? I can't remember."