“Ah!” his eyes smiled as he pointed a finger briefly. “You have wit and curiosity.” Jax let his mouth find the same delight his eyes did. “Of course you do.” He watched her without adding anything more for a minute or two. With a sigh he took hold of his crumpled shirt and began to put his arms through the sleeves.

Jax winced. It shouldn’t hurt. He must be getting soft with all this delicate touch and healing goop. “Too bad about you not enjoying games, though I think perhaps there was some tiny bit of enjoyment, hidden of course, in your game you played with the Captain, losing so skillfully.” He asked her in a tease. "At cards I mean." 

“Oh wait, I should be holding my tongue, shouldn’t I?” 

Jax stood slowly and let his shirt open as he took the pot. He looked at the container for a few minutes. “The thing is the Commander has a date with a woman who somehow affects the..” Jax paused looking for the right word, “direction of this ship.” He looked up at the Doctor First Mate and smiled, “But because I, unlike you, enjoy a good game once and awhile, I have not reached the end of this one and can talk no plainer than that. “ 

Jax took a step toward the door, “So here is my next move; come with me and invite the Captain or stay in your dark room with your books and try to piece the puzzle together on your own.” He smiled at her. “You could do just that because you are a much better player than you give yourself credit for.” 

Jax opened the door and looked out to the sunshine. “I am sure I can find him somewhere about.” Jax turned around and again smiled at her. He knew he shouldn’t be playing this game, not with her, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted to run away from her and yet, he didn't want to go. She could push him out, close the door and forget all about him. Too bad he couldn’t seem to do the same with her.