Third Floor Common Room, Thursday Afternoon

[fewer_explosions]

There was a blue girl sitting in the third floor common room looking absolutely enraptured by the television. She was currently supporting her chin on her hands, her elbows resting on her knees. By her side laid an encyclopedia and another archaeology book... completely untouched.

She was watching BIGGER FISH: a History of the Whale in Human Art Through the Millenia.

It was fascinating.

[[ open! ]]

Comments

[pursuedthestars]

"You sure about that?" Jim asked, raising an eyebrow. "Or maybe my jokes are just that bad and you were doing me a favor by providing me with some knowledge on what makes a good joke."

[fewer_explosions]

"I don't think anyone has ever suffered seizures because of a bad joke," Liara replied, though she sounded... slightly less sure. "Unless that's some quirk of human biology I haven't heard about."

[pursuedthestars]

"You know a lot about human biology?" Jim wondered. "I'm feeling a little off balance. You know so much and all I know is that you tell good jokes and like shows about fish."

[fewer_explosions]

"Marine mammals," Liara amended quickly.

[pursuedthestars]

"There's a difference?" Jim returned quizzically.

[fewer_explosions]

"Mammals are warm-blooded and nurse their young," Liara said easily. "Fish are cold. They most often lay eggs."

[pursuedthestars]

"Huh."

Jim contemplated that before asking a totally serious question.

"Who do you think tells the better jokes: fish or mammals?"

[fewer_explosions]

"I'm afraid most species I know of are amphibian, reptilian, and mammals," Liara admitted. "I don't know which species has the better sense of humor."

[pursuedthestars]

"You think they have senses of humor?" Jim asked instead. "You know, in their own...fishy way, of course."

[fewer_explosions]

Liara paused. "Do jellyfish count?" she finally asked.

[pursuedthestars]

"Sure, they do," Jim said after a moment. "Why, you think jellyfish are the clowns of the ocean?"

[fewer_explosions]

"No," Liara said, after a pause. "The hanar do not have a specific reputation for humor. Though their poetry is supposed to be remarkable."

Congratulations, Jim. Now you would get that hanar joke.

[pursuedthestars]

It took him a second but then he laughed again, unprompted, when he realized the hanar from earlier was some kind of jellyfish. See? Her jokes were funny.

"I'm Jim," he said after he'd stopped snickering. "And you're funny. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

[fewer_explosions]

"I... won't?"

Don't sound so quizzical, Liara.

"My name is Liara T'Soni," she offered. "Should we shake hands?"

[pursuedthestars]

"Or we can high five," Jim joked with an easy laugh. "Up to you."

[fewer_explosions]

"You're going to make fun of me if I ask what a high five is," Liara accused.

[pursuedthestars]

"No, I'm not."

See, he wasn't.

"Hold up your hand like this," Jim said, demonstrating by holding one hand up, palm towards her.

[fewer_explosions]

Liara sighed and held up her hand. "This is some kind of human custom?" she checked.

[pursuedthestars]

"Pretty much," Jim said before leaning forward and slapping her hand. "And that's a high five. Not so bad, right?"

[fewer_explosions]

Liara eyed him. "It wasn't good, either," she said.

That was a joke.

[pursuedthestars]

"It wasn't?" Jim asked, looking at his hand. "Man, I really need to brush up on my high fiving skills."

He was joking too.

[fewer_explosions]

"I wouldn't know," Liara admitted. "I am not an expert on human behavior."

[pursuedthestars]

"Well, consider that my contribution to your knowledge," Jim decided. "Always happy to help!"