The pirate could only stare at Haze for a long time, before shaking himself like a dog shedding water. The captain watched with slight amazement as a look of panic spread across Tail's face before the pirate spun around and looked resolutely at nothing.
A spacer with a case of claustrophobia. What a concept.
But no, that really didn't fit what Haze had gathered about Tail. There was something he was missing. Something vital.
While Haze mulled it over, the pirate began pacing again, that same caged-wolf stalk, back and forth.

It was unlikely that Tail was afraid of dying, not with an occupation like his. Also, unless the replicators and converters became damaged, they could live indefinitely in their room. Everything, water and waste, would be recycled. Not a pleasant concept but neither was being cooped up in a small room with a stranger for an unknown amount of time.
At least I think he's a stranger. I could have sworn I've met him before. But since when do I ever converse with pirates long enough for them to survive the encounter?

"Dammit I need a drink," Tail suddenly muttered, swinging around to the replicator and ordering a cold beer.
He always did like to drink in times of stress, came the amused and indulgent thought in Haze's head, without warning. The captain struggled to not let any of his shock show on his face.
How do I know that? It took a lot to rattle Haze but this whole feeling of deja vu and familiarity with a complete stranger was rather unnerving.

"What is wrong with you?" came the unexpected question from Tail, only a little sulkily. Haze blinked and frowned at the pirate.

"Nothing." he answered coldly. Tail snorted and lazily sat down again, slowly gulping down his beer.

"You can cut the robot-man, I-feel-no-pain shit, cos I'm not buying it. Either your ice-face is melting or you've decided to act human for a bit," he drawled in reply.

"Oh, like your gritty, amoral, macho-man pirate gruff is any more realistic," Haze retorted, feeling not quite stung.
Dammit I never cared before what anybody thought. Why does his opinion of me bother me so much? Haze was starting to feel irritated with himself and the situation. Trying to cover his irritation, the captain got up and walked over to the replicators. He also ordered a drink but his was merely mineral water, not alcohol. Haze didn't like the loss of control that came from drinking beer.

The captain decided the best way to keep his composure would be to distract himself with a task of some sort. Perhaps first-hand investigation of the ship-deck was in order.
With Tail watching him curiously, Haze walked over to the brig doors and tried the verbal opening command. No response. He opened a hidden panel by the left door's side, pressed a series of buttons and, after a few minutes of waiting, the doors complainingly opened. Haze turned to see Tail gaping at him slightly, and the captain's lips quirked into a small smile before he could stop them.

"You think a captain wouldn't know the dirty secrets of his own ship?" he asked in an amused tone before walking out the door.