Page 4 of Accounting for Taste

“An outlet?”

“A sexual relief.”

“Oh, I don’t need that.”

The doctor smiled.“We all do from time to time.It is called the Pleasure Centre, and it is for the release of tension only.Anyone can use it if they have a need, and it will allow for release without social interaction.”

“Bots?”

“In your case, a med bed.”

“Oh.That doesn’t sound too bad.”

“Give it a try if you have a need.Your ovaries are still active, so the hormonal response might take maintenance.”

“That is a logical assessment.Is the scan complete?”

“Yes, Comptroller.”

She stepped out of the standing unit and said, “What have you determined?”

“You are an adult female in good physical condition, which is startling considering how frail some of the others are.”

“I don’t know how I maintained body condition, but they told me some of the memories might resurface.Or they might not.Now, how do I get to my living quarters?”

The doctor smiled.“The overlord’s tower has staff here to take you to your home.Your living space has a clothing generator, and you will be very comfortable there.”

“Thank you.I was worried.”

He nodded.“Welcome to Wenavik.I think you will be very good for our world.”

“Well, I have two and a half years of mandatory labour to prove it before I have to figure out if it is what I want to remain doing.”

“Two and a half years?”

“My people don’t live long, and my body will begin to show signs of degrading in a few years.Time is a factor for me.I have to get in, save enough for retirement, and locate somewhere to live quietly while paying for maintenance on my implant.It is complicated.Thank you, doctor.Which way to the tower staff?”

The doctor smiled and walked her through the facility to where two men in military uniforms looked at her, at their tablet, and then nodded.Their stripes flashed nervous yellow.

“Hello, gentlemen.I believe you are waiting for me?”

One of them smiled in relief when she spoke Wenavik.“Yes, Comptroller.Please come with us, and we will take you to your living quarters.”

There was a soft scoff.Reem looked at the blond man standing next to a brunette lady.“Yes?”

“Why do you get special treatment, freak?”

Her guards tensed, but she said, “With hair that projects that he is perpetually nervous next to a woman whose colour radiates nausea, I would wonder who was a freak here.”

The guards snickered.“This way, Comptroller.”He was now striped with teal.

They walked with her, and she heard the rush of slippers on smooth flooring.She felt the air coming at her head and ducked, her guards whirled, and their lianas wrapped around him and held him down while his own minder had to take him over.

She looked at her guards.“Leave him with his minder, and please show me to my home.”

Her escorts flanked her, and off they went in a very nice vehicle.

“Why did they attack you, Comptroller?”The younger male was curious, his colouring bright green.

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