Page 29 of Alexis

It wasn’t just their shared interest in physical activities, competitive spirits, or even their similarly humble outlooks, in spite of great success.

Last night, they had neglected to ask Oberon for privacy mode before beginning their mutual seduction, and he had been able to analyze their effects on each other in great detail.

While he would not share the intimate footage with the biological staff, since nothing violent or dangerous had transpired, he did review it again himself to see if perhaps he had missed some minor hostility that would have prevented bonding.

Different cultures sometimes had nuances that could make a small thing a big issue, especially in such a setting.

But even after scanning several volumes of Maltaffian etiquette, and the only Terran one in existence, he found nothing that could be remotely interpreted as hostile in either of their actions.

As a matter of fact, from all the romance novels he had read, Oberon determined that the couple’s activities had been the opposite of hostile, even after multiple viewings.

Tiago had treated Alexis with a respect that looked a lot like tenderness, going slowly when she needed it in spite of a need of his own that read almost like agony on his scans, and then unleashing himself to give her the passion she craved when she was ready.

And Alexis had enjoyed her deflowering, climaxing repeatedly, and encouraging her new lover with lavish praise through her cries.

No, there was something else wrong.

Oberon only wished he knew what.

There had been moments, outside of the bedroom, when each had hormonal readings that showed stress or sadness. But that was natural. No one wound up at the Center without some sadness coming before. And biological beings were not like Oberon. They could not wipe an unhappy memory or overwrite a difficult tangle with a swifter solution path.

Determined to get to the root of their emotions, Oberon shuffled his plan for their day. He scanned his lists, choosing two particular activities that would allow for more shared feeling, and also for more quiet reflection.

If music be the food of love, play on,he recited to himself from one of the great rom-coms of Terran history as he mapped their route between activities, making sure to allow time for healthy eating at each stage.

If Tiago got hungry or Alexis became concerned about her bracelet, he knew any small worries might loom larger in their minds. Biological worries were always just below the surface for biological beings. Oberon had learned this important lesson slowly but thoroughly. Access to robust plumbing and ample nourishment were really the most important features the Center provided. Without those two things, even the most romantic setting or activity in known history wouldn’t get them anywhere.

Expanding his scheduler to accommodate changes to their week, he reminded himself that this was truly only their second day at the Center. There was plenty of time for friendship to develop into a bond, and a bond into love.

Perhaps tonight he would review some of his favorite romance novels and scan them for similar situations that might help him set these two on the right path.

Of all the couples who had ever met at the Midsummer Center for Fertility, Oberon suspected these two were among the most likely to fall in love. If they went their separate ways after this week, Oberon felt that it could only be due to something lacking in him and his design.

“Everything okay with the scans, Oberon?” Dr. Pan asked from her office.

He cursed himself inwardly for allowing so much of his memory to be utilized on scheduling. Surely, she would see he was scheming, or think something was wrong and try to reboot him.

“Yes,” he told her. “I’m reworking the schedule to allow more time for bonding since last night was more successful than expected by a factor of eight.”

“Eight, huh?” Dr. Pan asked thoughtfully. “That must be some footage.”

“I cannot share it with you or the other staff unless there is something of concern on it,” Oberon reminded her.

“Oh, gods no,” Dr. Pan laughed. “I do not want to see it. I would never be able to look them in the eyes again.”

“Very well,” Oberon said.

Dr. Pan went back to her work, and he scanned his systems and all online references to peoplelooking into each other’s eyes.

It seemed that Dr. Pan was referring to shame. But did she mean shame for herself or shame for Alexis and Tiago?

And why would any of them be ashamed? They were each doing exactly what they were meant to do at the Center.

It was an interesting puzzle, but Oberon could not spare any part of his memory for untangling it if he wanted to keep working on his matchmaking in the background without drawing more unwanted attention.

13

TIAGO

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