Welcome to Gaia! ::

:::A servant girl carrying a small tray of small shiny bottles was making her way down the opposite wall, and as they approached her, Olsen beckoned:::

Jo-Xi, has the guest chamber been amply prepared?

:::The girl looked at him, a bit taken aback::: Won’t our guest be staying in your chambers tonite?

:::Both Cora and Olsen shot the girl a warning look. At least Olsen was aware that Jo-Xi’s question was not out of line. By the way they had behaved, everyone was surprised that Olsen and Cora hadn’t left to enjoy each other’s company earlier than this. It would only have been natural.:::

No. She will not. And while we’re on the subject, she is not to have any company sent to her room tonight either. She must remain fertile to stay under the radar of the tropos. :::From the sound of his voice, he was obviously trying very hard to hold back some of his frustration:::

:::The poor girl looked as though someone had just delivered her the news of death:::

Oh, I- of course not. Of course. :::She looked at Cora, bowing her head::: I’m so sorry. That was stupid of me. There won’t be any company, none were requested, we thought- :::She stopped herself there knowing she’d just dig herself deeper::: Yes, the room is ready, you may escort her there now.

:::Olsen tugged at her and they continued toward the guest chamber. He stopped finally at a particular set of doors and unhooked his arm from hers. He hovered his hand at the middle of the double doors and they slid apart smoothly and silently, to reveal a room as lavish as Kal’s was.:::

:::Olsen breathed out, not bothering to sound funny anymore. Now it was just disappointing:::

I think you know by now that its meant to be used for a lot more than just sleeping.

:::He held up his hand defensively::: And not just that… It has a bath, and a rejuvenation stall, if you still prefer those. There should be fresh food at the tables, and if you want for anything else, there is a command podium to call upon the servants. They’re up all night waiting for anything you have to request.

:::He looked in, longingly, but broke it off to continue::: The rest of the interface isn’t far from what you will remember of Omegatropolis’ facilities. Just a few different purposes. If you’re unsure, you know how to request the narrators help sequence.

:::They stood there a moment, silently. Both thinking similar things. Finally, Olsen ran his fingers along the side of her head to smooth away a strand of hair at her cheek:::

Will you be here in the morning?

Then, I should say goodbye now, in case- :::I never see you again::: In case you’ve faded by the morning.

:::Olsen put his palms to her temples, and tilted his head down. Calmly, and gently, he kissed her on the forehead, glad that he could at last kiss that part of her body.:::

Goodnight, Cora.

:::His hands came back to his sides, and he turned, walking away, and willing himself not to look back at her. It was the only way he could leave:::