© 2012, G. L. Drummond

Tired and ready for some time off, I no sooner stepped into the Guild’s lobby than my name was called. “Reese! Good, you’re back. There’s a potential client in the Blue Room. A walk-in.”

“A walk-in?” I hadn’t accepted one of those since the end of my first year as a Companion. Elizabeth, our House Mistress, smiled.

“With an excellent credit rating, who looked over every portfolio before asking to have yours printed out.”

“Oh. All right. How do I look?”

She gave me a critical once-over. “A bit tired, but I don’t think he’s the type to notice. His name is Phil. Go on.”

Entering the room, I mentally sighed upon seeing him for the first time. He looked bland. Blue eyes, light brown hair, early forties, medium-boned, and possibly an inch taller than my five feet, ten inches.

He was reasonably fit for his age, sporting a slight paunch and an anxious expression. He returned the welcoming smile I offered, though his faded quickly as he gingerly shook my hand. “I wasn’t expecting you to be so attractive, Reese.”

“Ah….” I wasn’t certain how to respond to that. He blinked, eyes widening.

Fingers tapping the gloss print of my portfolio, he said, “That was rude. I’m sorry. It’s just, I’ve read your portfolio, and…” I was aware our being eye to eye was disconcerting for him, and sat down. Tall women put off some men. “I thought someone with such a variety of studies, I mean, that there was a reason for it.” He sat down rather gracelessly, appearing uncertain what to do with his hands after setting the printout on the low table.

“There is a reason, Phil. You don’t mind if I use your first name?” After he nodded, I smiled again. “I’m the perpetually curious sort who enjoys learning new things.”

“Oh. But that’s wonderful.” He leaned forward, finally resting his hands on his knees. “I’m not looking for just a Companion, Reese.”

For a brief moment, I wondered if this rather soft, ineffectual-looking man would be the rescuer I’d been dreaming of for years. His next words said ‘maybe’. “I’m looking for a Companion who will be willing to help where needed, while I’m conducting research.”

“Research?” A thrill of excitement appeared at his nod. “Please, tell me more.”

“I’ve been granted two years to study a planet and its life forms.” He had a nice smile, which was a plus. “The initial sweep recorded signs of sentient life. Indications of a primitive society.”

Two years? “Where is this planet located?”

His smile faded. “It’s in the Corona-Borealis Supercluster.”

I wasn’t sure how long of a travel period that might require, not having been outside the Virgo Cluster. “How long of a contract are you considering?”

“Three years. Of course, most of one will be spent in cold sleep.” He sighed and sat back. “You’re not interested.”

“I’m interested, Phil. It’s just that’s a much longer contract than any I’ve agreed to before.” Studying him, I weighed the probable boredom of being his Companion against the potential excitement of not being just a plaything.

“Oh.” He gazed back. “I’m not your usual type of client, am I?”

“May I be frank?” Phil nodded. “No, you’re definitely the first one to offer me a chance at doing, instead of being.”

“I don’t think I understand.”

“My clients usually want me to look pretty at parties, dinners, and other gatherings, while not conversing on anything beyond social niceties. And of course, to fulfill their sexual needs, whatever they may be.” I noted the tips of his ears turning pink. “I’ll need more information about your personal needs, and what beyond those you’ll require of me.”

His entire face had flushed by the time I finished. “Of course. Er, I’m afraid you might find me a bit lacking in the um, bedroom. I’ve always been more interested in my work than in…socializing.”

Translation: he preferred straight vanilla and likely wouldn’t think of it more than once a week, if that. After the contract I’d just finished with, it sounded heavenly. “What are your specialties?”

Blush fading he leaned forward again. “Biology and botany. I noticed that you’ve taken basic courses in both.”

Smiling, I said, “Let’s get to know each other a little better.”

~

I gave my tentative agreement to a contract, pending his official acceptance as a client by the Guild. There was really little doubt that he’d be accepted; Dr. Phillip Gardner had been too busy with his work to ever seriously get into anything else – including women.

His company worked up the contract, and I was informed of their added stipulations – it had been a direct order that he find himself a Companion for the mission. Phil was the ‘work until he dropped’ sort. Brilliant, but without concern for his health, so apart from my standard duties and being his research assistant, I was also to make certain he took meals at the appropriate times, and didn’t work more than ten hours daily in the lab. ‘Please teach him how to relax’ was one of the special requests.

The background check the Guild initiated supplied the information that he’d never displayed any violent tendencies, but had been nick named ‘Professor Hard Ass’ by his students. A tough, exacting, but fair instructor who did not tolerate stupid mistakes and tended to icily dress down those who made them.

After reading everything, I signed the contract.