A mind implant from alien adductors   part 6

A mind implant from alien adductors part 6

I can lock down the area. Based on her predicted level of lucidity, I don't believe she'll remember the override codes until everything wears off in the morning, the A.I. explained. Please leave the area and choose a sleeping quarter’s sir.

Jon walked toward the door before a thought flashed through his brain. This is kind of like a movie I watched on the pod. You're not trying to take over the ship, are you? he asked.

The captain will likely unplug me in the morning for this, burn me out of her ship's innards with a laser and then shoot whatever is left of me off into deep space.

I'm really sorry he apologized, watching from the other side as a metallic door lowered from the ceiling to close down the area.

He spotted Vivian's head start to rise just as the door fully descended.

Please choose you’re sleeping quarters, the toneless voice reminded him as he anxiously peered out a nearby star window.

I can't just go to sleep. He walked briskly toward the escape pod he'd arrived in. I've got to get out of here before she wakes up and remembers those codes. He fiddled with the control panel for the strong tedium door between him and his pod before begging Kasey to open it.

I've calculated your chance of survival and rescue with one day of oxygen and no navigation capabilities at 0.0000000012%. And I only arrived at that high of a number by accounting for the remote possibility of a traveler from another dimension teleporting onto your pod and saving you. And we both know that only happens to pretty girls. Please choose a sleeping quarters.

Jon helplessly punched the cold door. Damn it! Why doesn't this ship have any escape pods of its own? he half-asked and half-lamented.

This is a Kilgore ship, sir. There are no means of escape.

So why help me? he wondered. She forces herself on me today or tomorrow. What does it matter which? he commented with a mix of cynicism and sadness.

It was my deduction that the captain may regret the events of tonight by tomorrow,

Kasey answered him. It wasn't easy for her to leave her old life behind. It would be stepping outside my programming to say any more, the A.I. explained. Please choose a sleeping quarters.

Dead tired and satisfied for the night that there were no better options Jon finally chose a sleeping quarters.

The dull chug of the ship's engine finally woke Vivian from her sleepy stupor some hours later. She eventually meandered over to an enclosure and flipped down a cabinet which revealed a sink. The captain scoped some of the water in her hands and splashed it on her face while the events of the evening prior returned to her.

Jon awoke around the same time. He didn't need anything to jog his memory, though.

He was thinking strongly about his present situation when he heard a knock at the door. The young man's pulse quickened. He walked to the door.

Jon, it's me, the surprisingly soft voice of the captain greeted his ears. Please don't turn the soundproof on. I need to talk to you.

What do you want? he asked skeptically.

To apologize big time, like a million times over, Vivian strummed her fingers on the door, Can you open up? I promise I won't do anything. It's so hard doing this if I can't see you.

I don't know he said uneasily.

I know my promises aren't worth shit, but please - I just want to talk. I have something for you, she pleaded with a gentle voice.

The captain's vitals are normal. I can confirm she does have an offering, the A.I. informed the wary young man. He enjoyed a deep sense of relief over Kasey not having been disconnected. Jon contemplated whether this was all a trick. Vivian could have reprogrammed Kasey somehow. The young man then figured she could have opened the door herself and skipped the game altogether if all it was just a game. He reluctantly agreed to the prompt on his control panel to open the door.

Door set to ascend in ten... nine... eight... please everyone remain on their best behavior... three... two...

The metallic door lifted from the threshold and disappeared into the ceiling, leaving the two space travelers to gaze at one another. Vivian raised her arm and pointed with her eyes toward the small, rib boned box she had in one hand. I brought you chocolates, she said with tempered hope.

Jon curled his lip. What are those supposed to be? He sharply inquired, letting his emotions blot out his caution, Sorry I lost my mind and tried to force my titanic cock down your throat sweets?

No, her angelic face twisted into a frown. I don't grow it on the ship. This is the only chocolate there's ever goanna be. I just thought she started to stammer.

Well, I don't want it. You eat them by yourself?

The captain's vision lowered. She bounced her barefoot feet on the metal floor. Look, she said, I was really drunk. It's no excuse - but I'll never drink again if that means anything at all. I drank because I was lonely. I'm not lonely anymore. Just sorry. Vivian dug the balls of her foot into the floor. Her voice cracked as she said, I just want I want you to like me again.

I guess it's a start, he remarked in an offhanded manner.

The captain's guilt-ridden face illuminated. That's all I'm asking for, she chirped. We've got plenty of time. It doesn't have to happen immediately. You know, like the saying about the good things and the waiting. I can wait. Long as it takes, she told him optimistically.

Vivian agreed to give him all the alone time he needed, along with any other consideration he required. They parted on a good note. Their conversation left Jon even more confused as he flopped down on the bed afterwards.

Kasey? He addressed the A.I. Are you there?

Yes, sir. Do you require anything?

The young man let his legs hang over the bed. You never answered my original question last night. He rubbed his palms together.

What do I do?

I'm sorry, sir. I have no knowledge on this subject.

Me neither. I have no freaking idea what to do.

But I do know the captain would wish you to consider her history and state of mind at the time. The captain was stuck by herself in deep space for a considerable amount of time with only me to keep her company. I am not much company, sir.

The young man smiled at her comment. For the record, I think you're great company.

Thank you, but, seven hundred years I make and I still don't have a reliable sarcasm detector.

That's funny, Jon chuckled.

She protested, Funny it is not. People have died, Kasey explained. For example: Let me in. What's taking so long? Fine, leave me out here and I'll just freeze to death. How am I supposed to know which command is sincere? I'm limited by my inventor's design, after all.

That is pretty terrible. I didn't mean any offense. Jeez, someone should fix that.

My point remains that A.I. is no substitute for real, human interaction. Programs and
machines can't replace the living and breathing. You've both been alone for quite some time. Two months without sex is like to a lifetime to a Kilgore. The captain's libido readouts were off the charts before you ever even appeared in the sky.

I just don't know what to do he rested his head back, hoping for an answer.

What you might consider my opinion on the subject is merely a fact. You two are stuck here together for better or worse.

Nothing noteworthy took place over the next week; the two space travelers were respectful of one another and little more. They took their meals together and did discuss various topics of a tame nature, but there was a distance between the two after what had taken place.

The next pivot in their relationship took place while sitting at the disc-shaped table in the kitchen after fully recounting the events of Jon's rescue on that first day they met.

Vivian took the opportunity to apologize for her actions again. The change was born of a casual comment that Jon made sympathizing with the situation she was in.

To be continued