“So cool,” Gemma murmurs appreciatively, then takes a cautious sip. Her eyes widen. “It’s delicious.”
We thank the friendly vendors and continue strolling while sipping our cocoa.
“How is this so real if it’s only a simulation?” she asks, her face alight with curiosity.
“This virtual environment is more advanced than human technologies have yet been able to create. Ours aims to stimulate all five senses—the experience includes things you can touch, taste, smell, see, and hear. This makes it so the simulation becomes more fully immersive to the participants.”
Gemma shakes her head in wonder. “It definitely feels, tastes, and smells completely real. I wasn’t expecting that.”
I grin. “Some of that is also the magic of Khephren’s programming skills. He’s truly one of the best out there. He wasn’t lying or exaggerating when he said he’s a genius.”
“That’s awfully handy,” Gemma agrees, “since we can benefit from his brilliance.”
“Exactly!”
As we wander deeper into the market, I pay attention to some of the clothing and jewelry Gemma is drawn to. Once we leave the simulation, we can’t take anything tangible with us. Everything here is only “real” while participating in theexperience. But I am getting plenty of ideas for what to buy Gemma when the Sleigh Belle stops somewhere with real vendors selling goods.
Eventually, we stop at a humanoid fortune teller with a third eye in the center of her forehead who offers to give us a free love reading. Her booth is draped in a fabric curtain that ensures some privacy as we sit in the chairs offered to us. Madam Aurora, as she calls herself, pulls out a deck of shimmering black cards and places them on the table.
“Are those tarot cards?” Gemma asks.
Madam Aurora flashes a mysterious smile. “Welcome, Earthling. They are similar to such cards in your culture, but specific to mine instead. We call this the Divination Deck, and it can offer insight into the answers you seek.”
I swallow hard. This must be something Kheph added to our scenario because I don’t recall planning any of this.
Not one to waste a golden opportunity, I say, “What do you see ahead for us in our relationship?”
Madam Aurora closes two of her eyes, allowing the one in the center of her forehead to stay open as she begins shuffling the cards. “Ah. You wish to know if this relationship is fleeting or if it will stand the test of time.”
I gulp. Damn, Kheph is good.
Gemma takes hold of my hand in clear solidarity.
Madam Aurora finishes her shuffling and fans the cards out on her table, face down. “Each of you must close your eyes and choose a card. Wait until you feel the pull of a card drawing your hand to the table, then you’ll know which one to select.”
We follow her instructions, and once we’ve chosen our cards, she removes the others from the table and turns our selections face up. She studies mine with all three of her eyes.
“You have chosen The Oath Engine of Solaris.”
I study the shimmering crystalline engine floating among the stars on the front of the card.
“The Oath Engine of Solaris indicates you possess the strong and steadfast spirit of one who is fiercely loyal and devoted to those you love. When the engine runs smoothly, you are able to bring your best self to the forefront and share that with others. With a romantic partner, you willingly offer all of yourself, seeking to share everything. You remain true to yourself and your life’s trajectory, even when the cosmos shifts around you. Your reliability and devotion in love are highly prized among many but be careful not to let yourself become obsessive or suffocating. Allow those you love the space they need at times and don’t focus all your energy on one person alone. Share your time and energies with friends and family as well to find the balance you need.”
My tentacles coil in on themselves anxiously. There’s an unsettling degree of truth to what she’s saying. One of the things I’ve worried about is coming on too strong and too hard with Gemma. In the past, I’ve turned off some would-be love interests who considered me too clingy. I like to think I’ve gotten better about that.
Gemma squeezes my hand, and I turn my gaze on her.
“I can tell what you’re thinking.”
It’s my turn to gape.
She chuckles. “Luna, your face is very… expressive. And as a doctor, I’ve gotten pretty good at reading people.” She leans over and presses a soft kiss on my lips. “Trust me, if I need alone time or if anything makes me uncomfortable I’ll tell you. I believe in honest and open communication, like we’ve been doing from the start. As long as we continue with that, I’m not worried.”
My tentacles unclench and relax, and my lips tingle faintly from her kiss. Somehow, Gemma knows exactly what I need to hear.
Madam Aurora clears her throat and studies Gemma’s card, which contains the image of hands holding a shining star that illuminates the darkness.
“You have pulled The Star-Bound Healer card. You possess a strong but nurturing nature and the ability to create harmony among others. This makes you a highly compatible romantic partner for a lover who craves your care and affection. Your empathy and compassion make you a natural caregiver with a strong capacity to heal because you are attuned to the pain or suffering of others. But be careful that you do not give too much of yourself, or you could burn out the bright light you shine in this universe. Do not let your focus on others detract too much from your romantic partner’s needs either, as this could make them feel second best.”
