And lock her out for a day.
Eve is even more valuable to me today than she was just three months ago. Every day, the IGC randomly penalizes companies they don’t like and cites human companions as the infraction. I worry the Grand Championships may be canceled or changed and given to one of our competitors if Jin Kol isn’t satisfied this year.
So despite Eve’s progress with me, I wonder how much real progress she’s making with Lorian. I know there’s still trouble there. Manageable trouble, but trouble, nonetheless.
Eve still resists him and argues with him during their training sessions. The only defiance she shows me is covert. At first, it bothered me that she gives him so much passion while I’m left with only discipline, but I have to remind myself there’s value in that too.
And unlike with Denise, Lorian is forcing Eve to move in this galactic world with the cunning and charisma of an upper-class Reima Two woman, and had she not been human, people would think he wastraining her to be our wife rather than our human liaison.But I won't stop him.
Not because we could ever marry Eve—that’s unthinkable—but because it’s the most natural way for us to control her sexual desires while still maintaining the spirit and person who is Eve. I don’t want a mindless employee who is like a human pet.
From my office window, I often watch her in real time with the audio on from her desk, like I’m doing now. The surveillance feeds offer angles and biometric data, but lately I prefer to watch her directly. When I watch the screens, they don’t give me what I want anymore.
This morning has brought a steady stream of distinguished guests, each interaction allowing me to evaluate her performance.
Ambassador Thek from the Lixi Consortium, a species known for treating humans as livestock, had his condescending tone met with polite efficiency that somehow managed to be dismissive. Well done. Two weeks ago he would have had her looking at her shoes.
Next, there was the Duchess Airel from the Ini Syndicate, whose attempts at casual conversation about human “companions” were deflected with such skill that the Duchess left confused about what had just happened. And that is Lorian’s work. I can’t take credit, but I’m happy to see it, nonetheless.
But it's the massive figure approaching the reception desk now that has my full attention. Ambassador Tiro of Lyra, seven feet of predatory grace wrapped in diplomatic immunity and genuine concern for human welfare. If anyone can test Eve's composure, it's him.
“Good afternoon, Ambassador Tiro,” Eve says with a respectful bow. Her voice doesn't betray even a hint of the nervousness she must feel facing someone whose species could tear her apart without effort. “Welcome back to the Celestial Spire.”
Tiro's leonine features arrange themselves into what passes for a smile among his kind, revealing teeth designed for tearing flesh. “The pleasure is mine, Madame Eve. Though I confess, I'm surprised to findanother human in your position so soon after your predecessor's departure.”
“I hope I can serve the Spire's needs as effectively as she did,” Eve replies. “What brings you to the Spire today?”
“Diplomatic courtesy calls. Though I must admit, I have concerns about the welfare of humans in this sector.”
And there it is. The opening probe that could unravel everything if Eve responds incorrectly. On my IC, I watch her biometric readings spike briefly before settling back to normal levels.
Remarkable control.
“The Spire maintains the highest standards for all staff,” she says carefully. “Is there something specific I can help you address? I am the Spire’s human representative after all.”
Exceptional come back.
Tiro's amber eyes study her for a second longer than necessary. “Are you here against your will, Madame Eve?”
I hold my breath waiting for her to answer. One wrong word or sign of visible distress, and Tiro will launch a formal investigation and no doubt with the IGC's backing.
Lyrans have always thought of humanity as their children because there are big cats on Earth. There’s no logic to it, but still, what logic is there in the galaxy when it comes to which species prefers which?
“No, Ambassador. I am legally employed at the Spire under full IGC protocols.” Her voice is steady and professional. She even lifts her ID necklace to prove it with a smile.
“My clever woman, well done,” I say out loud.
“But I sense some discomfort,” Tiro presses, leaning forward. His enhanced senses can probably detect stress hormones. “A certain... tension in your demeanor.”
Eve's laugh is light and natural. “Respectfully, Ambassador, I think you must sense my exhaustion as I didn't sleep well last night. Even after a few months, I’m still adjusting to Imperial time. You know it’s only an hour longer than days on Earth, but it takes time to adapt.”
She’s so good, I don’t even know if she’s lying right now.
“I see.” Tiro doesn't sound entirely convinced, but Eve's performance is flawless enough that he can't pursue the matter without overstepping diplomatic boundaries. “And the Sovereigns? They are treating you well?”
“Yes, Ambassador. They are exemplary employers,” she says with exactly the right amount of warmth. “I could not have asked for better working conditions.”
She's playing a role now, but it's not the one we first imagined for her, when we thought we would solely train her with the Venus Lock. She has turned into someone else entirely; a woman who's learned to use her intelligence and human beauty as both a shield and a weapon.
