Author: Thinking Horndog
Title: The Academy
Part: 54 of 88
Universe: The Swarm Cycle
Summary: The Governor of the colony of Nuevo Angelino recognizes that the ad-
hoc educational system in use in his colony isn't producing sponsors -- so he
sends a team to Earth to collect some professional educators with a
Confederacy perspective.  This results in a new and unusual kind of pickup...

Keywords: MF MFF FF M+F mf mF exhib humil inc ir group oral anal toys Mdom
Fdom

The Academy

Chapter 54

Mark:

	The door opened and Nana stood there, grinning like a croc.  "I've
come for Graciela," I announced, "and to check on Estrella."

	"Very well," Nana replied formally, backing away from the door.
"Graciela!"

	"Nana?"  Graciela stuck her head out of the door of a side room, took
me in and blinked in surprise.  I beckoned with a finger and she stepped
through the door and came forward.

	"Attention," I directed, and she settled to her knees.  "Spread the
legs a bit."  She did so.  I walked around her, pulling her raven hair back
from over her right shoulder so it didn't mask the curve of her breast.
Graciela's mother was a handsome woman, but she didn't have 'C' cups -- nor
was she as rounded as Graciela, who met my 'big, but forgiven due to
presentation' standard.  She probably weighed one forty, but carried it very
well, just looking womanly.  There was a little bit of belly bulge, but not a
roll.  I probably haven't mentioned this, but I DO have a weak spot for
Hispanic women -- and Graciela had my interest, not that I wanted ANYONE to
know it.  I abused her a little, feeling her up from behind and watching her
nipples pop, then squatting to rub her ass and slip my hand between her legs
from behind -- THAT got me a look of surprise...  She opened her mouth and I
stuck a finger in it; funny how just about anyone will start sucking the
finger if you do that...  From my observations, Estrella had pride and her
regal bearing, but Graciela had fire; already, just from touching her, I knew
that I would not limit myself with the daughter the way I had with the
mother.  I would test Graciela's fellatio, but that would not be the main
course...

	I turned to Nana, "Someone should tell the man of the house that I am
here."  Nana nodded and scuttled off; Javier was not to be yelled for like a
mere woman.

	He arrived momentarily.  "Good evening, Decurion."

	"I have come for your mother per our agreement," I murmured.  "How is
your grandmother?"

	Javier cocked his head.  "Okay, I guess..."

	"What has she done for you?" I pressed.

	"Well, nothing, if I understand your question."

	"Why not?" I pretended amazement and glanced around, making certain
that Graciela saw my look; when the time came, I expected Graciela to do her
duty -- and it appeared that her mother was going to be the object lesson.
"Are you waiting for later?"

	"Perhaps she is, Sir," Javier opined.

	"It isn't up to her," I replied.  "It's up to you!  Why don't we fix
this now, so I know whether to bother with her in the future."

	"Okay..." Javier eyed me.

	"A moment..."  I beckoned him and we strode to another room.  "I am
doing this for your benefit.  At this point, your great-grandmother and I are
conspiring to make your mother and your grandmother come to the table for
you.  We need your help in this, obviously -- but I'm sure you can do your
part..."

	"Yes..." Javier's eyes lit.  "You told them that we would share them
in any case, did you not?  How would that work?"

	"As a recommendation, we should merge households, if we get to that
point," I replied, "then we can collaborate on filling any additional
concubine slots with whatever strikes our combined fancy."

	Javier nodded.  "Are you thinking seriously of taking one of them?"

	I nodded.  "Yes -- although without your great-grandmother pitching
for them, we would never have gotten this far.  It is a sad thing that she is
too old to bear more children, frankly."

	"What should I do?" he asked.

	"Demand service from your grandmother," I replied.  "I played games
with her last night; she only got to service me orally.  Perhaps that was a
mistake; she probably feels that either she is not yet obligated, or that her
obligation is limited to oral sex -- but you should demand the full
treatment, if you know what I mean -- and I will be there as both the carrot
AND the stick...  Your mother will be watching, which will make her more
tractable for both of us."

	Javier nodded.  "I understand."

	"Let's let Nana handle collecting your grandmother," I chuckled.
Javier smiled and nodded.  Nana was standing there when we exited the room,
both smiling.  "Nana, there seems to be an issue with Estrella meeting her
responsibilities.  Would you summon her for us?"

	"ESTRELLITA!!!"  Nana took off at an amazing pace and returned
moments later, driving her daughter before her while haranguing her in rapid-
fire Spanish.

	Estrella looked from me to Javier and back, "Yes?"

	"When did you plan to present yourself to Javier?" I asked.

	"We didn't...   It was only..." Estrella blustered.

	"It wasn't sex?" I asked.

	"Well..."

	"Did you even offer that?" I pressed.

	"No, I..."

	"You're not serious, then," I concluded.

	"But..."

	"What are you going to do?" I pressed.  I leaned over to Javier and
whispered, "Take charge.  She isn't Grandma -- she's an adult and you are an
adult..."

	Javier stood nodding; I watched the change come over him as her set
his mind to his task.  "Estrella!  Attention!"  He snapped his fingers and
pointed at the floor before him.

	Estrella's eyes got as big as saucers.  "Javier, I am..."

	"You are a woman and a concubine -- or will be -- and a member of my
household!" Javier rasped.  "Why are you still standing?"

	"This is..." Estrella blustered.

	"This is where the rubber meets the road, Estrella," I interrupted.

	My interruption gave Javier a moment to think of something to counter
his grandmother's bluster.  "Do you NOT wish to be a member of my household?"
he asked, his voice dangerous.  He played the thing perfectly, too, glancing
at the door significantly.

	"No, I -- I..."  Estrella sank to her knees.  "Yes, Javier."

	"Now that it is clear to you that Javier is serious, we can move on
to whether you think I am," I declared.

	"You are not!" Estrella snapped.

	"What would lead you to that conclusion?" I asked.

	"You just..." she began.

	"Treated you like the slave you are?" I finished.  "Just because you
were a little worked up, I was supposed to interrupt my relaxation to sex
you?  Who is in charge, here, exactly?"

	"Mama said..."

	"Mama said what?" I asked.

	"She said you would do... everything..."

	"Everything as in what?" I demanded.

	"As in my mouth, my cosita and..." she glanced around, "my culo..."

	Beside me, Graciela gasped quietly, "Culo?"

	I ignored her.  Having gotten the translations, I nodded.  "And?"

	"You didn't," Estrella muttered.

	"I didn't THEN!" I corrected.  "Did I say we were done?"

	"Uh, no..."

	"You ASSUMED we were done?  Are we?" I pressed.

	"I don't know!"

	"Are you going to present yourself to Javier?" I demanded.

	"I -- I..."

	"What is it that you have against Javier that you would not want him
to learn about sex from an experienced and loving woman such as yourself?" I
queried.

	"Why, why nothing!" Estrella gasped.

	"Then why...?"

	"You KNOW why!" she wailed.

	"I do not!"  Turning, I perceived Marisol peering around a door.
"Come, come!" I beckoned.  "This won't be the last of these little family
differences of opinion you witness, unless I miss my guess..."

	Marisol eased around the corner and slid into the room.  I'm not a
pedophile, by any means, but Marisol was... ripe; it showed through, even
though she was clothed.  She already had a set of fine conical breasts and
some hips on her -- all of her mother's lush curves, made more exciting by
her youth.  My data said she was twelve; well it was twelve going on
fifteen...  I got control of my facial features and asked, "You're in the
school, are you not?"

	"Yes, sir."  Marisol nodded carefully.

	"What are your mother and grandmother doing wrong?"

	"Just about everything!" Marisol replied with some asperity.

	A bit surprised, I asked, "Is there anything you would like to say to
them?"

	Marisol put her hands on her hips and started a harangue forcibly
reminiscent of Nana!  "Mama!  Grandma!  Ever since I was a little girl, I've
heard you tell Nana , "This isn't the old country!  We don't do it like that
here!  Well, guess what?  THIS ISN'T AMERICA!  WE DON'T DO IT LIKE THAT HERE!
Nana already knows her way around a LOT better than either one of YOU do!
SHE knows what is important!  Wait until next year!  I will show you how a
concubine does things!  Grandma, your pride is hurting you, here!  If you
want to be proud of something, be proud of being HIS!" -- She pointed to me
-- "Or Javier's!"

	This was absolutely perfect, in my opinion, -- so naturally, the AI
stuck its oar in...  "Marisol Salazar, your medical data indicates that you
are physically mature; you may petition for an exception to the thirteen year
rule for limited sexual contact with your guardian's permission."

	Okay, maybe this wasn't so bad after all; both Estrella and Graciela
went bug-eyed!  I raised a hand and stepped in, "If I may -- Marisol -- you
should not attempt anything with Javier until he has his feet wet."

	"Yes, Decurion," Marisol nodded obediently.

	I returned my attention to Estrella.  "What are you going to do?
This could be the last independent decision you ever make.  Are you going to
honor our agreement, or would you prefer to pursue the hunt for a sponsor on
your own?"  Javier was doing a fine job of standing there looking impatient.

	Estrella swallowed, hard, and looked from face to face before her.
Only Graciela, perhaps, had any sympathy for her; Nana didn't, Marisol
didn't, I didn't -- and Javier CERTAINLY didn't.  Finally, in a meek voice,
Estrella said, "Javier, may I teach you about sex?"

Estrella:

	"Javier, may I teach you about sex?"  As those words leaked from my
lips, I awaited a lightning bolt from God -- but it didn't come.  The
Decurion pretended that there was a decision to be made -- and, technically,
maybe there was, but to exile myself from my family?  I couldn't!  Therefore,
there was only one option.  Javier looked down upon me, his gaze birdlike,
predatory.  I'd never seen him like this -- it was if there was some
transference of power to him from the Decurion.  Part of it, perhaps, was
that he obviously had the Decurion's full backing -- but part of it was his
assumption of his duties as head of household.  And part of it was
undoubtedly lust...

	"Yes you may, Estrella."  Javier didn't rush to grant me permission
to commit incest with him; he granted permission as if it were a privilege.
He used my given name, not 'Grandma', for probably the second time in his
life.  I understood the reason for it and part of me was grateful.  He'd said
it himself:  "You are a woman and a concubine -- or will be -- and a member
of my household!"  This was my role; my role as 'Grandma' was set aside --
possibly permanently.

	"In your room, then?" I asked.  It wasn't that I wanted to try to
dissuade him privately -- I knew that this was not possible already -- but I
assumed that he would want privacy.  I made to get up.

	Perhaps he didn't trust me...  "No, here, I think.  The Decurion will
want to know that you are not playing games or withholding yourself; he has a
stake in this, too."

	Shocked, I settled back into position; he might as well have slapped
me!  After a moment, I gathered myself.  "Very well.  What is your wish?"

	I watched him struggle with himself -- and win.  After a moment's
thought, he said, "I am too aroused to be a good student.  Perhaps you
should... give me release... before I try to learn anything."

	Behind me, Mama purred, "That is an excellent idea!  Young men to
arrive at the pinnacle too quickly unless they are relieved of any excess
pressure..."

	"Very well..."  I couldn't help being irritated at Mama's comment --
but I knew she was right.  I WAS proud of Javier, for his restraint and
ability to think under pressure.  I reached for his jumpsuit fly...

	"Can I watch?" Marisol burst out.  "Brother, I would like to make
that petition..."

	Mama cackled -- damn her! -- and Javier flicked a glance at the
Decurion, who rumbled, "This is also a teaching exercise.  Estrella isn't the
best fellatrix I've ever had, but she's certainly passable.  Javier, you can
approve the request, but my previous injunction stands -- Marisol, you should
merely watch."  After a moment, he cocked his head and added, "Of course, you
may do as you like -- this is YOUR household..."

	"It is sound advice," Javier replied, "and I requested it.  Very
well, Marisol, I approve of your request for an exception to policy.  I don't
know how long..."

	"Approved." The AI erupted.

	"Okay..."  Javier raised a finger to admonish his sister, "Watch.
I'm afraid... it won't be long..."

	Marisol settled to my left and draped her skirt over her knees.  "I
understand.  From my training, I'm surprised you haven't ejaculated in your
pants, Brother!  This is... exciting!"

	For me, it was like watching an avalanche; there was no stopping it
and I would have no help and had no hope -- and I would endure the
consequences.  I again reached for Javier's fly...

	Extracting his member was a struggle.  I deliberately squeezed it
around the base as I did so; he gave me a look, but I said, "It will help you
to get control," and he nodded.  When it was out, I was proud of my grandson;
if he possessed this at fourteen, he would be much sought-after in two or
three years!  "This is... very nice!" I breathed, using my hand to retract
the foreskin from the swollen purple tip.  It was a beautiful cock -- already
the size of his grandfather's.  Javier groaned at the touch of my hand and I
knew we only had seconds, so I leaned forward and encased the sensitive tip
with my lips and whirled my tongue over it.

	"AAAAAHHH!!!" Javier howled and clutched my head; I fought only
enough to ensure that he did not bury his cock in my throat and took the
first blast, then opened my mouth and cradled his pulsing cock on my tongue
as it spurted several more times.  Marisol leaned in, fascinated, watching
her brother flood my mouth with his essence.  He stopped producing anything
after perhaps the sixth spurt -- but it was copious; I had a mouth full.  I
moved my head a bit, forward and back, washing the underside of his cock with
my extended tongue, then wrapped my lips around it again and swallowed,
savoring the taste of his young, vital seed.  I was sullied; I had committed
the sin of incest.  Now that it was done, I might as well follow through.  My
relationship with my grandson would never be the same; I was a woman he could
go to for sex -- and we both knew it.

Javier:

	I played with Grandma's -- Estrella's -- thick hair while my member
soaked in her mouth, extending my pleasure.  There was no comparison between
this and the rough service of my stroking hands; I was just amazed at the
increase in intensity!  As for Grandma -- Estrella, I mean -- the excitement
seemed to be over, she seemed to be actually enjoying herself!  The whole
Grandma thing was going to be difficult to deal with -- but when one of us --
either myself, or the Decurion -- reversed the aging process in her, it would
be easier to distance myself from our previous relationship.  In the
meantime, I would work on making the distinction.  I put my hand on her
shoulder and backed up, slowly, not really wanting to, but the intensity was
such that I couldn't stand it anymore.  The look she gave me while she licked
her lips was a lot calmer and self-possessed than the one she'd given me
before she started sucking.  The unasked question was, 'What's next?'

	The Decurion answered that for me.  "Have her teach you how to
pleasure a woman," he recommended.  "For a one-off, you needn't bother, but
if you want them to look forward to being with you, you need to be able to
reciprocate -- and the better at it you are, the happier they will be."  He
chuckled.  "You needn't do it all in one night, either -- anything that
Estrella leaves out, you can learn from Graciela."  Mama's eyes widened at
that.  "I don't think we're going to have any more trouble from Estrella, are
we?" he asked.

	"No."  Grandma Estrella blushed and kept her head down, but she was
rolling my balls between her fingers.  "It's done -- I might as well enjoy
it."

	Nana stood there, her eyes smoky.  "If I weren't an old crone, I
would teach you myself!" she husked.

	The Decurion eyed her, then said to me, "We can't push her all the
way back to child-rearing age, but we can probably get her into her forties,
somewhere.  Given Estrella's looks, I'd think that either of us might be
interested, occasionally..."  I nodded; if Nana looked ten years younger than
Grandma and she came to me, I would not turn her away.  I might be able to
accomplish something now, but it would doubtless be more pleasant for both of
us then...

	"AI, please schedule this for Nana," I croaked.  "Do what you can."

	"Acknowledged," the voice of the AI returned.

	"So, where were we?" the Decurion muttered.

	"My culo?" Mama whined.

	"Aiyy!"  Nana rolled her eyes.  "Yes, granddaughter, your culo!
Decurion, do you want that tonight?"

	"Probably not," he admitted.

	"Good.  It will give me time to work on her thick skull!" Nana
rasped.

	"Come, Graciela," the Decurion murmured.

	"Brother!  Can I go with them?" Marisol erupted.  She clasped her
hands and made puppy-dog eyes at the Decurion, begging, "Please?"

	The Decurion wavered visibly, but in the end said, "Before I would
bring you into my presence to learn, I need to know if there is a teacher
present.  Not this time."  He turned to me.  "A moment?"

	I nodded and followed him into the next room where we had spoken
before.  "Your sister...  I'll be frank.  She's as much a temptation as her
mother -- and more than her grandmother.  I want to know what we're doing
before I get in deep there.  On the other hand, I'm not sure you will be
qualified any time soon, not having actually had Estrella..."  He paused,
"You realize that the results of her blowjob were more your arousal than her
technique?"

	"Yes."  I nodded.

	"That doesn't hurt anything," he chuckled.  "I was a little
overwrought at your age, myself -- and I don't know of anyone else who
wasn't.  Let's hold off a few days until we know who is good at what, shall
we?  I know she'll be momentarily disappointed, but we'll think of
something..."

	"Very well," I murmured, adding, "Decurion?  What IS your name?"

	He blinked, then chuckled.  "Tillotson.  Marcus Tillotson.  Call me
Mark."

	"Thank you, Mark."  I held out my hand and he shook it.

	"Graciela!"  Mark beckoned.  "We're leaving!"  Mama rose and followed
him out, looking nervous.

	I returned to Grandma Estrella.  "I think we'll continue, now..."  I
nodded at the door to my room.  Grandma Estrella got up and headed that way,
her hips swaying.

	Marisol interposed herself between me and the door, pouting.  "What
about me?"

	"There are issues to be resolved," I told her gently.  "It won't be
long -- a few days, maybe.  The Decurion and I need to settle on
arrangements."

	"Come, Child," Nana drew her away.  "We will get there.  When your
mother comes home, for instance, we'll discuss how you prepare yourself --
and your culo -- for a man."

	"I think I know," Marisol replied.  "An enema, right?"

	"Yes.  Have you done it?" Nana asked.

	"No."

	"We will -- and I'll probably need your help with you fool of a
mother!"  I stood waiting, grateful, as Nana took Marisol into her charge and
distracted her, then headed for my room.

Vera:

	Thursday afternoon, Maureen cornered me with her list of female
sponsors.  "You know, there's someone at Brinkman who hasn't selected
ANYONE!"

	"Really?"

	"Really.  One Dr. June Mortenson.  No spouse, no children -- and no
concubines, male OR female."

	"And?" I prompted.

	"I was hoping..."

	I sighed.  "Let's go talk to Dave Chambers first."  Maureen and her
boy toy toddled along after me as I made for Dave's office.  The boys were
working -- or at least, thinking about working, planning their jobs and
trying to define their responsibilities once the group arrived at their new
facility -- which undoubtedly would be wildly different from the last one...

	The AI announced us.  "Vera!  Or should I say, Sub-Decurion Hopkins!
What a pleasant surprise!  And your daughter, too?  Uh oh -- what have I
done?"  He looked over at his concubines.  I looked, too -- wasn't one of
them SUPPOSED to be male?

	"Nothing that I'm aware of," I laughed.  "We came for some advice!"
Then my curiosity got the better of me.  "Where is... Antonio?"

	"It's Antonia, now," the concubine on the left, replied, preening,
"Or just Toni, with an 'i.'  You like?"  'She' stood and turned full-circle,
clearly proud of 'her' assets.

	I elbowed Maureen, who was frowning.  "Well, it's not up to me, but
as long as you're happy and Dave's happy..."

	"I'm THRILLED!" Toni trilled.  "I have boobies!  Soon, I'll have a
working pussy!"

	"Oh?" I blinked.

	"Well, no babies -- but everything else..."  Toni looked
philosophical about it.

	"Really?"  Maureen was scandalized.

	"Pay attention!" I hissed.  "This might be a solution for some of our
boys -- not many, but some..."  Turning to Toni, I asked, "Where are your,
um, man parts?"

	Toni pouted.  "My deek?  There never was much...  But I can show
you..."

	I shot a look at Dave, who waved at Toni.  "Go ahead -- it's an
education.  I was certainly surprised!"

	Toni flopped over on 'her' back and spread her legs.  Her externals
already looked like a pussy to me...  "There are tubes for the cojones under
here..." she stroked what appeared to be her outer labia.  "They are there,
in a man.  Sometimes, the cojones crawl back up in them, even.  If I get
really hot -- temperature hot, not sexy hot -- this area swells a little so
they get some air and get cooler.  Also, these..." she fingered a pair of
apparently droopy inner labia, "help with the heat -- but not wearing panties
is a part of it.  As for my deek..."  She fingered what looked like a large
clitoris, "It is still here...  Davey, Honey, can Peg suck my deek a little
for the lady?"

	Dave snorted good-naturedly and waved.  "Sure..."  Peg crawled right
over and sucked in Toni's 'clit' -- and in a minute or so, it was stiff and
maybe four inches long.  "Oh, Baby, you do that so good!" Toni crooned.  "I
do you later, Baby-- promise!"

	I think Maureen was horrified, but I wasn't.  "So, you can still make
a woman pregnant?"

	"Yes, Baby..."  Toni hissed through her teeth.  "My deek, it isn't
much, but it is enough for that and enough for Davey..."

	"Uh huh...  So, you're almost a hermaphrodite?" I asked.

	"Yes.  If you have to be able to squirt cum and get pregnant, then
only almost..." Toni admitted.  "It didn't seem fair -- Peg, she can only do
the pregnant thing -- so we gave her a deek, didn't we, Baby?"  Toni caressed
Peg's cheek.

	"You did?" Maureen gasped.

	"Well, like mine -- except it doesn't squirt, only feels good.  She
has no cojones, just like I have no womb," Toni explained.  Peg was hiding
her face, embarrassed.

	"Wow!  Can I see it?"  Maureen seemed to be a lot more fascinated
with THIS development...

	"Sure, Baby!"  Toni nudged Peg over on her back and sucked in her
clitoris.  "I think this was a lot easier to do..."  Peg moaned in obvious
pleasure as her 'clit' erected.  Toni released it with a pop and said, "Peg
can go pee-pee at a urinal like a man, if she wants..."  Giggling, she
resumed sucking; I watched her slide a finger into Peg's pussy, too.  Peg
seemed to be almost delirious!

	"So, Dave, what do you think of this?" I asked.

	"Well, neither of them is finished quite yet," Dave replied,
"although Peg is probably almost, anyway.  Toni will take a few days to get
her vagina working.  Ask me then.  For now, though, everybody seems happy --
even Peg."

	"Did you, um, insist?" I asked.

	"No.  Toni wanted it.  Peg wasn't sure, but I didn't force her and
she can go back to normal any time she wants..."

	"I DON'T!" Peg croaked.  "Oh, God, Toni!  There!  THERE!!!"  She
convulsed.

	Toni withdrew 'her' fingers from Peg's vagina and stopped sucking
long enough to say, "The 'G' spot...  She has two now -- one on the
outside..." grinning.

	"That's... educational..." Maureen murmured.  She was pink in the
face.

	"We came to ask about Dr. Mortensen," I said, changing the subject.
Hermaphrodites were all very fine, but we probably wouldn't see many...

	Dave cocked his head.  "What about her?"

	"She seemed to be the opposite of those two," Maureen ventured.
"Sexless."

	"Um, yes.  I'd never thought of it quite that way..." Dave mused.

	"She had no children, no significant other -- and no concubines.  We
were wondering if you thought we were going to get anywhere trying to get her
to take on a man..." I ventured.

	Dave rubbed his jaw.  "You know, you usually breathe a sigh of relief
when a female colleague doesn't seem to have man problems.  That may change,
now, but it wasn't something I thought odd at the time.  June just doesn't
seem to have a sexual bone in her body.  She's always projected this motherly
image -- but it's like 'Mom?  Sleep with Mom?  Eww!  Nobody does THAT!'  Kind
of an 'I don't do that anymore' thing -- except I don't think she ever did."

	"What do you think are the chances?" I asked.  "Do you think she's
gay?"

	"I think she's a void," Dave declared.

	"I do, too."  Peg was up and moving.  "I just don't think she knows
how -- either way."

	"Can she learn?" I asked.

	"Maybe -- but she won't want to.  You need to have your ducks in a
row.  You won't sell the idea with sex," Peg declared positively.

	"Good to know.  Thanks!"  I led Maureen and Tony out of there.  "What
did you think of that?" I asked, once in the hallway.

	"Part of me said, 'EWWWW!' -- but part of me was envious," Maureen
replied.

	"Well, it might be an option for someone -- but there won't be great
demand.  Still, we should bring the whole thing up so the Decurion and
Gonzalo are aware of it," I opined.  "In the meantime, we need to prepare a
proper presentation for Dr. Mortensen."  We probed the AI and got some more
interesting news...  June Mortensen's scores represented her genius,
primarily; the only reason she wasn't an eight point something was the fact
that she had low self-esteem and had buried her sexuality deep in order to
keep from being hurt.  Apparently, she'd had a very rough time in school,
largely because she'd been several years ahead of her contemporaries.  Add
the fact that she'd been a little pudgy as a child and you had a recipe for
disaster on the socialization front.  June had sublimated all this into her
drive to be at the top of her field -- and she had succeeded -- but she had
no social skills.  The AI reported her virginity as intact.  In other words,
she was going to be tough...

                       ----------------------------------

	"Yes?"  Dr. Mortensen opened her door.  "Oh, my!  Did I do something
wrong?"

	Wondering what made Maureen, Tony and I so imposing as to get that
reaction twice in one day, I said, "No...  I guess if I had to describe what
we're here for, it would be something you HAVEN'T done.  May we come in?"

	"Oh, yes, certainly..."  Dr. Mortensen was clearly flustered.  She
was also thirty-eight trying to look fifty-five, with her gray-streaked bun
and her reading glasses.  Instead of a sponsor's coverall, she was wearing a
dumpy housedress.  Seating everyone (except Tony, who knelt beside Maureen's
chair, but not at Attention; his hand was on the chair arm, and Maureen's was
atop his), she settled into a chair and asked, "So what brings you here?"

	Maureen and I shared a glance and Maureen took a run at it, "We were
wondering why you haven't selected any concubines.  You're owed two, you
know, at least..."

	"Oh, my!  Concubines!  I have no time for concubines!  Why, I
wouldn't know what to do with one!  I'm very busy!  My work wouldn't allow me
any time for concubines!  Do you realize that compared to an average
Confederacy citizen, I'm a trained monkey who hands tools to an auto
mechanic, instead of a leading mind in physics!  I have so much to learn, to
understand -- and they aren't making it easy!  No, I have no time for..."

	"A concubine would be able to help you with some of the annoyances of
everyday living," I pointed out.  "A concubine could run errands for you and
such.  Besides, there is that other requirement..."

	"What other requirement?" Dr. Mortensen queried.

	"The requirement that you reproduce -- have children," I replied.

	"WHAT?  Omigod!  I can't have CHILDREN!  Where on Earth would I find
time for CHILDREN?  Impossible!  Just impossible!"  If we thought she was
agitated before, it became apparent that the earlier outburst had been a
minor blow...  "Oh, God!  I'm getting a headache!"