"Yeah, she has a thing about firsts. Though I have to say, the company's already a lot better than I expected."

"I'm glad I can be of service. What were you expecting?"

"Drunks. People pushing me to drink. General boorish behaviour."

"I mean, you'll meet people like Luar who are mostly interested in making a pass at you, but most of them are reasonably polite and will take no for an answer. The ones who don't, well, that's what the wards are for."

"Are they really that fine tuned?"

"If you're worried you can always get a consent button as a charm or necklace."

"I got a standard one from the catalog a while back but it turns out I never really needed to use it."

"Yeah, along with the Goddess' Grace it's more of a peace of mind thing than a real security measure. The wards are already good enough."

Audrey nods. 

"So if you're not making a pass at me, what exactly are you doing here?"

"I can't just want to learn your fascinating history?"

"I'm afraid not, no."

Gianno shrugs. "I won't deny that I think you're attractive, but attractive people are a dime a dozen in the Bowers. I'd much rather get to know your personality and see if we click."

"And if we click...?"

"If we click, then perhaps I'll introduce you to some of my friends in the writer's circle."

"No less than innocent intentions?"

"I assure you my intention to have sex with attractive women is entirely innocent."

Audrey laughs. "Alright, alright, I guess I deserved that one."

"I think the philosophical point is an important one. If you've talked to any of the Bower escorts, you know that they want sex to be something simple and joyful, like food. The whole idea of the Bowers is to take away the shame and worry from sexuality."

"Yeah, Ishaza said that Sunaira thinks we're all metaphorically starving for more pleasure and enjoyment in our lives, especially for sexuality. "A critical breakfast shortage," she called it."

"Wait a second, you know Ishaza? Purple, tall, horns?"

"Yep!"

"I've been trying to get a booking with her for weeks! We talk sometimes at the Vine Court - she's always struck me as articulate and dignified. Ah, do you know the game played at the Vine Court?"

"I don't. Is that in the Blackberry Gardens?"

"It is. The game is to soberly and reasonably discuss love, sexuality and kink while drinking straight Aphrodia. If you're too out of it to carry on discussion, the other members of the discussion group are free to use you as a party favour. It's a game I enjoy losing."

"Oh! You're a submissive, then?"