“It is a compliment, Ice.”
“Now you sound angry.”
“I’m not angry. Just a little irritated. Never mind. Forget it.”
Ice watched her thoughtfully. “I read from your internet that something is really wrong when a woman says ‘it’s fine’ or ‘never mind.’”
Alana schooled an unnatural smile on her face. “See this? I’m fine. Let’s go on with it.”
“As you wish.”
Alana took a deep breath and sat in Ice’s chair. “Okay. Have the first one sent in.”
Ice pressed a screen behind him, and in seconds the door opened. He stood behind Alana, intent on observing these interviews and learning what he could.
“This is Nova Windmarcher, Director of Quantum Physics Research and Development for the Imperial Agency.”
Nova was taller than most females and more muscular. She wore her typical stern expression, different from the neutral one most Crimeans wore. But Nova was even more obsessed with work than the average Crimean, and it showed in her impatience with the questions. She’d volunteered, because she said she saw it as a learning experience, but she still seemed eager to get back to her own lab.
“Nova, I’m Alana Watson.”
“Yes, I know who you are.” Nova sat in the provided chair and rested her palms on her thighs.
“All right. Nova, can you tell me how you feel about dating?”
“Dating is a waste of time.”
Alana wrote in the holocube. “Why?”
“The goal of dating is to find a compatible partner. I’m satisfied with my work and social life as it is, therefore I have no need for a partner.”
“Okay, what does your social life consist of?” Alana pulled her hair back into a ponytail and held it with one hand.
“My colleagues and I spend quality time together in a tavern at Moon End imbibing in mild forms of alcohol after we’ve made a particularly worthy breakthrough.”
“I see.” Alana cleared her throat and leaned on her elbows. “What about later in life? Aren’t you concerned you might get lonely without one person close to you to share your life with?”
“Lonely? I’m not sure what that is.”
“Lonely is when you’re alone and wish you weren’t.”
“That won’t happen. I enjoy solitary time, and generally prefer being alone. Avoiding attachments allows me to pursue my interests without interruption or distractions. I see no reason why that would change.”
Alana took a deep breath and made a few notes. “What about your family? Surely you have attachments to them.”
“I’m a decant, lab-created and raised by the Imperial government. I suppose I’m grateful for the life I have, but I feel no attachment to the government beyond loyalty and duty.”
Alana’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times. “But what about love? Haven’t you ever felt anything close to it?”
“Love? Not that I know of. Though I am fond of a special type of steamed coral pudding. I would enjoy eating it every day. Does that qualify as love?”
Alana wrote in the holocube without answering the question. Ice knew the pudding Nova spoke of. It really was delicious, but he didn’t think he loved it. He liked it a great deal.
After a few more questions, Nova left.
“Was her interview helpful?” Ice asked.
“Um, yes. Because I’m starting to see the problem you’re dealing with. Ice, on earth this would be considered a very personal question, so forgive me if I’m overstepping, but have you ever had sex?”