Therapy

    Kevin's office was rather unusual, by the standards of most professions. His desk was off to one side, in the corner, rather than dominating the room, and served mostly as a place to keep his terminal, where he kept records and communicated with clients. A bar took up rather more room, which he kept fully stocked with his clients' preferred beverages. The chairs and couch were far more comfortable than one might expect. But the predominant feature of the room was a large bed, with soft pillows and satin sheets.
    Hardly unusual. After all, Kevin's profession was anything but typical.
    Kevin was skimming through his e-mail when the call arrived. The viewscreen opened to an image of Janet, one of his oldest clients. "Janet." He smiled with real pleasure. Kevin loved to see his clients. But then again, you had to like people, in order to be a sex therapist. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
    "Hi, Kevin." Janet blushed at his gaze, lowering her eyes demurely. "I...I have a friend, who needs your help."
    "Oh?" Kevin's brow arched. "Is she simply looking for a good time, or does she have issues she needs to work out?"
    "Mmmm...a little of both." Janet tapped a few buttons, sending the pertinent data. "Childhood sexual and physical trauma, plus issues with self confidence."
    Kevin glanced down at the data. Then he took a closer look. "I see. I'll do what I can for her, Janet."
    "Thank you!" Janet smiled with utter confidence in Kevin. No surprise there, given his successes with her. "When can we schedule an appointment?"
    "Actually, I'm free tonight. It's either help out Lisa, or watch a movie." He shrugged. "How about 6 o'clock? I should be ready for her by then."
    "Ok, Kevin." Janet smiled. "Are we still on for this Saturday?" Kevin grinned in turn, and Janet squealed. "Goody! I'll see you then..." she logged off.
    Kevin shook his head and banished the memory of Janet, sweet as it was. He had to concentrate on his new client. He began to read the files. An interesting woman, Lisa. Lisa Huntress.
    Born on an arboreal world, named Gaia in the official registry, low tech by native decision. No major cities, aside from the spaceport, people living a hunter-gatherer existence, by willful decision. Kevin smiled. That explained the surname. He read on, and his smile faded. Kidnapped by pirates at the age of 11...    more >>