“Welcome, Mr. Hawkins,” Director Oblinski said with a broad grin as he offered his hand to Derek. “I trust you had no difficulties finding us?”

“None, thank you. Your directions were excellent,” Derek replied as he rose from the sofa in the waiting area.

“Won’t you come into my office? I’m sure you’ve got lots of questions for me.”

“A few,” Derek answered with a nod. The director gestured with one hand toward the long hallway leading to his office.

A variety of three-dimensional holographic portraits lined the walls of the hallway. One showed a pair of racehorses charging for the finish line before a packed grandstand, while another displayed a young lady seated on a bench, her long gown arranged artfully around her. She smiled invitingly as she lifted a single rose toward the viewer. A third was of the interior of a vast cathedral, lit by dozens of candles in elegant candelabras. A nun crossed before the altar, pausing to genuflect in devotion.

The fourth portrait, one of a schooner ship sailing on emerald green seas, was so realistic that Derek thought he could almost smell a tang of salt in the air. He paused to study the picture. The ship bobbed up and down, riding the gentle swells of the ocean as it undulated rhythmically. The bowsprit, as it broke the waves, bore the name Eugenia.

“This ship,” Derek murmured.

“It’s from our pirate scenario. Quite popular, that one, especially for the young fellows like you.”

Derek glanced over at the older gentleman with a chuckle as the pair continued on to the director’s office. “Thanks. It’s been a while since anyone’s called me a young fellow.”

“Pshaw,” Oblinski disregarded him. “You can’t be more than thirty-two, at best.”

“Thirty-four, actually, next Tuesday.”

“Well, then, happy birthday in advance,” Oblinski said as he stepped aside to allow his guest to precede him through the doorway. “I take it your visit to Virtual Suites is part of your celebration?”

“Perhaps,” Derek said.

“I’m sure you’ll be quite impressed with our product, Mr. Hawkins,” the director said as he ushered Derek into his private office.

In sharp contrast to the sleek and stylized office building, this room was an homage to the past. Oak paneling lined the walls, and great bookshelves were filled with books of various shapes and sizes. There was the smell of paper and old leather in the room. Oblinski led Derek to a pair of wingback chairs that flanked a fireplace. A cheerful blaze cast its warmth and light on the scene, a welcome relief from the blustery day outside.

“I imagine you’re quite chilled. We’ve been having an unusually cold winter this year. May I offer you a cup of coffee?” Oblinski swept his hand toward a silver service.

“Please.” Derek nodded as he took the chair to the left of the fireplace.

“Cream? Sugar?”

“Both, if you don’t mind.” Derek grinned. “I like a little coffee with my cream and sugar.”

Oblinski chuckled as he poured a generous dollop of cream into the cup, added a splash of coffee and dropped three cubes of sugar into the mixture. He passed it to Derek, along with a spoon. Derek stirred his coffee as Oblinski prepared a cup for himself and took the seat opposite him. Oblinksi crossed his legs as he blew into his cup, then took a cautious sip. “So, have you decided which package you’d like to have?”

“I’m definitely interested in the pirate scenario,” Derek said and tasted his drink. The coffee was rich and warm, and it drew an appreciative sigh from him. Holding up his cup, he said, “This is delicious.”

“My personal blend. I’m glad you like it. As I told you, the pirate scenario is a particular favorite amongst our clientele. All that raping and pillaging,” Oblinski said with a lascivious chuckle.

“Not quite what I had in mind,” Derek answered as he set his cup on the table beside him. “I’m thinking more along the lines of a privateer. The challenges of battle, you know?”

Oblinski nodded, a thoughtful expression coming into his eyes. “So it’s not so much the lawbreaking for you, then? Well, that’s certainly a change. Most of our pirate customers are in it strictly to explore those darker fantasies that we all have. Still, with your build and the way you wear your hair, you’ll fit right in with the crew. Do you have much sailing experience?”

“Some. My grandfather had a boat. I spent a couple of summers learning how to perform all the different functions. But I’ve always wanted to experience sailing on a great ship.”

“And so you shall! Now, there are a few things I’d like to go over with you.” Oblinski pulled a data pad from his coat pocket and consulted it briefly. “We’ve found that the best way to transition into the scenario is under a light sedation. Here’s your pill, Mr. Hawkins. Please take it at eight a.m. tomorrow. Our costumers will have your clothes ready for you when you arrive. We’ll just have you change into your costume before we begin your E and A session at nine.”

“The E and A?” Derek prompted.

“Sorry, evaluation and analysis. It’s how our computer learns to tailor a scenario to your precise needs. Everything from the ambient temperature of the scenario to the flavors of food served is determined through a genetic analysis. Most of our guests do not mind that we take some liberties with cuisine and historical accuracy. Our primary concern is that you have an enjoyable vacation, so we make sure the food will be to your taste. More importantly, the E and A is crucial for the development of your companion element.”

“Companion element? What is that?”

“It is one of our more select features, one that we do not publicly advertise,” Oblinski said with a conspiratorial smile. “I’m sure you can appreciate the need for discretion. The system designs the perfect companion for you. For some, it is a sexual partner; for others it is a friend with whom one shares the experience. The computer evaluates your companionship needs and programs a companion accordingly.”

Derek leaned forward and propped his elbows on his knees, his fingertips steepled together. “Is it my choice?”

“Of course!” Oblinski picked up his mug and took a long drink. Setting the cup aside, he continued. “If you are attracted to your companion element, then sex will be an option that is available for you. Keep in mind that the computer will be constantly monitoring your scenario and will make adjustments as they become necessary.”

“Just the computer?” Derek asked as he felt a faint blush stain his cheekbones.

“Yes. Should the need arise for human intervention, the computer will immediately notify one of our staff. However, there are security protocols in place for your physical safety. You cannot be harmed in your scenario.”

“Suppose my crew and I raid another ship? What happens if I engage someone in a sword fight?”

“The scenario will be as real as you want it to be in all respects. You are considered the primary character in the scene. All secondary characters are vulnerable to injury or death. Only you are protected by the safety protocols.” Oblinski checked his watch briefly. “Do you have any more questions? I’m afraid we’re running a bit behind schedule this morning.”

“Not right now,” Derek said, rising from his chair, one hand extended toward the director.

Oblinski rose and shook his hand, then gestured toward the door. “Then we will see you at nine a.m. tomorrow.”

“I’ll be here.”