“Stop moving!” The artist grumbled at us. I resisted the urge to squirm as my companion’s erection pressed into my thigh. We stood together, nude, bound together by a strip of gauzy fabric around our legs. Bright sunlight illuminated our pedestal in the middle of the studio. The artist peered at us from behind his easel, pallet in hand. Paintings that would have sold for more than my rent leaned carelessly against the wal...

“Jax, my man!” Gio looked up from assembling a pizza as I walked in the back door. “What are you doing here? I thought Omar was driving tonight?” “He asked me to cover his shift,” I replied. “Said he caught something from his roommate.” “Alright, well, I’ve got an order about ready to go.” He held up the receipt. “Looks like you’re heading to the Pearl district.” “Ugh, I hate parking over there,” I frowned. “Wait, what’s...

“Ambassador Patel, we are approaching Treaty Station,” announced the ship’s AI pilot. “Thank you,” she responded. The ship was a small one. Her position qualified her for something larger, with room for support staff, but she preferred this simpler, automated model. If asked, she explained it as a cost-saving measure. No need for support staff on a largely ceremonial annual visit. After all, she would chuckle knowingly, i...