Acquiescence

Much to Mike’s surprise, Layla and Becca immediately agree to have the surgery. Layla shrugs when he asks why. “As you explained, it’s considered a simple thing here. And everyone has it, as I understand. Without those translators, we’re dependent on you to understand anything here.”

Becca nods. “It just makes sense. Besides, what if we want to flirt with your cute girlfriend there.”

Alicia laughs. “They have a point, although kidnapping you means they need to do a little more than flirt.”

Mike nods. “Well, that makes things easier. I don’t know how long this will take, but you’re in good hands with Damon.”

Layla thinks for a moment. “That would be the serious one, correct? He seemed to be in charge.”

Mike chuckles. “As much as anyone is, yes. It’s pretty easygoing here, but he basically runs things.”

Becca smiles, looking at Mike and winking. “You sure you don’t want to keep an eye on us too?”

Alicia laughs again. “I think that one might have plans for you, Mike.”

Mike rolls his eyes. “I have a pill for each of you. It’s what they use instead of a gas for anesthesia here. When you wake up, there will be a short calibration that the system will walk you through, and then you’ll be ready to go.”

Both of them take the pills, seemingly without hesitation. Mike nods, and leads them out of the room and into the medical area.

“You two get comfortable, and Damon will have you set up in no time.”

Becca grins again. “You sure you don’t want to keep us company?”

Layla sighs. “Becca, enough, contain yourself. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time for you to flirt.”

Even as she says that, however, Mike can see her glances towards him. Alicia clearly notices as well. She giggles and whispers to him.

“I think you’re starting to have an affect on both of them. I wonder how long they’ll wait before giving in.”

Mike smiles. “We’ll find out, won’t we. Regardless, you two will be fine, I apparently have other tasks I need to get to.”

With that, Mike and Alicia leave the room, and head back to the meeting room, where Damon greets them. The others are gone already. Damon looks up from the screen he is reading, and nods.

“That went well, I’m glad. This will take a few hours, so I suppose you two can participate in whatever debauchery you have planned. Just come back once you’re finished.”

Alicia laughs. “You sure you don’t want to join us? It’s a celebration, after all!”

Damon rolls his eyes. “Go on, have fun.”

Mike laughs as Alicia practically drags him from the room. She leads him down to her door, and stops. “You go get cleaned up, I will go to join Kyrie and Liam. We’ll be in her room, don’t keep us waiting too long, big guy…”

With that, she bounces up and kisses him on the lips. With a big grin, she heads down the hall. Mike watches her go, and then head inside for a shower.