The Escape
Chapter Three: Alice
At the same time as Emma was struggling against the desires of her flesh Alice was finding it hard to get any rest. The events she had witnessed back in the city had made her edgy and though she was sure they were safe here it was still hard to sleep. Tossing and turning in her bed eventually Alice gave up and decided to explore the craft again. Just a quick look around might make her feel sleepy. Leaving her room she made her way toward the top deck where she took a while to look at the strange pod-like devices that covered half the level. They stretched out in rows and rows, each with its own small control pad next at the front. Alice approached the nearest one and casually tapped the control panel not expecting much to happen but surprisingly it sprung to life. A blue light filled the inside of the pod and the domed glass door swung open on its own. Alice jumped back and quickly moved away, scared of what the device might do. She hurried back down towards the quarters but slowed as she saw the door to the Holodeck. She'd never been in one before but a little escapism might help her fall asleep.
The door slid open and closed quickly behind Alice as she entered. The room she had entered was completely black apart from a glowing green grid pattern on all sides which lit the room slightly. Alice was drawn to the only thing in the room that wasn't black or green. A small glowing touch screen was on the opposite wall and when she'd got close enough she could see its text. Presented to her were a series of options each with its own button. Running her finger down the list Alice eventually came to an option simply called 'Relaxation' which she pressed. Straight away a blue light shot out from the screen almost blinding Alice but disappeared almost instantly. She blinked and tried to focus again. The screen now read
'Relaxation Program Selected;
Scan Complete;
Client Trigger: Jealous;,
Starting...'
The bit about jealousy made Alice raise her eyebrows momentarily but before she had a chance to think about it the world around her changed. First a green gridded layout of a room took form and then in an instant everything seemed to take shape and colour. She looked around herself and was amazed to find herself standing in a large expensive looking bedroom. Another quick look around and she saw herself in a large full length mirror. She looked like she was ready for a fancy evening out. Her hair was fixed perfectly, make-up just right and the dress she was wearing was so elegant. Alice stared for a moment before shaking her head to remind herself that none of it was real. A man's voice came through the open bedroom door.
'You ready yet honey? We don't want to miss our reservations.'
'I er um' Alice replied as a man joined her in the bedroom. He was tall, dark, well built and very handsome. Alice felt her mouth freeze and her eye's stare. He was everything she'd ever dreamt of.
'Everything ok?' He said crossing and without warning pulled her close holding her. 'You look gorgeous' He said quietly to her. Alice had no experience of Holodecks and was a little startled by the physical touch and the complete immersion of it all but the embrace of this dream man calmed her and she decided to play along. This whole thing was supposed to be relaxing so she was going to relax.
Ten minutes later she was being driven to a restaurant down wide expensive streets. She had managed to piece together bits of what was happening. The man and her had just got engaged and were heading out to celebrate. He had picked a new place on the edge of town that put on a show whilst you ate and they had to be there dead on seven. Everything seemed so real. Every so often she had to remind herself that none of it was there and that once the simulation was over she would still be floating through space. It didn't stop her wanting to enjoy it though and believe it in some way. It was all she had ever wanted and it was here.
They arrived and were seated with plenty of time to spare. Drinks were brought to them. Alice stared at hers. A glass of Rose that was a strange pink shade. It smelt right and to her surprise it tasted right too. This Holodeck is incredible. They even get the flavours right. She thought to herself.
By the time the food was served Alice was on her third glass of wine and had a warm excited tingly feeling in her stomach. Her partner and her had been making eyes at each other and playing with each other's feet under the table. As they started to eat the lights faded and the restaurant became quieter. Alice became aware of a stage at the end of the room which was now fully lit drawing everyone's attention. A suited band came out and took their places at the back of the stage. Moments later a young woman walked out from the wings. She wore a flowing green dress which showed off her perfect figure. It had a split down the front which revealed miles of cleavage highlighted by her flowing dark hair that fell past her shoulders. Her dark skin glowed in the light. Alice couldn't quite make out the woman's face. Every time she came close the woman would turn or her hair would get in the way. As the band started playing the woman took the mic and started singing. Her voice filled the room as she hit every note perfectly. It was smooth and flowed seductively with every word.
Alice listened for a while before turning back to her table. She took a few mouthfuls of food before realising that her companion hadn't stopped staring at the woman on stage since she came out. Alice coughed gently to get his attention back to her but he ignored it. She tried rubbing her foot up and down his leg but he simply moved to face to stage straight on. The show went on and Alice became more and more fed up with being ignored. She had a few more glasses of wine and wasn't quite thinking like her old self as she stared daggers at the woman on stage.
'Why are they all staring at that tramp! I could do what she does! She's just an evening entertainer, nothing special.' She thought to herself. Somewhere along the line she had forgotten that it was all a simulation that she could end at any moment she chose but the jealousy and the fuzzy drunk feeling seem to obscure everything.
The singer announced she would take a short break and everyone turned back to their tables.