Thanks to Todger 65 for editing.
*****
Prologue: Hansen's World, construction period: 2217.05.25 Terran Standard Year: Second Age of Human Space Exploration.
"What the fuck are these?"
"Careful you idiot. These creatures are expensive."
"So what are they?"
"They're from Cygnus Four. The Boss wanted them exclusive for the resort."
"Shit! This thing's mouth looks like a pussy!"
"Yeah, watch this."
"What the . . .? That looks like a dick! Fuck! I see why the boss wanted 'em. So what are we doing? Building a zoo?"
"Nope, these creatures are going to the park, for the guests."
"The guests? What the fuck they supposed to do? Make them pets?"
"Nope, guess."
" . . . Oh! You mean . . .?"
"Yep, heh!"
"Well! 'Every pleasure imaginable,' I guess. So, what's the acetone for?"
"Them; these creatures sweat one hell of an adhesive. Pretty much superglue. The brain monkeys don't quite know the composition, but the acetone's for the guests anyway. It works."
"Hmmm, I don't like it; means the research on these things are incomplete."
"The guests signed the waivers so we're absolved of liability. We know these things produce a powerful aphrodisiac, real super Viagra stuff, and they breed like rabbits so all of them have to be sterilized."
"I'm still not sure, but I'll be far away when this park opens so it won't be my problem. You sure the safety protocols are in place?"
"'Course. Hey, it's simple enough. S'long's we have glue remover and follow sterilization protocols nothing'll go wrong."
"Right, so why the weird name?"
"The explorer who found them was a fan of some obscure old comic strip. Thought the the things looked like a creature from it. The guy's parents named him after the strip's creator, so he named it as a kind of tribute."
"Oh? Who's the explorer?"
"Al Capp."
****
Dick woke the following morning, showered, and had some spots missed from last night, lasered and electrolysized. "Damn good shower!" In the bedroom, he queried Virginia for a progress report. The holotablet didn't display the avatar but her voice came through the audio.
"There are some unexpected complications," she said. "I am currently configuring an updated mainframe to accommodate Stewardess, plus I'm scrolling through stored shuttles and engines for compatibility. The whole process will take several days I'm afraid. I must apologize. Shall I inform the others?"
"Yes, do so," Dick answered. He didn't feel like explaining to the others that they were stuck for longer than expected, "Not after the fucking whining at the spaceport."
It didn't seem all that bad, really. Several days in luxury accommodations, albeit in an unusual venue. It would give him time to explore; examine what would (presumably with Dad's help) be his soon. First things first or so his rumbling stomach informed him.
The lobby was empty except for Angelina. Her smile was bright, wide, and just a little vapid. "Good morning, Mr. Ransome! I trust you've had an excellent rest? Breakfast is ready in the dining hall. Your passengers are currently dining. You will find the food excellent with no degradation of taste. May I be of further assistance?"
"I know what you can assist me with,"
Dick thought, but said, "No, no thank you. I'll just go and break my fast." He was surprised at her presence, assuming someone else would man the morning shift but then he saw her name tag. "Angelina 127? How many models do you represent?"
"There are two hundred and twenty of me, originally cloned from a prime model. She was very famous in her day."
"Over two hundred, huh? Do all your duties revolve around the front desk?"
"Hospitality is my mandate. However, given the nature and primary function of this resort, I am also available for other . . . duties," Angelina smiled, demure and seductive.
"Other duties,"
Dick thought,
"And there are two hundred and twenty of her."
Then he realized,
"Fuck! I can have fun and not wreck my probation! It's a sex resort!"
He grinned, "I'll keep that in mind," and left the lobby.
He followed the smells to the dining hall. His mouth watered when he saw the buffet, classic old-school, heaped with Terran and non-Terran meats, eggs, vegetables, and cereals. "Hot damn!" Dick smiled. "No more shuttle rations."
The other guests sat at tables around the hall; Robby and Magda ate alone, respectively. Mike and Mandy whispered, giggled, and canoodled. Dick the cynic snorted,
"That won't last long."
Starry-eyed love birding annoyed him immensely.
Mark and Kathy ate together but didn't speak. Sometimes one or the other would glance at Robby, who ate his cereal in his quiet contemplative manner.
Dick piled on his plate, cleared his throat, and spoke while heading to his table. "So, in case you didn't get the news, Virginia has informed me it'll be a few more days before she can get a shuttle ready."
"Figures," Kathy snorted.
"Well, that how it is people, so no use sulking. We're at a resort now. The company's paying for everything so I suggest we make the most of it."
The dining hall was silent. Everyone stared at Dick with expressions ranging from glowering to neutral. "Hey! Don't blame me," Dick said.
Robby resume eating his cereal. As if it were a cue, the rest did the same. A few disgruntled mutters came from the Summers' table, the majority from Kathy.
"God, I can't wait to get to the next port,"
Dick thought.