He felt her relaxing as he held her. Then he felt her draw herself up into a position that he could cradle her. He put his hand under his lab coat, the one she still wore, and stroked her back lovingly. He could feel her muscles, the delicate bones of her spine, but most of all he felt her warmth.
He answered her, "We can. Whatever you like Reegan, we can do." He scooted them back a little so that he could lean against the almost forgotten pillows. He thought for some time and then decided he should probably be saying something. "This is a deepspace research station. It was originally a military instillation, studying the effects of gravity on light and sublight speed vessels. That was before they invented the wormhole makers. Those dont work way out here, the gravity of the maw distorts them, so everything I ask for has to be hand delivered. I get shipments of supplies, things I cannot make or grow here myself twice a year. I have to put in orders at least four months in advance so I would advise you to start making your wish list now." He chuckled, as his own wish list was very much fullfiled.
He continued, "After they invented the wormhole makers, well stations like this one became obsolete. Most of them were sold to large businesses for use at satalight relay stations. With humanity spreading across the galaxy thanks to the new wormhole machines, communications became more vital. This station is actually small by comparison, and not outfitted with the proper equiptment.
When I came aboard, they were already down to skeleton crew, handling only essential maintenance. Most of that is done by pure robots now. I do a little though, if for no other reason than to relieve bordom. I bought the station myself, for a song so to speak, as it's location and lack of proper equiptment for relay communication makes it undesirable. The government was more than happy to be rid of it, as it was seen as a drain on resources.
Since then I have gotten several pattens. They generate a great deal of income for me. It wouldn't have been possible without my research, which is still ongoing. I suspect it will continue until I die..." He became distant as if living in the past, but this only lasted a moment or two.
He continued, "So I have things, lots and lots of things, but no one to share it with. I tried everything, all those mail order bride things, even offered a share in my wealth for a companion. No one wants to be out here, it seems. No one but me." He sighed as he continued to stroke her back. He pressed his nose to her hair and inhaled. She smelled like fruite extract.
He kept his monologue going, "You came here almost by accident. The last deliveryman, the one before you came, had a crewd model companion android. he claimed she was better than a real woman...I won't go into the details they are not really fit for polite company. At first I did not like the idea, not for itself but for how he used it. His adroid was little more than a slave. As I thought about, it, though, I contacted the company. They claimed that the unit I had seen was an older model, probably second or third hand. Their latest model, they claimed, was a perfect faximile of humanity. They had perfected algarythems for mimicing emotions. I asked if I could have a pretty female unit who would be able to function as a social and work companion. The perameters I gave them, I confess, were vague on the physical and even emotional. I asked that you have a full suite of scientific knowledge so that I wouldn't have to teach you about my research for you to help me with it. To be honest, I'm not even sure that matters anymore, my research I mean. I have all that I need now, you see, since you have arrived." This last conveys far more than stated. It implies that she far exceeds his expectations and his growing attachment to her.
Again he thought to himself for a moment or two before continueing, "No no, of course I will continue. Some of the things I am working on could have long term benfits for all of humanity. Though I have nothing pressing immediately so a vacation could be easily arranged. Not one where we would leave here mind you, we don't really need to leave."
It is possible that she is able to detect a small note of fear in his voice. It is more than possible that she detects the other signs of fear in him as he speaks about leaving. Perhaps there is something there?
"No there is so much we can do here...right here in fact that I could have a nice long break from work and never have to leave..."