Then I remember to check my bracelet. One of the little round lights, which was green, is now orange. How bizarre that they count an orgasm as good health? I think. Then, I can’t help but wonder if the Commander finds me attractive or if he’s now trying to rid his mind of the alien who just pleasured herself in front of him? Regardless of how he might have felt, he managed not to show anything but respect for me, which made me feel like a woman, something I haven’t felt like in a long time. I’ve only been a volunteer. Four-seven-one-one, the mark on my face, a slave and an alien. Not a being with sexual needs. Yet he saw to me personally and respectfully. And while I was touching myself, I imagined he was enjoying himself too. This little fantasy may be the closest I ever get to a relationship on this side of the galaxy, but if this is all I have, him watching me masturbate, then I’ll take it.

* * *

The next morning, I enter the Commander’s quarters as usual. I dress him and try not to stare at his penises, but now that I have this fantasy of him watching me masturbate, it’s difficult not to. I only hope he doesn’t notice.

He says nothing out of the ordinary and leaves for his post. I take the sheets off his bed and his pajamas, all to be washed. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel them to see if there was any residue of dried semen. Any indication that he might have touched himself thinking of me last night, but I could find none. After I visit the laundry room, I return to my room to continue with my language study. As I’m practicing, quite out of the ordinary, the Commander buzzes me. I immediately go back to his quarters, my mind racing. Is he unhappy with me? Have I done something wrong?

I enter, bow, and wait. He’s at his desk, and after he finishes whatever he is doing, he looks up and acknowledges me. “Come here. You must now learn to take over the rest of your other valet duties. Before, another was doing this for you, but now that your Silver language skills are good enough, you are more than capable. I have also added a cultural program that will aid you in these tasks.”

“Thank you,” I reply and move to stand behind him.

But he stands and motions for me to sit at his desk. I’m hesitant after setting the alarm off the first time I was here.

“It is okay. Sit. You will not set off any alarms now. Your DNA is also coded to this screen. You have earned this privilege.”

His words make me feel proud. It’s an acknowledgment that I didn’t realize I needed for all the hard work. I sit, and then he leads me through a series of personal communications. I’m surprised because a lot of them are birth announcements and promotions of Silvers he knows on the Home Planet. I didn’t imagine the Silvers doing the same things that humans did to celebrate these milestones in their lives.