When the purple light disappears, the doctor comes over to my side and touches the top of my hand, “Was it the other Water woman?”

“Yes,” I say, not wanting to get into details just yet.

“Do you need some medication to take the edge off these emotions?”

“No, thank you. It won’t happen again. Tonight was my fault.”

“I doubt that. Most of the time, like sex, fights take two unless you have mental problems, and I know nothing is wrong with you. Although, the other Water woman, I am not so sure about.”

I shrug my shoulders. “I just want to sleep now.”

“Unfortunately, I must take a statement first. Please, if you would follow me into my office.” I follow the doctor, and he sets everything up in a second and then has me sit on a chair.

“What do I do now?” I ask.

“Please give all the information of what happened tonight, including your attack on the other Water woman. This will be your official account so try not to leave out any details,” the doctor says.

I begin with the Water woman telling me she had purchased my grandmother’s necklace and how much it meant to me. By the end, I feel like a fool for allowing myself to be tricked, but what’s done is done.

“Volunteer 4711, I would advise you to stay away from the other Water woman.”

“I’ll take that advice. Thank you.”

I walk back to my quarters and am happy to get into bed. I think about my grandmother’s locket, and I find it difficult to believe I will get it back. But I remind myself, as the Commander suggested, it may just be a trick as well, so I don’t allow myself to get too excited.

* * *

In the morning, in the Commander’s quarters, we go through our morning routine, and neither of us mentions the night before. After he’s dressed, he leaves for the bridge, and I go through his personal correspondence before starting the laundry. I see one from the auction house. I open it. Inside the message is an image of my grandmother’s necklace. I swallow hard, looking at it. Then I look at the price the Commander paid, and I almost pass out. It’s more than a lifetime of what I’d make working as his valet.

I know he’s a wealthy man but still.

I remind myself that he just bought it without hesitating, so it must not be much money for him, and I shouldn’t feel guilty. He also said it was his fault for taking me to the other ship. However, I can’t help it. I feel guilty, even though I shouldn’t. And then it occurs to me; maybe it’s a bribe or price for me, not my locket, but a release, so the farmers will leave him alone. I think about that for a minute. Did he buy me and satisfy the farmers and me at the same time? Was I just bought and bought off at the same time?