EXTRACT FOR
The Vikings
(Terri Pray)

"Jen?" 

Jen didn't move, refusing to respond to the familiar voice. Sure, she knew who it was, and what it meant, but the idea of standing up from the all too comfortable couch. A day of rest, for herself, with nothing but hot chocolate, endless old favorites on the holo, and shutting out the world, had been exactly what she'd needed. At least until she could find the time to head out to the lakes, away from the press of the city.

"Jen, if you're there, answer. I've got a potential job for you. We spoke about it. Come on, pick up. This one's good and I know it's ideal for you." Phillipa's voice rang out from the screen.

Jen groaned. It wasn't as though she didn't enjoy the work, and the past few weeks had been quiet for her. Partially because she'd been ordered to rest beyond the normal time period after an annoying virus had managed to work its way into her life. Though the healing tanks were great for most things, they didn't work against any form of virus, and she'd been forced onto medication while her body recovered. 

Only a couple of days ago she had finally returned to normal, where food had tasted right, and she'd celebrated with a little overindulgence. But did the call have to come in today when she still had a couple of movies to watch and had no plans concerning work until at least tomorrow.

"Jen. I know you're there. You haven't been able to leave your quarters for ten days, and you've only been seen once since you were given the all clear. So, answer before I send Reggie over to roust you out of bed the hard way. I'm not in the mood to be played here. And you're one of the few women I'll admit to about my moods, so do us both a favor and answer." Phillipa growled. "I'm bloody worried about you, okay?"

Jen rolled over and looked at the monitor. She could have ordered it to respond but whatever happened Phillipa deserved more than that. It wasn't like Phillipa to be so forceful with the women who worked for her, especially those with the costly adaptations such as the implant Jen had. Uncertain and more than a little curious, she made her way to the desk and settled in, touching the screen. "I'm here, I'm here. I was taking it easy. Resting, you know? Like you keep telling me to do." She flashed a grin to take the sting out of her words. This had better be good, because boss or not if Phillipa was being a bitch it wouldn't end well. Not that the other woman was often like that, she treated those working for her with both care and respect, whilst still keeping control of the situation. "I was planning on hiding for the rest of the day. Yes, I'm better than I was, all cleared of the virus, but I thought about being selfish and taking more in the way of me time." She regretted it the moment she spoke. There was something in Phillipa's eyes and whatever it was she didn't like it.

Sometimes the job was too hard on the women who worked in this industry. It didn't matter that it was no longer illegal. There was still a social stigma firmly in place for the majority of the men and women who worked in the sex industry. It didn't matter that they were willing, of age, and took care of themselves. That they had to have blood tests every day - which wasn't an issue as it took a single drop of blood - or have full medicals several times a year, with a preference for at least one every other month - they were still seen as beneath contempt.

"You finished?" Asked Phillipa.

"Yeah, sorry. I should have grabbed a coffee. Hot chocolate day." She hefted the mug. 

"Alright, you're awake and alive, all that good stuff. So, whatever, you have every right to be bitchy with me when I'm normally the one telling you to rest and recover." The older woman took a deep breath, then continued. "Look, I'm sorry about this, but this is a short notice job and you're the only one who could fit the bill. It's one you did show an interest in last month, before anything was booked." Phillipa sighed and rubbed at the back of her neck, the tension obvious through the screen. "I really wouldn't do this if there was any other way, but I need someone who do take the job in the next four hours. And yes, they're paying a premium for the short notice. You've got your medical clearance; I saw it come in the other day. You've done your daily blood test, so we're all good there. Are you up to it? I mean, really up to it. Not saying you are when you could do with a little more down time. I'd understand if you're not. I do push you hard when you're able to work."

"It depends on what the job is, you know that." She wrapped the shawl from the back of the chair around her scantily clad form. She seldom wore much in her apartment, seeing no point. She was comfortable with her body, both naked and dressed, confident with her looks, and there was nothing better than being safe to walk around buck ass naked. "I'll be honest, with how I'm feeling, it would have to be damned good to drag me in. I have a bottle of wine chilling, and a steak I'm ready to throw on." Steak and mushrooms, lots of mushrooms she'd grown in mono tubs. A range of oyster mushrooms with various flavors. "I wasn't going to start nudging you for work until next week. I guess the last few months and this virus took a lot more out of me than I thought possible."

"Yeah, I know, I understand, but this is a multiple scene commission, and one of your favorite time periods. The main client has put in a lot of research, well, more than I ever have when it comes to historical time periods. Hell, anything historical that's older than a hundred years." Phillipa chuckled. The information sheet printed out almost instantly, depositing itself into Jen's hand. "They've checked off some basic S&M play, but nothing too intense. However, they've also indicated that it might step out of anything that could be classed as mild. So, you have to be open to that idea. But I know, with you, that's not a problem."

Jen couldn't help but smile when she read the background sheet, and the questionnaire. S&M scenes were never a problem for her, in fact the harder the better, she was a little strange that way but it was one of the many reasons why she'd stepped into this lifestyle. Why she not only enjoyed the work, but actively sought it out. "Alright, you've got me there. I do enjoy this sort of work. Nice rates as well. The secondary, have they been lined up?"

"Yes, Lili has agreed to work the scene with you. She's been guaranteed no major S&M play, just some light slapping around and she doesn't have an implant so she's going through a quick hypnotic session first. Client's insistence and we'll have multiple safety watchers in place. Should be interesting though if she doesn't break through the hypnotic suggestions. She's a little on the strong-willed side, still it's what the clients wants, and he isn't willing to wait until there's a second woman with the implant who's available."

"Picky, isn't he?" He wasn't the first one to demand a scene with a time crunch. The more stressful the job or life the client led, the faster the stress levels built up. Stress that needed an outlet where is where women like herself, and a few men, came in. 

She looked down at the list in her hand and smiled. Some clients wanted the world, but in all honesty, this was an easy enough assignment and she'd enjoy it. "Okay, I'm in. The price is worth it. But no early morning wake-ups or short notice scenes for at least a week. The week after my recovery mandate if that's needed. I could do with the knowledge I'm not going to be yanked out of a good dream." And that she might have the time to slip out of the city.

Phillipa laughed and leaned back in her chair. "You've got yourself a deal, and you'll deserve the rest after this one. These sorts of scenes tend to be rough on the system, even with the implant. I'm also trusting you on this, if you're not up to it, or you feel something going wrong, say something. Your implant will allow for that with the right download." The older woman's eyes narrowed, her voice calm. "I know what your medical report says, but I need to hear it directly from you before I tell him this is going ahead." 

"I'm fine, Phillipa, honestly. Trust me on this one. The med center wouldn't have released me for the work if they didn't think I was fit enough, and I'm not about to risk my long term career by doing something stupid." Jen rubbed her temples and tried to keep her anger under control. It wouldn't be right to lash out. Still, there were times when her boss could be overprotective, but with the way she'd seen some of the new comers to work pushing themselves, she couldn't blame Phillipa for stepping into the realms of overreacting. "If I wasn't fit for the work, I wouldn't be willing to accept the job. Fair enough?"

"Okay, okay. I'll hold you to this. Sorry, I'm being a bit much. Just that Kareena pushed herself too far yesterday and now must spend a week in and out of the vats. If she'd just told me she wasn't feeling good, been honest, then?" Phillipa's voice trailed off. "But it was my job to check on her fully before letting her work, and I slipped up. "

That was Phillipa, she took responsibility for things instead of placing all of the blame on the girls. 

Jen's heart sank. "How is she? She should have known better than to risk herself like that. All it takes is one pissed off client left hanging, and her reputation is shot." Not to mention the agency as a whole. Kareena, now there was a woman she needed to slap down a time or two in the near future. This wasn't the first time the other woman had pushed too far and let Phillipa or clients down after agreeing to the assignment. But it would be the last if Jen had anything to do with it.

"Her body just needs a decent break, with no major physical issues. She doesn't like it, doesn't like the idea of that long without work, but I've ordered her to take at least four weeks. The enforced time off will help her rethink her actions and situations. You know what she's like. She doesn't stop to think about her body, or the rest it needs. She focuses on the money she could be earning instead of recovering mentally and physically." Phillipa rubbed her temples then forced herself to appear calm, though Jen knew the signs. She'd seen them often enough. "I'll see you here in about two hours, then?"

"I'll be there in time, don't stress yourself, ma'am. Please." The use of the title, one she rarely used, brought a smile to the other woman's face, though it barely touched her eyes. 

"I look forward to seeing you." The screen turned blank leaving Jen alone in her apartment.

She frowned and looked at the paper, going over the details. She could enjoy this one, just as she had with one or two others in the past few months, but this one would be special.

In more ways than one.

A long shower, a little time with the right members of staff, and she'd be ready for the show. Though her body was more than ready now. Heated, hungry, and eager for what lay ahead. Yet she could enjoy what waited for her. She'd be able to slip into the role, and the enhancements would shut out her knowledge of the modern world, her work, and what she was doing prior to the appointment. 

In the moment, when she served, when she gave the men who came to her for their fantasies, she would recall nothing of her life outside of the fantasy.

Nothing at all.