Binary Love (18+)

Madame Berkley

Nova could hear her walking towards them from across the room. Each step was punctuated by a sharp 'clip'; a strangely satisfying sound that only a pointed heel could make on polished wood. Even with the low hum of music and the unmistakable fervour of sex, Madame Berkley's commanding stride could be heard above it all.

When Nova caught sight of the woman in question, she finally understood why so many in the galaxy had paid good credits just to ask The Mayflower Madame to step on them.

She embodied authority and power.

It wasn't that Nova hadn't known what Berkley did for a living, it was just that her friend had never exhibited her 'working vibes' over comm. In The Mayflower, she came across as some dark goddess, draped in black silk fabric, cinched in at the waist with an obi corset. A diamond necklace sat artfully around her throat, with large precious jewels resting on her delicate collar bone. The slits up the side of her dress flashed her creamy thighs, drawing the attention down to the black killer heels on her feet.

Occasionally, she would grace someone with a small smile, a little finger wave, before her sharp eyes scanned the room. There was no doubt that she was looking for someone in particular.

When her hazel eyes connected with Nova's, a genuine flash of affection crossed her features. That quickly disappeared to surprise though, when she noticed Mark sitting next to her.

Nova's stomach clenched in nervous anticipation and a flash of guilt. Madame Berkley was her friend, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was betraying her with the farce she was about to pull. There wasn't much time to ruminate on those thoughts though, as within seconds she had arrived to their booth and let herself in.

"Nova, it's good to see you!" Madame Berkley reached over the small drinks table to gently squeeze Nova's hand in greeting, before she settled herself gracefully on the spare floor cushion next to her. Rouged lips curled into a devilish smirk, as she turned to look at Mark.

Just as Nova opened her mouth to say hello back, Berkley waved her hand as if to shoo away her words, never taking her eyes off of Mark.

"Forget the pleasantries and introduce me to this handsome companion of yours. He must be quite something for you to invite him along." Despite the husky, casual tones, Nova could pick up the undercurrent of Berkley's words.

She was not happy that Nova had brought an outsider to their private meeting.

Mark squeezed her shoulder, while his pierced ear flicked in agitation. He wasn't fond of the implication that he should leave, but somehow managed to keep a straight face.

"You already know him." She blurted out the first thought that came to mind, flustered at being stuck between two very domineering people, while she heroically tried to pretend that there wasn't an orgy happening a few feet away from her.

"Pardon?"

"I mean, well you see, this is Mark." Nova's hands waved about, frantically gesturing between the three of them. Her cheeks were already pink from her heated tussle earlier, but now they were positively flaming with embarrassment. Switching to a hushed whisper, Nova leant closer to her friend's ear. "He's got a different body now, but he's still Mark 3."

The seconds of contemplation were almost too painful to watch, as Berkley kept a blank expression on throughout. For a moment, Nova was worried that her friend wouldn't believe her - there was an unmistakable glint of apprehension in her gaze, something that held her back from believing without definitive proof.

What was worse though, was the look of utter dejection from Mark. He was clearly deeply hurt that she was unable to recognise him. Pulling his arm away from Nova's shoulders, he clenched his fists on his knees, his gaze lowering as his ears pulled back in reservation.