WINDOWS

By Mr. David R. Dorrycott

NeNe turned her mobile pot to face Lady Hilaris. Placing her hands together prayer-like she bowed as much as her physiology allowed. Returning to an upright position she locked her eyes on Jacqueline's belly.

"Mistress. If you mean the computer program. Not well" she answered. Her voice was pitched low and soft. "If you are referring to portholes, screens and such. Yes My Lady. I am somewhat slow, but quite thorough."

She slowly backed away from between her two 'owners.'

"I must regretfully inform you that Mistress Snowaters did not spend much time educating me in computer programming."

Jacqueline Hilaris walked past the strange little plant woman, sitting on the arm of her husbands chair.

"Just what were you trained for?" she asked.

NeNe carefully opened a small brass box attached to her pot, rolling forward to hand the contents to Jacqueline.

"As you will see, I was created to be a nanny" she replied. "I was found to have too many defects and was scheduled for recovery. Mistress Snowaters would not hear of it. She bought me and sent me to you."

"What kind of defects" asked Dang.

"Several minor physical problems that cannot be adjusted by surgery or drugs" the plant girl answered. "The major ones are; In darkness I fall completely asleep, I cannot be awakened unless light is applied and even then it takes several minutes before I am fully aware. I am somewhat socially sensitive, and I was also meant to be wet-nurse for Mistress Snowaters children."

“That explains why I didn't wake you up when I came in" Dang replied. "Still, what was the other problem. Wrong chemical balance?"

NeNe closed her eyes a moment before answering. "No, My Lord. The problem is I cannot stop production, and must be drained about every six waking hours."

Jacqueline giggled, absently slapping Dangs arm. "That must cause you problems. How did you handle it during transport?"

"Production ceases in darkness, another failure" NeNe answered. She absently fingered a leaf on her waist.

"Your social problem is your submissiveness?" Dang guessed.

"Yes, My Lord" NeNe half whispered. "Mistress Snowaters felt that, if anyone could teach me to be more assertive, it would be the two of you." She chewed her lip a moment, obviously uncomfortable. "She also felt that, with proper training, I might be an acceptable day nanny for your children."