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looked at a window. The sun peeked through the curtains, which was impossible.
    “Fake view. It’s a television monitor, can simulate all kinds of weather.”
    She picked up a remote control and pointed it at the window. She switched from morning to night, a soft crescent moon replacing the sun. Another switch and it was day again, but overcast and drizzling.
    “That’s impressive.”
    “I can also switch it to play movies, cable, pay per view. Even porn. Do you enjoy pornography, doctor?”
    Bill faced her. Theena was unreadable—he couldn’t tell if she was amused or sardonic.
    “I don’t have much of an opinion on the subject.”
    Theena moved closer, into his personal space. Her breath was warm and smelled of mint.
    “I’ve studied the neurological effects pornography has on the human brain. You’ve heard the old story, that men are turned on visually, while women are stimulated emotionally? Not according to my research. I’ve found that men and women get equally excited, mentally that is, while viewing pornography.”
    “Interesting.” Bill felt his collar get a little tighter, and he fought the urge to pull at his tie.
    “No one else seemed to think so, and I lost my funding. I think this country places too much importance on sex. It’s a natural, necessary, biological process, but we keep it behind closed doors. No good comes from repression, don’t you agree?”
    Her smile sent a shock through him.
    “I, uh, agree. Repression isn’t a good thing.”
    “It’s different in Europe. More relaxed. There is no shame in a naked body. No shame in being open about your sexuality. Have you been with a woman since your wife died?”
    Bill blushed. He was at a loss for an answer. The truth was he hadn’t had sex in over a year, but that wasn’t any of Theena’s business. She may have been born in Europe, but Bill hadn’t had that luxury. Her bluntness made him uncomfortable, and if that was an indication of his own repression, so be it.
    Still, he was flattered to be hit on. If, indeed, that’s what she was doing.
    Theena touched his hand. Bill’s ears burned.
    “Would you like to see Manny’s bedroom?”
    He fought the urge to take a step back.
    “Dr. Boone—Theena, I find you very attractive, but I don’t think this is the right time.”
    “Do strong willed women scare you, Bill?”
    “No. But I wouldn’t want to take advantage of your situation.”
    She moved closer, her hand touching his hip, her long curly hair brushing against his neck.
    “But I’m the one in control, Bill. How could you be taking advantage of me?”
    Damn good question.
    “Your father just died. You’re confused.”
    “He really wanted N-Som to be approved.”
    Bill pushed her at arm’s length.
    “Is that what this is about? Theena, my job here is to review your research and based on that…”
    Theena began to laugh. Her abrupt change of character was shocking.
    “What’s funny?”
    “Sorry, Bill. I was just messing around with you.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “I wanted to see how you’d react, that’s all. It’s strange to find any gentlemen left in this profession.”
    Bill blinked. He blinked again.
    “This—this was a put on?”
    “You’re cute.” Theena touched him on the end of the nose. “But I’m not that easy. And my father did just die yesterday. Call it an integrity check. You passed. Come on, I’ll show you the other rooms.”
    Theena took his hand and led him out of the pseudo apartment. Bill felt as if he’d just been subjected to a battery of psych tests. He had to remind himself she was mourning, and people did crazy things while mourning.
    But had it really been a gag? Bill was positive, if he’d wanted, he could have had her right there. Was he that easily fooled? Or was she that good?
    Or was he that needy?
    “We call this the Sweat Room. Treadmill, Nautilus Machines, Stairmaster, free weights. One of our testing criteria is to judge N-Som’s effects on motor skills and muscle