The Mistress and the professor walked along a rain-wet path lit by a sliver of moon hanging low in the west. It had become their habit to take walks to discuss his work instead of written reports. It was her idea, because she enjoyed the company of someone sometimes wise enough to understand her problems and she already had more than enough paperwork to read.
“Rumors say that you've been manipulated into donating to one of your staff,” she said in her casual tone that he had learned sometimes masked displeasure.
“Ah, I see. That was supposed to be kept quiet.”
“There’s little that happens here that I don't know about eventually. And your staff, as you know, are special cases and of particular interest to me. Besides that, anyone with eyes will have noticed a change in her. Surely you have?”
“Yes, I have. But why do you say 'manipulated'? Do you think I've been tricked?”
“Perhaps you're unaware you've been the subject of their manipulation before?” She casually watched his face for the surprise she expected, only to be disappointed.
With his own measure of casualness he replied, “I'm not unaware of the possibility but I'm unsure I believe it. Besides, are you perhaps unaware Beatrice came to me to confess and apologize?”
“Did she? So, it was her. She continues to surprise me.”
“She did tug at my heartstrings, if that's what you meant by manipulation. If it is, I submitted to it and I would do it again.”
She sighed and her tone changed to concern, “You may have to, you know.”
“If the other two asked, I'd be willing. I think.”
“You may have to set limits. They may want more than you can afford to spare as an on-going affair. If I don't have to step in and stop this, I won't. I trust you to manage it.”
They walked on for a bit before the Professor changed the subject. “This affair has put an idea in my mind that I'd like you to consider.”
“Go on.”
“I found my way here because I was looking for help to end things. There're many like me who want that kind of help for various reasons. Good reasons. But there are many who, also like me, might make a big mistake going down that path.”
“And?”
“More and more jurisdictions are making such final assistance legal. You’ve just one very secretive setup here that can do that. But suppose you established places everywhere it is allowed? As you’ve said, your people are considering coming out to the world but neither they nor vampires themselves know how you’ll fit into today's world. This could be it; exit counseling and exit assistance. But it has to be both, you see? People mustn’t mistake it for just wanting to satisfy a thirst; vampires would have to do their best to dissuade people from being hasty. Help them find purpose and reasons for going on, just as you did for me. Vampires could become valued members of society. And there wouldn't be so many of you in depression for lack of a meaning in life or so many starving for blood.”
“You may have something. I must give this some consideration. Our lawyers will need to go over the idea but it sounds promising.”
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