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[_java_]

When a closed door stood safely between Java's growing desire for candor and a Ram who needed to be kept in the dark, Java relaxed a bit, and began the task of unpacking. Ram had been extraordinarily pleasant since her return, and it was increasingly tempting to explain the situation to him in its entirety; there was a new force in power, after

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[_java_]

Java carried out a fairly lengthy conversation with Virtual Java in her mind, imagining the other woman's comforting responses as she silently explained everything that had happened since last they spoke. Virtual Java, she thought, would be very supportive of her decision to work for Mega; it was the only real option, after all, and a girl had to do what she could to protect herself and her man. And it isn't the first time you've had to lie to him to keep things right, imaginary Virtual Java reminded her; if there's anyone who knows how to pull this off, it's you. Java found this strangely comforting, although she felt obligated to remind V.J. that it was much easier to lie to one's husband when he wasn't being so sweet... The conversation continued, silently, for a long time, until Java remembered that she was being selfish for not asking V.J. about her own experiences. She had, after all, been kidnapped as well, and even programs needed to talk about such things sometimes. At this, however, Imaginary Virtual Java seemed to become uncomfortable, and Java thought it best to give her some time alone. They could talk about it when V.J. was feeling more sociable, she decided; there was no sense in rushing things.

Feeling better after the chat, Java got to her feet, and left her room. She didn't want to be gone too long, after all; Ram had never liked to be kept waiting. As she passed Ram's door, Java glanced inside, and was surprised to see her husband asleep on his bed, his laptop open and running. With a devious little smile, Java slipped silently into the room.