Mason awoke the next morning with a renewed sense of optimism. He had called Marina after returning home the night before. She had been happy to hear from him and asked him how his day had gone. From there they moved into small talk. Mason knew of the way interactions between men and women used to be. He had just held out little hope for anything other than the shallow AI based conversation of a compandroid. Most of the population had been warned that the genders had been seperated and made “coequal” because in the presence of each other they became bestial primitives enthralled to their hormones. Mason knew that this was mostly propaganda, but there was no denying the attraction of the fairer sex when they were in their glory.

By the end of the conversation Mason had invited Marina on a date. After the invitation had been offered and happily accepted. He realized he had little to no idea how a date worked. Most of what he knew about dating came from the old stories and movies. He’d played off his naivety by attempting to be mysterious.

Now that morning had arrived Mason was faced with planning said date. When it came to history there were the more wholesome depictions in the films from the 1950s. Then there were the sex and hook up filled movies from the 90’s and 2000’s. “I think it starts as friends who are attracted to each other,” he thought to himself as he showered. He followed that train of thought as he shaved and selected a polo shirt and a pair of slacks. It was while he was dressing that he saw his copy of the Caracassone board game. He often joined friends for a game night. Why not surprise her?

At the decided upon time Mason arrived at the fountain in the center of town and found Marina waiting. She was dressed in a gray pinafore dress and blouse with long flowing sleeves. Her hair had been styled into large soft curls, and the effect left Mason speechless.

“Is something wrong?” she asked when she noticed his momentary silence.

“Not at all,” he began. “You look beautiful.” he added.

“Thank you,” she began with a blush. “I made the dress myself.” she stated after twirling about.

“You have a real gift.”

“Thank you.” she glided up to Mason. “You look quite dashing,” she looked up at him with a smile.

The new couple started by strolling down Main Street. They window shopped, visited stores, and left awed onlookers in their wake. They paused at the cafe for parfaits and ventured into the Founding Park. The Founding Park was gifted to Madison by the government in honor of their successful founding. It featured acres of lush flower beds.

“So fragrant.” Marina sighed. “I know that I could never create a garden like this. But I do like a nice garden stroll.” she added.

“Some guys have won prizes for their plants. I do well to remember to water the neighbors plants when they go on vacation.” Mason admitted.

“Your too busy playing cupid.” she Marina giggled.

“What do you mean?” he paused.

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“Delivering box car loads of movies and books. I shall treasure my copy of ‘An Unexpected Bride’. Such delights!” Marina told Mason about one of the treasures she had found At the morning market. The period romance novels from the old world were barely protected by cultural history laws and the city elders did their best to stamp out curiosity into what life might have been like before they formed the colony.

“The way the counselors wanted to get rid of those box cars and us was truly a sight to behold.” Mason chuckled. “At least I know that we made one person happy.” he added.

“Those poor creatures in the city. Denied such treats.” Marina clucked.

They continued on until they reached a large building that looked as if it were a pioneer lodge. The building was made out of logs, had a metal peaked roof, and tall windows and doors. It also had a historic marker plate on it and a sign in front of it.

“What is this?” Marina asked.

“This is Founder’s House. It was the first building built when the settlers arrived. It’s now a place for retreat and reprieve. I think that’s why they built the gardens around it.” Mason explained.

“I thought maybe we could sit and talk over a game of Carcassone in the game room.” he continued.

“That sounds charming.”

Mason was certain that the attendant at the desk gasped when he held open the door for his date and even more surprised by Marina. He recovered and after signing the guest book they entered the game room. The game room featured reproductions of contemporary 20th century furniture and featured several round and square tables with cushioned chairs. Along the walls were shelves that housed various board and card games. The walls featured pennants from tournaments that had been held in the past. After retrieving a copy of Carcassone from the shelf Mason guided Marina, to a table, pulled the chair out for her, and then sat down across from her after she was seated.

“I have never played this game. Will you teach me?” Marina swept a stray curl back allowing it to momentarily wrap around her finger.

Mason happily explained the rules and before long the game had began. Marina had been disappointed that there were no pink meeple game pieces but had settled on red. Mason had selected blue. In deference to his companion, Mason chose to be player two. Marina placed the starting tile and the game began. While they played the talked.

“This is a good game.” she observed after placing a city tile and placing one of her meeple in it.

“I’m glad you like it.” he placed a tile nearby in hope of slowing her progress. “Some people are really good and compete.” he added.

Marina picked up the next tile, looked at it, and then looked at the tiles that had already been placed. She then placed the tile between Mason’s city tile and her own creating one whole city that contained both of their meeples in the same city.

“Cooperation can be more beneficial than going it alone.” she replied. “Points for both of us and no hard feelings.” she added.

A gasp could be heard from the doorway. The couple looked in the sounds direction and found the doorway empty.

“What do you suppose that was?” Marina pondered.

“Uh.. I don’t think that anyone has ever seen a compandroid like you.”

“Am I that shocking?” she pouted.

“A little, but not in a bad way.”

Marina seemed more contemplative as the game continued. When the game ended with a tie the couple put the game away and walked back through the garden. Mason felt the difference in his companion’s mood. Mason knew that women thought differently than men, so he was not exactly certain the best way to lift Marina’s spirits. He was used to talking to guys. Being with Marina was a wondrous experience that placed him in long forgotten waters. He did not want to lose the opportunity to see what could be in the future.

“Uh... I hope that I did not say something that upset you earlier,” he ventured.

“You? Upset me?” she stopped.

“The mood kind of changed earlier. I have no experience with this sort of thing,” Mason admitted.

“This was my first date too. You have done nothing wrong. Whoever it was in the doorway got me to thinking. Mason, you are different than the others. A good kind of different,”

“I hope the others will come around. I don’t think the coequality revolution and its extremes are sitting well with the population,” he confided in a hushed tone.

“You are definitely good boyfriend material.” she teased with a light hearted laugh.

The couple then continued back through the park. It was after dark when they exited the gardens and Mason insisted on walking Marina to her door. He did not like the idea of her being out alone. She was a rare jewel and he was determined that she was going to be safe. Chivalry was officially frowned upon, but Marina appeared to delight in the gesture. To his surprise he found that Marina lived in the building one block away from where he lived.

“Thank you for a delightful evening.” Marina said as she retrieved her key.

“I had a great time. We should go out again. That is if you would like to.” he ventured.

“I would like that.” she began. “Mason, do you know what would make this evening perfect?”

“What?”

“A hug.”