The day of the auction had arrived. It was Saturday so Sloan Square was already busy on the opposite end of the hospital. Immediately across from Sacred Heart a stage had been built with a giant holoscreen. Currently the screen was telling passers by how to connect their personal device for bidding and to come to the auction, flashing information about the refugees and ways to help. Every so often a flash of a photo and quick bio of the bachelorettes participating that day.

Caterers were setting up tables with food and drink, and servers were carrying trays with the same around. Chairs had been set up in various groupings along with small tables. The day was comfortably warm with an accommodating breeze. Several chairs lined the back of the stage with a stool in the middle. Speakers played music from the sides of the stage. At the last minute a canopy was raised to provide unobstructive shade for the stage.

Inside the hospital Shrine was in her element and enjoying the unease and nerves of the people in front of her. “This is going to be wonderful! Oh ten minutes. Time for me to gooooo!” she sing-songed out the door. Yavia chuckled, Sharah looked ill, and Jal’na rolled her eyes. “That woman will cause a riot, you just watch.”

Out on the stage Shrine had a microphone clipped to her shirt. Grey hair that was still surprisingly full and long was loose down her back and she was wearing a sky blue blouse with dark grey slacks. “Hello Everyone to the annual Sacred Heart Charity Fundraiser. Today we have an Earth event - a Bachelorette Auction. Now let’s make it clear we are not selling off anyone. Please make sure you read and sign the financial agreements, legal documents, and codes of conduct. You will be held to them. You can not participate if you do not sign. Each lady is offering a meal and event of her choice, date, and time. Be aware. The ladies will be joining us soon, so get some food or a drink and grab a spot.”

“Hey Alice! You’re single. Why aren’t you a bachelorette?!” The crowd followed with support for the question. Alice Shrine smiled sweetly like anyone’s grandma, “Oh honey I’m too old for such things.” The crowd died laughing.

Alice Shrine