Page 2 of DaR (Darverius, House of DaR #1)

Chapter Two

DAR

“ For the Love of Light , would you stop speaking? I am well aware that you need help around here. I know there are things you can’t do physically, but I just want to come home to some peace and quiet.

Instead , all I get are your constant complaints!

What do you want me to do about this so-called problem of yours? ”

“ You need a housemate, Master DaR !”

“ The frack I do! The last thing I need is another female to put up with!”

“ Technically Sir , I am not any specific gender.”

I rub a weary hand through my hair. I cannot believe I am standing in the middle of my own dwelling, arguing with its intelligent AI .

“ You could have fooled me; a male would not care one way or another about these domestic things. You are this close to me having you removed, unplugged, or whatever it takes to be able to relax in my own dwelling!”

“ If I may finish my Lord , I have a suggestion.”

“ By all means, I am all ears. If it will cease your nonstop chattering, I will do anything!”

“ There is a slave sale going on today on Sybrus One . The red moon apparently has a sale every third rotation. Maybe you could go there and find someone acceptable. I am sure one or more of the creatures being sold at the market have some kind of redeeming qualities; some may have already been housemates before, so they would not require as much training.”

“ Really , SAGE ? You know how I feel about slavery, and the things being sold at one of these markets do not come with proper papers. Half are either felons or are being sold against their will. And why would I want to bring some diseased vermin into my own domicile any-frackin’-way?

This is supposed to be the one place where I can relax and not be on guard constantly, or must I always sleep with one eye open.

But no, we need someone who can dust and work in the frackin’ yard! ”

“ Sir , I am trying to be helpful. You will not let me send in a requisition request for a robotic AI , and I need additional assistance keeping up the appearance of your dwelling. I am also aware you are against slavery of any kind. Might I suggest that once they are established here, you can reward them with some type of compensation, which would make you feel better about the situation. It should also make the being look more favorably upon you and possibly even gain their loyalty, in time.”

“ Fine , fine I’ll go. But I swear, if you moan or gripe in any way about what I bring home, I will have you disconnected!”

Slinging my cloak around my shoulders, I stomp toward my personal flier.

Once I fling a leg over the seat, I take a deep breath and put my hand flat on the controls.

The familiar rumble of the machine comes to life underneath me.

As I impatiently wait for the atmospheric top to settle around me, I wonder the entire time how SAGE talked me into this shet.

“ Tordan , prepare my ship for departure. I will be arriving shortly.”

“ Yes Sir , it’s being fired up as we speak and will be awaiting you in dock seven.”

“ And Tordan , I will need clearance codes for Sybrus One . I will be departing with one guest.”

“ Confirmed , Commander .”