Page 51 of HaL

“We can change anything you do not like, Master HaL.”

“The place is perfect, but it will take me just a tic to get used to some of the finer things that I have never experienced before.

“Wellllll, it has been a day for new things!

Dawn winks at me, and I must turn around and bite my inner lip to keep from encouraging her constant antics that keep me on my toes.

“If you two no longer need me, I have a few things to tend to. Dawn, I will return at last meal.”

“Go do your snowman stuff … I’ll be right here, BIG guy.”

Smiling, I walk out of the room. “Lord of Light, that little female has me wrapped around her finger, and she knows it.”

Glancing down at my comm unit I take in the current time, only to realize Oset should be sparing with some of the younglings and I do believe I need to work off some steam and a little frustration since this is the calmest my beast has been since I picked Dawn up off that frozen tundra.

CHAPTER 17

DAWN

“SAGE, my love, you have outdone yourself.”

“Yes, I do agree. This was not the easiest assignment at all, but I am quite pleased with how it turned out. I also adjusted a few things in your room as well, do you wanna come see?”

“Lead the way, little lady.”

SAGE twirls around, her small holo form dancing across the air, and I find myself playfully mimicking her movements, both of us laughing as we walk into and through the membrane.

This space has also been completely transformed and it now resembles a private closet and dressing area rather than a bedroom/living space. Huge wardrobes stretch along one wall, while oversized beanbag chairs sit in front of the viewers. Shoes, scarves, coats, and other belongings are neatly arranged throughout.

“Dawn, I placed most of the things from your room on ANDI in these drawers and then hung up the rest. I don’t think you will be in much need of the bathing suits and summer dresses here, but I had him pack them anyway.”

“Yeah, I do believe those days are over unless I wear them while in here. At least the planet is not completely void of any warmth because the hot springs were quite enjoyable.”

“I am hoping this suit will help you not feel so sheltered and closed in.”

SAGE twirls her hand and a cabinet I had not noticed opens, and I giggle when I swear it looks like space suits from a Sci-fi movie hanging inside.

“They seem rather large now, but that is only to help you get them on. Once you have them on correctly, they will shrink down to your size.”

“SAGE, let’s see if they work, because I am already getting cabin fever. Even though I didn’t go planetside much, I could still move around ANDI at will, and not being able to leave these rooms sucks.”

I slide off my jumpsuit thingy and start wrangling this massive garment. “Damnit, SAGE, I feel like I’m wrestling alligators. Isn’t there an easier way to get this thing on?”

Looking up, I find her holding her hand over her mouth, laughing.

“Okay, forgive me, Mistress Dawn, but you must realize this is quite comical. Here, let me help you, but you must keep my secret to yourself.”

Before I can blink, there is a woman standing directly in front of me, and I just catch myself from screaming when I realize it’s SAGE.

“Son of a … when did this happen?”

“Oh, I have always had the ability, but I just don’t advertise it. Here, lift your leg and place it in this one first, then we will wiggle the rest up.”

It takes us a minute or so, but before I know it, she is sealing up the sides, and I feel the material start to shrink immediately.

“This part goes over your hair once it’s all tucked in and you pull the hood all the way to your forehead and then hit this right here.”

SAGE moves my hand up to show me where the button is.