Chapter 2: Stupid AI Butler
Yuka slept straight through to lunchtime.
A smart home robot brought her a warm towel. She sluggishly got up, wiped her face in a daze, and yawned amid the orb butler's yell of "Skincare! Put on your cream!"
After a quick wash, she sat in the aerial garden, admiring the view below.
The planet was a birthday gift from her dad, located on the edge of the Alliance. It wasn't rich in precious minerals, just greener than most, but it still fetched a cool three hundred million astracredits at auction. Of course, this was just pocket change for her dad.
Glancing at her opticomputer, Yuka noticed the messages she'd sent in the morning were still unread. Her dad must be really swamped. Normally, her account would have been topped up with a sympathetic billion by now, and he'd have video-called her personally to cheer her up.
Lunch was a gourmet feast by thirteen interstellar chefs. Yuka picked up her fork and took a bite of steak.
"Master, mind your table manners," the butler chimed.
She ignored it, setting her fork down with a clink.
"Master, chew slowly, like a lady," it persisted.
Yuka opened her mouth wide and gulped down a big bite of cake.
"Master, balance your meal with veggies too," the butler advised.