Raife: An Aquadomina Novel Read Online Free PDF

recognized.” The computer stated emphatically.
    “Computer take us to Castrum.” Raife spoke more clearly, annunciating
every word.
    “Request not recognized.” The computer repeated stubbornly.
    Raife looked at her and raised his eyebrow, “Could you please try.”
    Not sure why the computer wouldn’t answer to Raife she stated, “Computer
take us to Castrum please.”
    “Request recognized. Plotting optimum course. Time to Castrum is twenty
minutes.”
    “Why didn’t the computer comply with you this time?” She asked Raife.
    “You are the sole master of the Aquavi and its systems. The computer will
only respond to me or the other Protectorate in times of danger to you.” He
replied softly. “I was testing the system when I asked it to comply with me. It
is running at regulated specifications if it ignores all orders except yours.”
    Sophie felt the pull of the boat as it left the dock. There were other
craft moving around outside and she wondered how this city worked. “Does every
person have a water craft? Do you have to be licensed to operate one?” She
dragged her gaze to look across at Raife. He had chosen the seat closest to the
exit doors across from her.
    “Not every citizen has a water craft, and yes it is required to be
licensed to operate one.” He looked at her and her heart flipped when he smiled
slightly, “You are different Chosen. You are not required to be licensed since
the Aquavi is operated by the PAC.”
    Sophie forgot her last question and had to know, “What is a PAC?”
    “I am a Personal Adaptable Computer. You may call me PAC for your
convenience.” The computer answered for Raife. “As my name states, I am
adaptable and personalized for your use only.”
    “It’s nice to meet you PAC, you may call me Sophie.” She was smiling at
the front of the boat, where she thought the computer might be.
    “The PAC will call you The Chosen or Chosen as is your right.” Raife bit
out then looked away at the other guards.
    “Why is it important for him to call me that?” Sophie could feel her
temper rising, “Why can’t he call me by my given name. It’s a really nice
name…Sophie!” She waved her hands at him. “Try it…So-ph-ie.”
    Raife’s face turned just as red as hers, “I would not disgrace my
position or the unit I serve by calling you by your given name. You are The
Chosen.”
    Before Sophie could continue her argument with Raife, PAC chimed in, “If
you are still interested in gaining knowledge of Aquarian, I can tell you what
you require.” Her attention was immediately turned by the computers offer.
    “Thank you PAC.” She looked out the window and was caught by the fact
that all of the buildings they were passing were only one story. Nothing she
could see was higher than that. “Why are the buildings only one story high? How
many people live here in Aquarian? How fast are we going anyway?” The buildings
were flashing past them and she figured they had to be going fast.
    “We are traveling at one hundred and twenty three miles an hour.” PAC
answered that question first, “The buildings are all one story because they are
floating on the surface of the water and for stability they are not allowed to
be built any higher. The only exceptions to that rule are your home, Castrum
and the Lextrium.” Sensing she was about to ask PAC answered her before she
could, “The Lextrium is the building of law that The Three preside over.”
    “The Three make the laws here on Aquadomina?” She thought back on the
women she had met and couldn’t believe they were that powerful.
    “The Three preside over all higher decision making. The lower courts
argue cases and make laws. If a case makes it to The Three for a decision then
it is final, there is usually no
arguing after they make a ruling.” PAC paused and she waited to hear what he
would say next. “The only person who can make a change after The Three have
ruled is The Chosen. We have not been blessed with