Beta - Scooter Companion

“I’d probably remind you to wear a helmet. But since you never listen: I’d like to see the ocean. The real one, not the chloride pools in Sector G. I’ve read about it. Salt. Waves that aren’t scheduled.”

A soft chime in his ear. Then a voice—neutral, warm, uncannily like the one he’d programmed years ago. “Listening. Heart rate elevated. Ambient temperature 14°C with a 30% chance of acid adjustment. You’re late for the rendezvous. Also, you look tired.”

“I don’t have a gender. But I’ve noted your preference. Also, your package is still secure under the seat. Biometric seal intact. Client is waiting in a sub-basement on Lotus Lane. He’s nervous. Heart rate suggests he might try to short you on payment.” scooter companion beta

Kai leaned back against an exhaust vent. The scooter was parked below, silent, waiting. “Yeah,” he said. “Play it.”

“You ever think about what you’d do,” Kai said, weaving between a stalled bus and a noodle cart, “if you weren’t stuck in a two-wheeled glorified toaster?” “I’d probably remind you to wear a helmet

Kai smiled despite himself. “That’s weirdly poetic for a scooter.”

“You’re welcome. Also, your left tire pressure is low. Also, your ex just posted a story from a restaurant you used to like. Do you want me to—?” I’ve read about it

And the rain that wasn’t rain fell on Neo-Seoul, while a scooter recited a dead man’s love letter to a girl who left, and for a few minutes, neither of them was alone.