Chapter Forty-Eight
Nov 8, 2228, Neo Southern California Metroplex, Shadow Zone
Erik yawned as he guided his flitter from his present lane up into one that had fewer vehicles.
A few flitters passed him on their way to their own early-morning tasks. Emma was feeding the navigational arrows directly to his smart lenses, and he’d taken a liking to the method.
Allowing the AI to drive all the time would lead to a skill deficit, and letting her help satisfied her ego. Having a self-aware car was akin to having a daughter, a wife, and an overbearing coworker, all in one.
“The colonel really likes his early morning meetings,” Erik commented, raising a hand to cover his yawn. “Would it have killed the guy to meet me at noon?”
With the thick pollution layer blocking the light, perpetual gloom
