The Ungrateful Bot: A Science Fiction Retelling of Snow White and Rose Red by Ariele Sieling

Author:Ariele Sieling [Sieling, Ariele]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-03-24T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

ASPEN DIDN’T BOTHER leading her through the back alleys and darkened corridors this time. He headed straight for the main thoroughfare. The Industry District was on the other side of the Tower, and walking the entire distance would take several hours. However, as part of the design of the city, architects had created a series of highways built in a star shape, leading directly through the Tower and coming out the other side.

There were several options for traversing it. They could walk, if they so chose, but it was quite a hike. They could also take the autowalk, which was faster, but cost money. There was also a commuter train that ran back and forth, but that required both an ID and money. Not to mention, the trains were always crowded. They packed as many individuals into them as possible.

The final option was to hire a cart. Usually, carts were only seen in the regular pod corridors carrying security, messengers, or the occasional wealthy individual. But from the center of the city, they could hire a cart to drive them across.

This was the option Aspen chose.

Rose was thrilled. She could ride without an ID, as long as he had one, and she’d never been in one before.

The carts were small and spherical, with magnetic wheels that pulled the cart across the floor. Some had roofs and windows; others were open to the world. Aspen chose a closed one, with a barrier between the operator bot and them. This would allow for more privacy so they could talk without worrying about the bot looking at or recording them.

“I’ve never done this before,” Rose whispered as Aspen helped her into the back of the cart.

He smiled at her. “They’re pretty cool.”

“I’m sorry I’m costing you so much money,” she added. She did feel a little guilty and wished she could contribute. He’d given her food, a place to stay, a cash card, and was now paying for a rather expensive fare across the city.

“Don’t worry about it.” He smiled as he slid in next to her. The cart was small, so their legs touched. “I have enough. And I’m happy to do it.”

“Estimated transport time, thirty minutes,” the bot’s voice intoned through the speakers. “Please sit back and relax.”

The movement of the cart was so smooth that once they got going, Rose hardly even noticed it. She stared out the window, watching as the city flew by at a much faster pace than the autowalk, which was the fastest thing she’d ever been on.

Once she’d gotten her fill of the window, she turned back to Aspen and was surprised to find him watching her with a small smile on his lips.

“Have you seen out the window?” she asked.

“I have. It’s very cool,” he replied. “I’ve ridden in these a few times.”

“Oh,” she answered.

She looked around the interior of the cart. It was simple, mostly gray, with a small holder for beverages and a compartment for bags. Up to four people could fit in this particular cart, and it was sparkling clean.

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