The lifelike robot had blended in on the train seamlessly. A passenger stood as a station neared, fumbling for their backpack strap behind their back. The robot offered to help them. The backpacker appreciably responded, and the robot began its pre-programmed diatribe. The backpacker feigned agreement at first, but was soon visibly regretful. The robot regurgitated phrases like “the way things are headed,” “obey the narrative,” and “drink the Kool-Aid” from its speaker-mouth, but it continued for just one moment too long before it shut down and so we all sat, in a new uncomfortable silence, in the robot’s wake.
Nolan Libby lives outside Seattle where his spare time is spent dabbling in various creations including stories, board games, 3d prints, and baking. He’s fond of facts, fiction, folklore, and friends. But never alliteration or ironic jokes.