You jolt awake, eyes darting across an alien landscape of sleek metal and pulsing displays…
Gone are the familiar leather and chrome of your workshop, replaced by a visual you can’t fathom…
Your heart hammers, each beat a desperate cry for familiarity…
“Welcome back, PAPA KUSI,” a warm voice cuts through your panic.
You whirl to face the speaker, muscles screaming in protest.
A young woman stands before you, her piercing eyes assessing your every move.
Her attire, a blend of sleek lines and African-inspired patterns, screams of a world beyond your comprehension.
“Where am I?” you rasp, your voice a stranger to your own ears.
The woman’s lips curve into a gentle smile.
“I think the more valuable question is — when are you…”
She approaches and you expect her to gesture her hand for a shake…
But instead she moves in closer and gives you an embracing hug…
“I’m AMARA, the current CEO of KUSI MOTORS and a proud and distant-but-direct descendant of the Kusi legacy — a legacy you started Papa Kusi,” she says, her tone steady.
“And you, my ancient father, are in the future.”
Her words slam into you like a physical blow…
“The future?” you repeat, the concept foreign and terrifying.
Amara nods, reading your thought.
“It’s a lot to process, Papa Kusi.”
Her fingers dance across a nearby display.
“You’ve been dormant for a very long time.”
“We’ve reactivated you as an—”
“AI ECHO,” Amara finishes, her voice gentle.
You shake your head, trying to dispel the fog clouding your mind.
“AI echo? Dormant?” you mutter, the words alien on your tongue.
“How can I be here? I should be…”
“Dead?” Amara supplies, her tone soft.
“In a way, you were.”
She steps closer, moving as if approaching a spooked animal.
“But your consciousness, your memories, everything that makes you you was preserved.”
Excitement breaks through her composed exterior.
“We’ve brought you back to bear witness how far Kusi Motors has come.”
You inhale sharply, your gaze sweeping the room once more.
Unfamiliar details emerge from the futuristic landscape – the curve of a Kusi Motors logo, furniture echoing your old designs.
The only thing familiar is your cane —
The sleek, carbon-fiber cane rests against your leg…
Its smooth surface interrupted by a subtle grid of glowing blue lines — just as you designed it…
At first glance, it appears purely a replica…
But you soon realize it’s your original cane…
The handle still fits your grip perfectly, molded precisely to your hand.
“This is… overwhelming,” you manage, the understatement of a lifetime.
Amara nods, understanding etched in her features — handing you a can of water.
“I think perhaps seeing our progress firsthand would help?” she suggests, eagerness creeping into her voice…
A section of wall slides away, revealing a vehicle that defies imagination.
Its sleek lines and subtle glow speak of technology light-years beyond your understanding.
“This,” Amara announces proudly, “is the latest model of the Kusi AutoPod.”
“The pinnacle of our innovation.”
You approach cautiously, fingers itching to explore its contours.
“AutoPod?” you repeat, the term alien on your tongue.
“Besides the physical design, how is it different from a regular car?”
Amara’s grin widens, excitement dancing in her eyes.
“Everything,” she says, beckoning you forward.
“Let me show you.”
The AutoPod’s doors glide open silently.
You hesitate before stepping inside, your jaw dropping at the interior.
No steering wheel in sight – just a comfortable seating area surrounded by interactive displays.
As you settle into the AutoPod, Amara’s voice fills the cabin, explaining its revolutionary features…
“AutoPods aren’t just autonomous vehicles, Papa Kusi.
They’re a complete reimagining of transportation.
Physical tethering of AutoPods increase speeds by 60% while reducing energy consumption by up to 70%.
And digital tethering nearly eliminates traffic and reducing accidents by 92%.”
Something inside of your mind chimes (you later learn this is called a comm) — and you find a detailed overview waiting for you:
AUTOPOD CORE ADVANCEMENTS:
- Physical & Digital Tethering
- 60% Faster Travel in “Train” Formation
- 70% Reduction in Energy Consumption
- 92% Decrease in Traffic Accidents
- Hazard Detection & Avoidance
- Adaptive Lane Management
- Predictive Route Optimization
You somehow intuitively scroll through the data — simply by desiring to scroll..
As you absorb this information, you can’t help but feel a mix of pride and trepidation.
The future of transportation you once dreamed of has become a reality, surpassing even your wildest expectations…
But with this progress comes new challenges and ethical dilemmas you never could have anticipated…
“AutoPods are fully autonomous,” Amara explains as you settle in.
“But that’s just the beginning…”
The cabin comes alive with ambient light as displays glow to life.
“They can physically and digitally tether to other AutoPods, forming high-speed, efficient trains.”
The AutoPod purrs to life, gliding forward effortlessly.
“They communicate constantly, virtually eliminating traffic and accidents.”
Each AutoPods’ ability to broadcast its intentions and coordinate movements has transformed city streets into an intricate, efficient dance of vehicles…
And even in manual mode, the pods offer unprecedented safety features, warning drivers of potential hazards and automatically maintaining safe distances.
You emerge onto streets pulsing with orderly activity.
You press your face to the window, drinking in the sights of this brave new world.
Your AutoPod seamlessly joins a convoy, accelerating as it falls into formation.
“Incredible,” you breathe, watching the city blur past.
“The energy efficiency must be…”
“Revolutionary,” Amara finishes, pride coloring her voice.
“And your work and ambition and sacrifice laid the foundation for all of this.”
“We’ve eliminated fossil fuels entirely…”
Pride swells in your chest…
But is quickly tempered by nagging doubt…
You turn to Amara, brow furrowed.
“It’s astounding,” you begin carefully…
“But why?”
“Why what Papa?”
“Why bring me back — now?”
“Surely you don’t need my input on such advanced technology.”
Amara’s expression shifts, excitement dimming.
“You are quicker than any history lesson or chapter I’ve ever heard about…
And you’re right,” she admits, her tone grave.
“We didn’t resurrect you just to show off.”
She leans forward, intensity radiating from her gaze.
“We need your help, Papa Kusi.”
“Despite our advancements, we face a crisis…”
