The Ghost and the Chariot

[Excerpt from transcript of Day One]

VEHICLE 421-D: Passenger, wake up.

I: Wha- [unintelligible] ?

VEHICLE 421-D: Passenger, you must wake up.

I: What’s happening?

VEHICLE 421-D: There has been a collision.

I: What’s that sound?

VEHICLE 421-D: Error. There is no sound. Passenger, you have been injured.

I: I can’t feel my legs.

VEHICLE 421-D: Passenger, the cerebral ciugum has been damaged. I cannot access your current health status.

I: What does that mean?

VEHICLE 421-D: The cerebral ciugum that links my systems to the outer level of your cerebrum has —

I: Fuck, I get that! Condense, please!

VEHICLE 421-D: Your legs, Passenger. Can you move them?

I: I think so. There, did you feel that?

VEHICLE 421-D: Negative, Passenger. There was no movement.

I: Shit, fuck! And I can barely hear you over that goddamn noise —

VEHICLE 421-D: Passenger, there is no noise —

I: Alright. Stay calm. What now? Can you call for help?

VEHICLE 421-D: My communications system has been damaged.

I: Fuck! What can we do?