I stepped out of the train station to see the car waiting for me. I put my bag in the trunk, and was coming around to the passenger seat when the car said, “Wait a minute.”

I wasn’t surprised at the car speaking, since it was one of the automechs—transforming robots—assigned to the Aegis Taiwan regional operations base. What did surprise me was what it said next. “I need a kiss first.”

I stopped and looked at it. “…what?”

“Look at the sign.” It pointed with the radio antenna on its hood. I looked up, to where the big blue placard said “Car Kiss and Ride.” “If you want to ride, you have to kiss the car.”

“It’s just an expression!” I protested. “It doesn’t mean—”

“Do you want a ride, or not?” the car asked primly. “Just plant a smacker right here on my hood ornament and we can be on our way.”

“Is this hazing the newbie, is that it?”

It didn’t answer.

“Oh, all right, fine.” I leaned over and kissed it on the hood ornament. “But if you turn into a handsome prince, I’m leaving.”