Would You Let a Self-Driving Ride-Share Car Decide Where You're Going?

This story is part of Future Tense Fiction, a monthly series of short stories from Future Tense and Arizona State University's Center for Science and the Imagination about how technology and science will change our lives. A handsome boy, 17 and soft-spoken, told Jasmine about an Easter egg. "Try it," he urged, sincerity in his voice and in his eyes as he gazed at her across the tall front desk. She smiled all day at the hotel's guests, chatting with them when time permitted, listening to their stories. Her role came easily: bright-eyed island girl, young and pretty, a white flower tucked behind her ear. "Ah, your parents are here," she said as the couple emerged from the elevator alcove into the expansive lobby, its glittering perfection empty now of other guests in the lull of early afternoon. The boy waved at them, then turned again to Jasmine. "Give it a try," he exhorted her in a conspiratorial whisper. She didn't want to disappoint those eyes. So she played along, teasing, "I might." It was just a little game, after all. "And if it works for you, then tell someone else, OK? Keep it going." "And how will I know if it works?" He answered with a blissful smile. His parents joined him at the desk. Jasmine wished them all a safe trip home. Her shift ended at 4. Still wearing her uniform--a blue, body-hugging aloha-print dress--she left alone through the employee entrance, sighing at the shock of transition from air-conditioned comfort to the withering heat and humidity of a late-summer afternoon. Out of sight but audible, surf rumbled against the artificial reef. Closer, mynah birds chattered amid the heavy bloom of a rainbow shower tree. After a few minutes, an electric cart rolled up, nearly full with resort employees on their way home.