"You know, I work over in the cybernetics lab at ArtHume."

Great. He was following me. I angled for my ancient car, a converted antique gas guzzler now outfitted with an electric motor that hiccuped sometimes. I yanked on the door handle, pretending not …

A barista pulled levers on a machine that belched steam, grinded a few gears, and jiggled menacingly. If it wasn't bolted to the floor, the ancient contraption would surely take off through the roof.

"Caramel Frappé with a side of coconut oil!" barked th…