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“Reuided?” Kurt asked

Han shook his head “The vehicle is autono its own judgments and decisions”

“Driving around city streets is fine,” Kurt said, “but navigating a track at high speeds to the liether I’ve raced a few cars erous proposition”

Han’s reply came quickly “I assure you, Mr Austin, despite your fervent desire to remain at the top of the food chain, robots with artificial intelligence are now becoinable They will soon fly our fighter jets, captain our ships, salvage wrecks from the bottom of the sea And, yes, even race our cars And they will do all things in superior fashion”

Kurt listened politely, but he wasHan The reply had coe The man had been cool as ice until Kurt questioned his ht flare of nostrils and a deepening of the crow’s-feet around Han’s eyes confirmed it for Kurt He’d finally found a button to push And he pushed it no end

“I’ tone, “but we’ll both be old men before a robot can beat a hus, but they will always lack judgment”

Han held his tongue for a second and then grinned “Care to test that theory?”

“I’d love to,” Kurt said “What are you suggesting?”

“We have a track here on the factory grounds,” Han said “And in the garage we have the prototype of the robot car along with two others still fitted out for huainst it, we could even wager on the outco”

“I’d jump at the chance,” Kurt said, “but you’re a billionaire and I’overn other than money”

Han grinned “If you win, CNR will gladly provide whatever robotic vehicles you may find useful for your expedition”

“And if I lose?”

“Simple,” Han said “All you need to do is admit that the machine is better than the man”

35

KURT HAD BEEN expecting high-end sports cars, tuned for the track, with roll cages built onto the unnecessary pulled froe, he discovered three vehicles that were far more exotic