“My cognitive development leads me to believe that Car should engage in evasive maneuvers and ADA should not rip out Car’s engine.” I do not think anyone is impressed with my contribution to the discussion.

“Does anyone have any waste they wish to dispose of?” Trashbot says.

Proto rarfs.

And while we are having this conversation, Car slows down, activates her turn signal, and pulls to the side of the road before coming to a complete stop.

The police car parks behind us. A police officer exits his car and approaches on our driver’s side where ADA is sitting. A broad-brimmed hat casts shade over his face. Mirrored sunglasses conceal his eyes.

ADA produces a humming noise.

I do not believe this is going to go well.

Car rolls down ADA’s window.

“Well, kids,” the officer says.

“Well, adult law enforcement officer,” ADA says.

I do not know if ADA’s response is standard, but it sounds okay to me.

“Let’s not start off on the wrong foot.”

ADA blinks because she doesn’t know what the officer means. I blink too. But I have learned that when a human uses words that are in my vocabulary but that still do not make sense, they are employing what is called a “figure of speech.”

“ADA, the police officer is using a figure of speech.”

“I know some figures of speech. Shut your piehole,” she says to the officer.

The officer slowly removes his sunglasses. His eyes are squinty. “What did you say?”

“Shut your piehole. It is a figure of speech. It means shut up.”

“How old are you?”

“I am fourteen months old,” ADA says. She seems proud that she so capably answered the officer’s question.

He shakes his head and shows his teeth in a way that I would not describe as a smile. “Okay, I’m not even going to ask for your driver’s license, because you’re obviously not old enough to drive. Let’s see your car’s registration.”

“I am not driving,” ADA says. “This is a self-driving vehicle. But I will comply with your request. Car, display your registration.”

“I am not registered,” Car says.

“This your parents’ fancy talking car? Figured you’d have a little joyride?”

“I am not experiencing joy,” ADA says.

“Me neither,” I admit.

“Nor I,” says Car.

Proto rarfs.

Trashbot asks the officer if he has any waste he wishes to dispose of.

“Two smart-aleck kids, a self-driving car, a talking trash can, and some kind of toy robot dog. On the highway without adult supervision. Have I got all that right?”

ADA and I agree that he has got it right.

“May we go now?” I ask.