Chapter 23
X rode a train to the badlands, watching as the ocean fell away and was replaced by grassy fields. The twin city lay in the distance. On the badlands side, a cloud of smoke hung over the rooftops.
“What are you going to do?” Shortcut asked via X’s audio link. X had had a hard time getting used to the fact that Shortcut was everywhere now. He knew everything, and nothing was off limits to him. Though he didn’t have a human body anymore, he was radiant, constantly abuzz with all the discoveries his new, intelligent mind made every day.
“Not sure yet,” X said. “But the UEA is safe and no longer needs me.”
“I’m surprised the Council granted your retirement,” Shortcut said.
“Considering everything we did,” X said as the train pulled to a stop, “it’s the least they could do for m
