Hi Teachers, Sergeant: “ Why?

Thinking SpainHi teachers, Sergeant:“Why don’t you go out to her place and see if she’s all right?”Policeman:“Who? Me? On a night like this?”Sergeant:“It’s not far. So, you’ve got your bike, haven’t you?” In this conversation the word 'so' it's like a pause word. Like hmm, er, and um, it has no meaning.But grammatically speaking what is 'so'? Is it an adverb, an adjective? Tthanks in advance

I think that "so" is used to start a new sentence (conjunction probably?). However, I'd expect a long pause between the two sentences (the one containing "so" and the one preceding it). The way it's written sounds a bit strage to me.

Thanks for your help. the sentence was taken from a book, and I have to explain it to my students. Still don't know what is 'so' grammatically speaking.

I've just seen this http://www.thefreedictionary.com/so (meaning 7)

I don't think it's necessary in this sentence...

'So' is used after a pause to give a clarification for an action like ' I took you're ball so I can play it with my friends.

or like ' They turned off lights so they can sleep'.

This thread might help you.

http://www.EnglishForward.com/English/So/xkrzm/post.htm

Thank you. It is a great help the web page!

Thank you very much Alephendra. Everything learnt, everything to be learn.