Taxes & Taxonomy (Sample 4)

First Written    Tue Sep 14 02:20:51 2021
File Modified    Wed Feb 14 18:32:26 2024
Latest Upload    Thu Sep 19 03:09:54 2024

Eyes still glued to his digital page, he asked Sigrid another question to pass the time.

"Penny for your thoughts? I promise this isn't a sting operation for currency trading." After seeing Sigrid's reaction, he added, "Sorry, just kidding."

"You offered the penny. So even if it were, this would be entrapment under Republic civic code."

"I didn't know you were so well versed in Republic law."

"Know thy enemy," she said, smiling for the first time that night.

She paused long enough for Juan to start a thought, then continued, "Sorry, just kidding. I have to know these things in case a client tells me all their sins."

"Right." He wasn't sure how to respond, but scrolling through more reports offered him a way out, at least until Sigrid decided otherwise.

"Do you ever put that thing away? It's refreshing. Just sitting and being. Not searching for things to keep your interest, just waiting for something interesting to happen instead."

"That sounds like an exercise in not having any agency. I like being connected to my world. It's also kind of my job."

Sigrid rocked backwards into her seat. The bean bag's lack of a back would have lead her into a fall if her backpack hadn't provided the needed counterweight.

"I don't need to know what's going on with the Republic every waking moment. The Republic seems to need, or at least want me to, given how it tempts me with easily accessible feeds and streams at a moment's touch. Literally - these little impant arms have network chips."

Her metal fingers danced in the air, mimicking Juan's typing and tapping. She continued, "When I say no to knowing, I keep my grip on one of the few levers I control in that power dynamic. Try it with me, Juan. I'm bored and I want to be entertained."

"Fine." It made sense that Sigrid didn't care about Republic news: she had her clients to amuse her. He put his tablet away and crossed his legs and arms, making a purposeful show of copying her. Doing so only pleased her.