savetheearth

[It had been a few weeks since her last encounter with the snake attack in downtown but she never could have thought that everything would end up like this. Nevertheless, now that she was on the network?

Looks like she didn't have a choice. With a heavy sigh, she finally responded.]

So I got a quick question. Is there anyone here who doesn't want to be a part of this?

No offense but this isn't the type of thing I would go for. If you want to, then go ahead but I'm not suited for this. Between that snake attack and those aliens, there's got to be something else for those who can't handle it. Yeah, yeah, I can go help at the hospital but who wants to deal with seeing that everyday? That's a lot for an adult or even a kid to handle don't you think? What can a 10 year old do here?

[And not die in the process? However, there was some tapping noises coming from her other end.]

Whatever, I just want someone to get the numbers out of my head! I don't need another snake attack destroying the city or killing me!

[But she did have to admit, she was a little curious about whoever that person was that saved her.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Then aren't you quite the adult?

[...Like you're one to talk, Katie]

Only very technically. If you're trying to insult me, you should know that I'm pretty flawed and self-critical.

Oh what shall I ever do? Because I'm not good with these kind of things you know.

I just want you to know that you don't have to feel the need to express hostility. I'm showing you none, and feel none towards you. That being said, if you're stressed and frustrated, I'm a good outlet, in that I take nothing personally.

Of course I'm stressed and frustrated! I don't even want to be here and now that I'm part of this whole problem, how else am I suppose to feel?!

[...]

But you know, you people are too nice for your own good sometimes.

Do you want a job? I know you're really young to officially hire, but if you want to wash windows or vacuum once a week at my store, I'll pay you over minimum wage.

Yeah...isn't that illegal for me to work when I'm just 10?

You've never done chores for someone for a little bit of extra pocket money? That isn't illegal. It would be like that.

No, I haven't. I've always done whatever chores were made for me unless I could handle it.

[Hm...]

But let's say that if I were to work for you, how would that work?

I'd have it like... you come in once a week, sweep up behind the counters and clean the inside windows, and I give you $20.

Shouldn't my grandparents know about this? I still think it's illegal!

[But from the sound of it? She was interested]

I take it your grandparents are your guardians. You could probably get them to sign a permission slip or something.

[He pauses.]

And I guess I could meet with them to reassure them that I'll not be assigning their granddaughter back-breaking labor.

I could but I still don't know if I should. I still think it's illegal?

[....]

But whatever, you want to meet them? Just tell me whenever you're up for it. You'll have to explain how some 30 year old man happened to give a job to a kid out of nowhere.

You're really concerned about the law, aren't you? Maybe you should be a police officer when you grow up.

I'm 25, and I give a job to whoever asks me for one. It's kind of what I committed to.

No, I just don' t want to deal with some shady guy without knowing who is really is. There's a difference!

[That and she is more or less used to doing the 'right' thing]

It still the same thing!

You think I'm... shady?

[He's not as surprised as he sounds. That's a popular opinion.]

...regardless, I'm doing what I can to help the numbered network. Surely that counts for something.

Uh...yeah, you just figured that out?

[He can't see it but she's giving him a look]

I suppose but it's just a weird way of doing it!

I guess I'd hoped that you'd realize I wasn't when you talked to me for a bit.

[It hardly ever actually goes that way.]

Then how is hiring a 10 year old girl to do some work for some guy not weird. Maybe for someone over 16 but that's weird no matter how you look at it!

If it's weird, forget I asked. It sounds like you're supported and have everything you need; someone else who doesn't will be happy for the work.

...

Okay, was this some kind of test? Then what was the point of it?

No test, no tricks. While my preincarnation might have been into those kinds of games, I'm just too busy for them. I've got a lot of people to help and if you don't need help, I'm obligated to give it to someone else.

Of course, I don't need help. If I wanted to, I would have asked!

[Well, not really but...]

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