"We have to implement a totally cashless currency before the full impact of replicator technology hits the streets!" the Governor teleconferenced . "You've seen them in action, you can imagine what would happen! We need something that can't be counterfeited by a simple fabricator.
"Yes, while we're at it we have to convert from the gold standard to - I don't know, something abstract like umh... man-hours? Link it to the minimum wage indexed by contract levels or something.
"Alright, call it 'standard' hours then, "wage units" or whatever! I don't care what you call it! And, yes, I guess that will eliminate inflation, if we hardwire the rates before the unions get wind of it. Good riddance to "time value of money" I'd say.
"I don't care how much of a stink the unions kick up. I do not care how difficult it will be to do! And I really don't care who calls us Maxists. Cheese, it's not like we haven't been called worse already!
"Star Trek used Transporter Rations to track replicator usage? Yes, that's a good idea. Very good. But, no, there isn't a substance like 'Latinum' that can't be replicated - I've asked.
"What do you mean the gold standard is already obsolete?
"Oh... floating currency? Since when?
"Really? Fancy that. You learn something new everyday. Right, then, that makes your job easier! You heard me. You're the new Treasurer! Congradulations. Now, get to work."
"No, I don't know how to do it! It looks like you're the nearest thing to an economics expert we have. If you don't know how, find someone who does! Delegate!
"No, don't form a committee - I want it done and I want it done like yesterday. Just do it!"
KA-LIK!
Terminating the connection, the Governor massaged his temples. "How the heck did I get drafted into this position?"
"You were randomly selected from participants who gave optimal answers to the questions on the survey," his computer told him as she retracted the I/O cable back into her EAR while he folded the flat screen back into the desk.
"Gee. Thanks, Cho, that really makes me feel better."
"You're welcome!" she told him chipperly.
"The sarcasm recognition algorithm still needs work, I see."
"Really? Why do you...? ... oh!"
"Oh, indeed, Cho. That survey was conducted by units like you just after the takeover, right? So it was a test instead of just an opinion poll? Well, when a pretty girl asks me questions I can't help but try and make a good impression, but how the heck did my answers indicate that I was qualified for a position of leadership?"
"The primary criteria was flexibility not qualifications," Cho informed him. "You and your peers were selected for your ability to adapt to new technology and ideas for which no qualifications exist at your society's current level of development. It was determined that 'qualifications' would actually be a liability."
"Oh. That explains why we're all sci-fi geeks and not an accountant among us, I guess."
"Sarcasm again?"
"Actually, no. That's resignation."
"You can't resign," Cho informed him seriously. "Although you can be terminated..."
"That's not what I meant and... 'terminated'? I hope that doesn't... Never mind, I really don't want to know. Anyhow, what's next on the agenda?"
"Searching," Cho told him.
Read the comments on this episode
(Posted Mon, 21 Jul 2003 15:57)
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Send a mail to addventure@bast-enterprises.de
or use the contact form.
らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
All other series and their characters are © by their respective creators or owners. No claims of ownership of these characters are implied by the authors of this Addventure, or should be inferred.
The Anime Addventure is a non-profit site.