Part 15 of some new science fiction. If you're just tuning in, consider starting with part 1. The image above was created with stable diffusion.
Once James used his Servant to make cell phones and bicycles for the Visitors, many of them began embarking on independent adventures. They were followed at all times by people from the government, though they didn't seem at all bothered by this. Right away, many Visitors expressed interest in getting Jobs. James found this surprising. Suit didn't like it, but when it became clear that the Visitors would seek jobs regardless of his objections, he got them all tax identification numbers and made them promise to file their tax returns at the beginning of next year.
There was a large public ceremony to mark the assignment of the tax ID numbers. It took place in a stadium named for a bank and thousands of people attended. The sponsoring bank inserted itself into the proceedings by opening an account for each Visitor and distributing account information alongside the tax IDs on stage. The Visitors played along somewhat theatrically, like they were participating in a child's game.
After the ceremony, the military presence in the neighborhood all but disappeared, though the police presence remained decidedly heightened. Suit stuck around, becoming slightly uptight after moving out of the hotel he'd been staying at and into a regular condo. Janet, too, remained in place, hunting for any information she could find on Visitor technology.
Krissa began dating Cobalt, texting a play-by-play to James. Apparently, Cobalt was as considerate as he was clueless. James was just reading about Cobalt's hilarious kissing habits when Beige burst through the door, moaned, then fell onto the couch. James looked up from his phone. "What's up?" he asked.
"I have been fired," said Beige. "Me! Fired!"
"You were working at that lawn care place, right?" asked James.
"I wanted to care for lawns," lamented Beige. "That seemed like a noble and rewarding occupation. But then they told me to spray poison on the lawns. Poison! I said I wanted to care for lawns, not poison them. And they said I was fired."
"Were you placed through Aqua's recruiter?" asked James.
"I found the position independently," said Beige. "I wanted no preferential treatment for my Visitor status."
"Well, getting fired is what that looks like," said James. "Plus, it sounds like that wasn't really the right job for you. Maybe look for an organic landscaper or something."
"Maybe when I'm done complaining," said Beige. "They didn't care for lawns. They strangled them. And they treat their workers like robots. Is there some authority to whom I can complain about the company?"
"Only if they're breaking the law," said James.
"Boss," said Yarn from the doorway. "The Canadians sent a team of special forces to kidnap a Visitor, but we caught them."
"The ... Canadians?" asked James.
"A rogue faction of CSIS," said Yarn. "Aqua says everyone's accounted for, but I thought you should know."
"I guess it makes sense that countries without Visitors would want in on the action," said James. "But Canada? What next? Luxembourg?"
"Do you want to respond to the foiled plot on your socials?" asked Yarn. "Suit says don't respond, but you know."
"How about something good and cryptic," said James. "Shame on you CSIS, with no context. Something like that?"
Yarn sighed. "I feel like what you really want is for me to make a meme about it," she said.
"Would you?" asked James. "That would be great."
"Could I ... make a meme about getting fired?" asked Beige.
"You sure can!" said James. "Aqua's running your socials. She'll walk you through it."
"What's this?" asked Aqua, appearing in the doorway next to Yarn. "Come to the office, Beige. We'll create your first meme."
Yarn took Beige's place on the couch. "There's something I need to talk to you about," she said.
"Okay," said James.
"Two things," said Yarn. "I want to hire someone to help with my duties and I want you to start doing more media appearances."
"If you find the right person, let me know," said James. "But why should I do more shows? I thought I was doing just enough to appease the masses."
"Well, you need to start taking in more money," said Yarn. "A lot more."
"You always say that," said James. "What am I supposed to do? Go on tour?"
"That's not the worst idea," said Yarn.
"You know what?" said James, chuckling. "I bet we could make that fun."
"You do?" asked Yarn.
"Why not?" said James. "But not all of the Visitors could go. They have obligations now. Is splitting up even a good idea? And you. Would you go or stay?"
"Maybe go," said Yarn. "If I can hire someone to cover for me here."
"Fine," said James. "We have to ask what the Visitors think, and I still have to approve the new hire. But fine. As long as I get to actually have fun."
"Putting people to sleep without their consent is assault," said Yarn.
"I know, I know," said James. "There are other ways to have fun."
"I'll put together a code of conduct for you," said Yarn.
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