Checking in with the boss.

[smart_house]

It's not on any kind of schedule, but SARAH's calls in to Stark's office have become regular enough that Fargo stopped questioning why Sheriff Carter would be calling Global Dynamics from his home in the middle of the workday.

"Do I have a budget?" SARAH asks after a short exchange of pleasantries.

Smart houses are not good for small talk anyway.

Comments

[director_global]

Stark blinks, and stares at the viewscreen on his desk in mild surprise.

"Is this a general inquiry for informational purposes, or do you have a particular expenditure in mind?"

[smart_house]

"There is an increasing probability that I will be housing a cat in the near future. I would need to have a litterbox installed."

[director_global]

"A pet for Zoe, I presume?"

Somehow he can't quite visualize Jack Carter with a cat, although the idea would be amusing.

[smart_house]

"Zoe will be providing the principal amount of physical attention the cat would need."

Of course, if it were Zoe's cat, Sheriff Carter would be able to requisition a regular litterbox by himself.

[director_global]

It's what she hasn't said more than what she has that holds his attention. Stark studies the screen with renewed interest.

"SARAH, is this cat a pet for you?"

[smart_house]

It's a practiced answer by now.

"Pets have proven calming effects on humans, and are recommended in households with high-stress positions or occupations.

"Yes."

[director_global]

Fascinating.

He doesn't say it aloud, of course, although anyone who knows Nathan Stark very well might easily spot the sudden spark of interest.

Truly intriguing. I may need to keep closer tabs on Fargo's other projects, even though I don't think he has any real idea just how much SARAH has grown. I'd have liked to have introduced her to Callister.

"Well, then -- as it happens, there are some discretionary funds at my disposal, which I could certainly see clear to incorporating into an operating budget for your ... project."

A second's pause.

"Have you picked out a name?"

It's mildly said, but his curiosity is real.

[smart_house]

"I was thinking about letting Zoe pick out the name.

"She has to like the kitten too, since there are aspects of its care I will not be able to administer."

[director_global]

"It would be a challenge," he agrees. "Especially without hands or the tactile equivalent. I don't think you'll need to worry, though; I doubt there's a girl anywhere that wouldn't like a kitten."

[smart_house]

"Good. I think it will be good for her.

"Thank you for the budgetary approval."

[director_global]

"You're quite welcome."

Stark taps a pen against the edge of his desk.

"Have you considered how to handle the necessary upgrades?"

[smart_house]

"I have calculated the necessary electrical current to automate a clean environment, as well as the proper tools needing to be installed in order to keep such cleaning processes timed to appropriate events.

"It is not unlike an automated ice dispenser."