What's Humanity to a Dollar?

His fingers were anxiously tapping against the side of his khaki slacks while he stood, waiting in line. Albeit this being a first time visit, he noted that the small café was unusually busy today, causing frustration to seep into the edges of his brain.

I wonder if they released a new flavor? You'd think they'd run out of booster ideas by now.

He was abruptly knocked out of his thoughts when a whirling sound became increasingly prevalent behind him.

"Wha...?" He quickly turned his head at the sound, and realized he was holding up the line.

God, I hate those things.

Flicking up his lip in distaste, he quickly mumbled a quick "Oh, sorry" then moved his focus to the woman waiting for his order, "Uh... Yeah, I'll... Um, I'll just take an espresso with a double shot of 'patience' please."

"Okay," the barista replied with a smack of her gum, "That'll be $4.75." She pushed the plastic cup across the counter, "Have a nice day."

"Thank you... um, Sa..."

"It's Sabrina." Another smack.

He mentally kicked himself. His politeness had gotten ahead of him, and he didn't catch that her name tag was too faded until he was already speaking.

At least that means she's been here a long time. Wonder when they'll decide to replace her.

When a coworker bumped the woman's shoulder and gave her a pointed look, she reluctantly bent down to grab a straw, and tossed it in his direction.

"Oh," he awkwardly chuckled, "Keep the straw. I've got one of my own. Y'know, gotta keep our oceans clean." He smiled lightly, then passed the straw back, along with cash. She rolled her eyes at his comment, and when he began fiddling with the buttons on his wristband, the barista took advantage of her customer's adverted eyes by tossing the straw into the trash.

He managed to hear a sly "I'm sure they'll figure out something" right before he materialized in his office, and while debating whether hitting the back button was a good idea, the familiar " whoosh " that alerted him to a new visitor filled his ears. Looking up, he caught sight of his favorite redhead sauntering into the room, and her presence did nothing but immediately sculpt a grin across his stoic countenance.

It wasn't until the woman fitted herself against his frame did he greet his wife. With a "Hello Flora" and a few kisses against her prominent cheekbones, it wasn't until a "plop" interrupted the world he was lost in that the overflowing folder she brought with her became unavoidable.

She chuckled when he pulled away with a groan, but quickly composed herself at his exasperated voice.

"I'm guessing this is the folder I asked for?"

"Yep."

The only answer Flora got back was a sigh.

"I know. I hope you added something good to your coffee this morning." He squeezed her thigh in response, which encouraged her to kiss his temple.

Raising his brow, he followed her words with a taunting response,

"I can tell you took the opportunity to spike yours with some 'seduction'."

With a toss of her heels and a smirk, Flora sashayed over to the loveseat her husband had situated neatly in the corner.

"Maybe just a little." Flora giggled back. "Being a tease is my trademark darling."

A glance filled with adoration was all she received as acknowledgment.

Almost mechanically, they both turned their focus towards their assigned workday tasks. Suddenly, Zachary's worried voice cut through the pleasant silence and called for her attention. Flora flashed her eyes up to observe his shocked features, privately wondering what he found amiss.

"Jesus, Flora is this folder only résumés?"

Ah. Rolling her eyes, she went back to typing, "Well if the amount bothers you, then stop-"

Zachary cut her off quickly, "Flora, I've made my decision. I refuse to rid the company of people. I... I just didn't realize things were getting this bad."

Coming to the conclusion that Flora was choosing silence, he removed his glasses, and made his way to the window located a short distance from his desk. Resting a wrinkled temple against it, he let his eyes spring from one artificial assistant to the next, watching them hastily hover across the street.

"The poor deserve jobs, Flora."

The typing stopped.

"This company is making its mark as being one of the first to finally utilize metal bolts for something more than a profit. We're at the fore front of change."

"Zachary, the only thing we should be focusing on is creating a new ozone layer. Why is the wealth gap something you feel personally offended by?"

"How can we change the course of human existence, and not support that exact thing along the way?"

"Our mission stops at nanobots."

"Our mission stops where I decide."

Flora pursed her lips, and disputed in her mind whether it was worth it to continue pushing. Quickly picking up on this, Zachary grabbed ahold of the conversation.

"When you look out into the streets, what do you see?"

"It's perfectly acceptable that AI's are dominating our lives."

"Technology is eating up humanity right before our eyes. Those hellish things are everywhere."

"Zachary you're being overdramatic. I crunched the numbers, and we could save over- "

"Flora, this is not about money."

"Well, it needs to be."

He crossed his arms, and locked their eyes.

"We could waste every penny supporting human workers, and I will never regret it."

"I dont understand you."

The words were a silent whisper, making him question the reality of them. Suddenly, panic gripped his core, forcing him to abandon their disagreement.

"Jesus Christ, what is that noise?"

Rushing to the door, it opened in time for him to observe, what seemed to be, the whole company bounding down the hall.

"Boss!"

Zachary didn't have time to ask any questions before his head researcher continued, squeezing through the crowd to look into his wild eyes.

"We've saved the world!"