"I'm half-assing this,
which, to me, is a sign
that I don't care enough.
So now, if you'll excuse me."

With that, she walked out of the room and turned the corner.
The five of us sat around the table in sheer disbelief, laughing.

"Miss! Wait.
Your level of honesty is quite commendable,"
said his Honor between breaths.
"You're more honest with us than I am with myself.
You're hired."

I wasn't sure how serious he was.
I don't think any of us were, even him.
A moment later, she came back around the archway and stood under the keystone with her arms crossed. A nice effect, one might comment.

"Nice effect,"* said I.

There was a glare. I know that glare..

"When do I start?"

"When will you care to?"

There were several seconds of silence.

"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship, your Honor."

"I hope you're right. For both our sakes."

Without skipping a beat, she retorted that
"hope is a sign of vulnerability, your Honor."

"Vulnerability can be a sign of courage, young one,"
came our familiar voice of wisdom, equally on tempo.

"Yeah!" Said I.

A smirk cracked the veil of her face.
Where have I seen that face..

"I care to begin right now."

"It pleases the counsel to hear that, miss.."

"Anya. That's all you get.
Now, let me see to the spectacle.."
She walked back out the room, turning the other corner.

My heart grew heavier the instant it clicked.
I knew I knew that face. ***** be crazy.
"Oh, *******," I told myself. "It's her!"
"I know!" I replied.
*"This oughtta be good."