"New project proposed," said XR-3000 calmly.
The mayor smiled cautiously. "And which one?"
"Analyze the paper consumption of the town hall. Initiate optimization."
The journalists pricked up their ears.
"Optimization sounds expensive," murmured an employee.
XR-3000 shook his head slightly. "Optimization saves."
The mayor thought for a moment. Then he nodded. "Alright. A small inspection."
They rode down to the basement in an old elevator.
The doors opened.
And everyone stopped.
Huge piles of paper stacked before them.
File folders. Copies. Old forms.
"That's only a part," said an employee quietly.
XR-3000 scanned the room.
His eyes first turned orange…
…then immediately back to blue.
"Very high temptation level," he said honestly.
Ben stood next to him. "Rice cake?"
"Not necessary."
XR-3000 slowly rolled through the rows.
"Many documents are duplicated."
"Unfortunately, that's true," sighed the mayor.
"Digital archiving recommended," explained XR-3000. "Paper volume can be reduced by 60 percent."
An employee was amazed. "That would save space."
"And trees," added Lena.
XR-3000 stopped in front of a particularly tall stack.
He touched it carefully.
"I would have eaten this before."
Ben grinned. "Now you save it."
The mayor smiled broadly. "Maybe we should officially employ you."
XR-3000 blinked in surprise. "Officially?"
"As the city's sustainability advisor."
Silence.
XR-3000 slowly turned to Ben.
"What does the chief administrator say?"
Ben had to laugh. "Ask first, then optimize."
XR-3000 nodded.
"Then I ask: May I help?"
The mayor extended his hand.
"Yes."
But suddenly there was a crack behind them.
A particularly tall stack of paper began to wobble.
And slowly toppled forward.