With nanotechnology, implants, and AI, humans became capable of feats only thought of in fantasy or science fiction stories. One of those was the ability to read minds; a side effect of the nanites traversing the air and transmitting data between individuals. Not everyone was capable, but there was one in a million called a ''Reader.''


    The defendant took the stand in the courtroom as the prosecution cross-examined them over a pickpocketing case.


    "Is it true that you had intrusive thoughts? A desire to commit theft?"


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "You mean envy? Everyone is envious of everyone else."


    "I mean, did you fantasize about it …?"


    "Yes, of course. They''re extremely wealthy. But you''ve got no evidence. All of us were tightly squeezed in a crowd of hundreds of people …"


    "That''ll be all," said the prosecutor.


    The defense attorney came up …


    "A simple question. Did the plaintiff, a ''Reader,'' over there disclose their ability to you?"


    "No, actually, they didn''t."


    "Your Honor, I request for an immediate dismissal. State privacy laws dictate that …"


    "I''m well acquainted with our laws," interjected the judge with a gavel. "Case dismissed."