"How would you prove it?"

"Hmm, there are some interesting experiments with shorter-lived animals that indicate that, and a general observation that all behaviours evolved so something like that must be going on. And then you observe some supporting evidence like how different cultures at different development levels behave and what happened, hystorically, to the ones that didn't do that, and that starts painting a certain picture. The details are probably not strictly accurate, though, and this isn't proven in the same way, say, quantum physics is."

"I will investigate this new idea. If you assist I will grant a minor boon."

Someone in obvious Spirit Bearer clothes is running toward Sadde...

Predictable. "I can help, sure."

"We will make a deal. The terms..."

"Sofia Los! Wait! I have to, hah, government procedure..."

"Very well."

"—huh?"

"You." She stands up straight and produces a paper from a little pocket on her stone themed dress. "I'm Granite Gallery. I need you to sign this before you continue talking to that genie."

Very Official Form. Mostly saying that any illegal genie transactions are still illegal, irritating or lying to the genie may result in criminal charges, he accepts that talking to a genie is potentially hazardous, etc, etc.

...he'll read this very carefully. What are the illegal genie transactions?

Asking them to make or do illegal things. Mostly that. A few things are specifically mentioned as banned, such as cursing people or altering public property without approval.

From FAA regulations to the federal counterfeit law, it all applies to genies. Also, genie goods are taxable if you get more than $500 worth.

The pages in the genie's books flutter around.

"...Wait a sec, are you eighteen or older?"

"Nnnot really."

Sigh. "I need parent or guardian approval then."

"—erm."

"Either that or you walk away. I've already been chewed out twice for messing this routine up. Sorry."

He chews on his lip. "There's a ghost. I want to rescue her."

"Everyone has good causes for a genie. You have to leave."

"I do not like this," Sofia Los declares. "She has helped me. I will not empower a ghost back to human form for such little help, but I will give her a minor boon."

"Her? Whatever, hold on a sec guys? Gonna call my boss..."

Genie condenses into a vaguely humanoid form, which nods.

"I would prefer you refer to me as a 'he,' actually," he informs the genie, "and I understand this is little help, but we've only been talking for five minutes. I'm sure I can help you more."

"I think they will not allow it. This 'government' is confusing."

He sighs. "It is. See, if I were a bit more than two years older it'd be okay, but since I'm not I can't do anything unless the person who spawned me allows it."

"I do not fight their silly rules. If I did no human would be allowed to talk to me and they might try to kill me."

"I know. It's probably best."

"A small boon is deserved and may go unnoticed."

"I'm not sure what's small, as far as genie boons go."

"Improve your luck, alter your body, provide a measure of gold."

"Erm, providing gold is actually illegal. Altering my body—if it's permanent, I don't, erm, think so—but how does the luck thing work?"

"I set small magic near you. It forms to match your attentions in hidden ways. You may notice a lost object, catch a falling item, or have a correct intuition. Luck is an adequate summary."

(The genie has been whispering this whole time.)