THE MOMENT
Edgar sat up suddenly and glanced around at his surroundings. He was confused because he had already been sitting upright at his computer the moment before. The bright white walls and floor looked familiar; but, he definitely wasn't in his own office. He spotted a pale teenage girl with long white hair at her desk. She wore a white blazer with the Sharp logo on the front. Edgar wasn't sure where he was; but, the familiar logo was comforting.
"Hi, Edgar," the teen smiled at him. "My name's Rhapsody; I'm sorry to inform you that you died."
"Oh...," he turned and swung his legs off the leather chaise to focus on her. He instantly accepted it at face value. He knew the company had an Afterlife division and she very clearly worked for them too.
"So... what happens now?" he asked.
"Normally, you would be meeting your caseworker briefly to discuss your long-term goals over the coming lifetimes. Then, you'd be reborn again to pursue those goals. However, you have a long history with Sharp Development and that's why I'm here instead," she replied.
"You've proven yourself to be a valuable employee and we'd like to see you continue working for us if you're inclined to. It's not an obligation by any means and if you'd prefer to get on with your lives, I'll be happy to bring in your caseworker," she said.
If there was one thing that Edgar learned working for Sharp Development, it was to never agree to their first offer. As eager as he was to get right back to work, he sensed an opportunity. He straightened his back and looked into Rhapsody's red eyes. Their demonic glow might have intimidated some people. But he met all kinds of clients working for Sharp Development, including demons.
"Does that come with any sign-on bonuses?" he asked.
"What did you have in mind?" she asked. Edgar needed his decades of experience to keep a straight face. He should have seen it coming; but, it still took him by surprise. He knew that was a loaded question; he'd been on the asking side of that question several times. It meant she already knew what she was going to offer and if he asked for something different, he wouldn't get anything. Thankfully, he'd also figured out how to get out of that question over the years; and, he wouldn't even have to lie.
"Not a thing," he asked. "I just know how generous Sharp Development can be when it benefits the company," he said.
"Right you are," she nodded with a grin. "I am prepared to offer you a permanent contract," she said. "Although, unfortunately...," she subtly shook her head and Edgar almost gave himself away by chuckling. He knew the procedure well enough to know what was next. A little bit of ego bruising was required to make the offer sound like a favor. "...that is the best I can do for an employee at your level. You're an excellent worker, Edgar; but, there are still billions more employees that are better."
"I'm not familiar with a 'Permanent Contract'," he said. Despite their manipulative methods, Sharp Development valued genuine curiosity. Not once had anyone ever laughed at him for wanting to know more about something. He shrugged and elaborated. "I had a lifetime contract.... what's the difference?"
"Your lifetime contract ended when you died," she said. "A permanent contract would keep you employed with Sharp Development, and alive, indefinitely."
"Alive? I'd be immortal?"He asked. Rhapsody nodded.
"Essentially, for as long as the contract is active," she said. "You may still suffer the occasional illness or physical injury; but, you wouldn't die. And, you'd be expected to be at work on time each day."
"That kind of sounds like a dream come true," he said. It felt like they'd both played their hands and the negotiation was over. He would get exactly what he wanted. "Where do I sign?" he asked. He stood from the chaise and approached her desk. There was a red clipboard and pen waiting for him when he reached it.
"Right here," she nodded at the sheet. Edgar did not waste any time scribbling his name and simply drew a red 'X'; it was valid for the purposes of that contract. Although, the moment he did, he had a sudden realization in the back of his mind and he felt a sinking feeling in his gut.
"You said 'as long as the contract is active'. What's it take to make it 'inactive'?" he asked. Rhapsody collected the clipboard and she smirked at him from behind the desk.
"I'm a little disappointed you asked," she said. "You should know the answer already; I did tell you."
"Phew," Edgar nodded and chuckled. "Sorry, I just got a little worried there for a second; I was really hoping it wouldn't go inactive," he said. He knew how that game was played; the chance of it being inactive was meant to be a distraction. She nodded at him with a smile, the pointed at a portal in the air next to him.
"It's clearly labeled as a permanent contract," she explained even though he'd already caught up mentally. "So, get back to work," she gestured at the portal.
"Yes ma'am!" Edgar replied. "This is the best day ever," he mumbled to himself as he walked into the portal. "From now on, even death can't stop me from working for Sharp Development."