Inside things look pretty much as one would expect for a temp agency - there are cubicles with desks and men and women speaking on the telephone, doing paperwork, working on computers, etc. Ghishu is met at the door by a young woman with olive complexion and luxurious black hair. She is dressed in a conservative grey business outfit, and wears the ubiquitous Al Amarjan noose necktie.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to Deadly Temptations," she says - her voice tinged with a distinctive Al Amarjan accent. "I'm Darla Rigatoni - please follow me sir."
She leads Ghishu back to a cubicle that looks like any ordinary cubicle - desk, computer, a shelf full of notebooks. The desktop is neither spotless nor particularly messy. There are two framed pictures - one of Darla and a man dressed in swimsuits on a beach, and one of three children, ranging in age from 6 to 1 year old, obviously taken in a studio somewhere. Darla sits behind the desk, Ghishu sits in front of the desk.
"Now," says Darla primly, "How can I help you this afternoon?"
Being hit by a flashback of the C&I interview, Ghishu's face suddenly wear a nervous expression as he follows Darla through the office. After he sits himself down, he takes a long breath and tries to calm himself.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Rigatoni", Ghishu replies to Darla, "My name is Ghishu, and as you could have probably guessed by the fact that I'm here, I am looking for a job." Another deep breath and Ghishu is back to being his own calm self.
Darla seems to notice Ghishu's discomfort, and smiles reassuringly. "That's what we're here for," she says. "If there is a job on the island for you, we'll find it. You do understand, though, that this is a temp agency. We can't guarantee you permanent work, though many of our temporary positions eventually work into full-time employment."
After waiting for Ghishu's nod, she continues. "Now then Mr. - Ghishu," she writes the name down on the top of some sort of form, "perhaps you could tell me a little about your work experience. That would help me narrow things down a bit."
"You see, Mrs. Rigatoni..." Ghishu starts and then pauses slightly, trying to organize his thoughts and figure out the best way to inform her that he never had a job in his life.
He then continues. "I grew up in a monastery in Japan. I did all sorts of things that you would consider a job here, but I never actually had a job. Most of the time there I spent in martial arts training, but I also did other stuff. I was an assistant to what you would consider to be the monastery's "doctor". I also worked in the library for a short period - this was actually a punishment I got, but it turned out to be enjoyable. And then there is gardening - I was in charge of a small garden on the south part of the monastery, which I worked on 2-3 times a week for as long as I remember."
"I see," responds Ms. Rigatoni. She then begins typing away at her computer for a moment, looks at the screen, then turns and smiles brightly at Ghishu once again, folding her hands on her desk in a businesslike manner.
"Mr. Ghishu, have you ever considered the possibility of becoming a slave?" Seeing Ghishu's undoubtedly horrified expression, she holds up a hand to forestall immediate comment. "I realize that the idea may seem very odd to you, but let me assure you that on Al Amarja our slavery laws are very modern. As a slave you might hold any one of a number of positions - certainly your gardening experience would provide you with excellent recommendations as a laborer on one of the islands many farms. You would be guaranteed food and shelter. Since we're a temp agency we handle only short-term slavery contracts, not lifetime arrangements, so it is certainly possible that we could arrange something for as little as a month, as sort of a trial run, as it were. If you found that you enjoyed the lifestyle - and surprisingly many do - we could look for longer term contracts for you, or attempt to arrange for you to enter into a contract with different duties. If not, well, there are always other possibilities."
She leans forward and fixes Ghishu with her most winning smile. "Give
it some thought Mr. Ghishu - it really is a unique opportunity."
Ms. Rigatoni nods, a serious and businesslike expression on her face. "Certainly I can understand your concerns, and I realize that slavery isn't for everyone. Needless to say, questions such as exact duties, free time, particulars of the work environment, etc. are at the discretion of your owner - although since we deal entirely in short-term contracts the term "lease holder" is more appropriate. Pay includes free room and board, and terms of the contract range from one to six months, though if you enjoy the position you may be able to extend your contract. As for who you will serve, do you have any particular preferences in mind? Any type of person you would like to work with? Most of our short-term slavery positions involve agricultural work, and it seems to me that this is the area in which you have the most experience, but there are also a limited number of bodyguard positions open, and I believe..." She taps the keyboard and consults the computer screen, "...yes! We have a single six-month gladiatorial position available at the moment. There are also a number of personal body servant positions available, and most of these are short term - 2 months or less. Do you have a preferred sexual orientation?"
"Hmmm... " Ghishu mumbles as he considers the options that were laid out in front of him. "The bodyguard position sounds tempting. I wouldn't rule out the gladiator position, although I wouldn't want to commit myself for six months - I was thinking more like a one month trial run."
"I have no preference to the sex of my 'lease holder'", Ghishu continues, "But if I'm considering a bodyguard position, I might as well make it interesting. I'd prefer to work for someone a little different. What I means is that you have your share of bizarre personas here on the island and I think it would be interesting to serve one."
"You know what", he concludes, "I think I'm beginning to like the idea. Just find me someone interesting to work for."
Ms. Rigatoni's eyes light up like she has just won the Al Amarjan lottery. "Certainly, sir!" she says, "I'm sure that you won't regret this decision. You'd be amazed at how many people who come in here looking for paying work leave as slaves."
Although this statement probably doesn't have its desired reassuring effect, that point seems to be lost on Ms. Rigatoni, who is busy typing on her keyboard.
"Here's an interesting one - Her Exaltedness herself needs some workers on her orange plantations! Of course, you would not be under the direct supervision of Her Exaltedness personally, but I can't think of a more interesting person to work for."
Another couple of taps on the keyboard.
"OK, here's someone interesting to work for - there's an open bodyguard contract for Sir Arthur Compton. I hear he throws great parties. Let me see here..." Ms. Rigatoni taps in a few more characters, then frowns at the screen and types some more. She pauses a moment to read what comes up, types, pauses, reads again, then looks at Ghishu, back at the screen, back at Ghishu, back at the screen. She shakes her head. "Um, never mind." Taps the keyboard again, and recaptures her sunny disposition.
"There's a six-month bodyguard contract with a Mr. Moritz Vetter. He's an investment consultant, and that would give you an opportunity to see Golden Barrio. I think that contract is a bit longer than you were hoping for, however."
More typing.
"There's a three month bodyguard contract with a Vibe Valient - a precious metals speculator in Sunken."
Yet more typing.
"Ah, now here's something - a one month contract for Petrushka Vylaska... with that last name I'll bet she's involved with 'Vylaska's Party Favors' in Flowers. Let's see... 'bodyguard work'... 'contract renewable'... 'one month trial'... 'male preferred'. Sounds like just the job you're looking for!"
Ms. Rigatoni leans over the desk, fixing Ghishu with her most winning smile. "I think we've got something here, Mr. Ghishu!"
Ghishu now looks like a little child who was given candies. Many kinds of candies. And he can't decide which one to try.
After pondering with himself for a couple of minutes, he finally replies "Indeed, Mrs. Rigatoni, it does look like you have a bunch of interesting offers. The one that sounds the most alluring is the bodyguard position for Petrushka Vylaska. But tell me, what is 'Vylaska's Party Favors'? Is it what it sounds like? An escort service?"
"Oh no, not an escort service. She sells... well, I really shouldn't go into that, it really isn't any of my business. Lets just say that she provides a service to the community." Ms. Rigatoni seems momentarily uncomfortable. Ghishu's next question does nothing to make her feel any better
Ghishu continues, "The position at Arthur Compton's also sounds interesting. How long is that position for?
"Really Mr. Ghishu, I don't think that's a position you would be interested in." Ms. Rigatoni tries to affect an airy wave, but doesn't quite pull it off, despite her professional demeanour.
"And lastly, can you tell me a little more about Vibe Valient? Who is he? He sounds just like another business man. Not very interesting..."
"Well, we don't keep dossiers on our clients Mr. Ghishu, only our placements. However, MISS Valient is a precious metals speculator, so I assume she is rather well off."
"Hmmm..." is emited by Ghishu as he is reconsidering all the options that were laid infront of him by Ms. Rigatoni. "OK.," he finally says. "I think I like the bodyguard position for Petrushka Vylaska the best. The time frame seems right and I have a feeling that working for her will be quite interesting."
Ms. Rigatoni's eyes positively light up at the prospect of Ghishu's choice of employment (or maybe her commission - really it's hard to tell). "Very good Mr. Ghishu! I think you've made a wise choice, and one that you won't regret." Ms. Rigatoni reaches into a file cabinet behind her, removing a good sized file folder.
"Now we just have a bit of paper work to fill out and you'll be all set." She begins to set out the papers as she speaks, sliding them across the desk for Ghishu to peruse.
"This first form is simply an acknowledgment that you are are entering into a state of slavery voluntarily, and with no outside coercion."
"This second form is an acknowledgment that you have been informed of your legal rights as a slave - don't sign it yet, we'll get to it in a moment."
"This third form acknowledges that you recognize that Deadly Temptations, acting on behalf of your employer - in this case Ms. Vylaska - will be your legal owner for the terms of the contract - in this case one month. We do this as a service to our contractors so that in the event of difficulties - your running away for example - Deadly Temptations will undertake any legal prosecution that results from your actions, freeing the contractor from having to worry about such things. Let me assure you that this in no way alters Ms. Vylaska's authority as your owner for the period of the contract."
"The fourth form is the actual contract, and has already been signed by Ms. Vylaska. You can look it over and sign at the bottom. It states that she will provide you with food and lodging and in exchange you will follow her instructions for a period of one month. You will note that there is an additional sheet stapled to the contract indicating that satisfactory service may result in an option to renew your contract for an extended period at the end of that time."
"Fifth is this packet describing your legal rights and responsibilities as a slave under Al Amarjan law. Lets go over it before you sign this form here.
First, as soon as you sign this form acknowledging that you are voluntarily entering into a state of slavery your legal status will immediately be changed to that of a slave. This status will last the length of your contract: one month from the time the contract is signed. If you look on the form you will notice that there is actually a space for a time stamp on it. In fact all of these forms have time stamps on them - you will need to sign the first form before you sign any of the others, as that form must be in effect when you enter into a slavery contract.
Second, while a slave you are considered to be legally protected under Al Amarjan property law, rather than Al Amarjan criminal law. Any crimes perpetrated against you while a slave are considered to be property crimes committed against your owner - in this case Deadly Temptations and through us as her agents in this matter against Ms. Vylaska.
Third, as a slave you are entitled to a certain standard of living unless otherwise agreed upon during the contract - you will note that no such alternate provisions have been made in this contract here. You are guaranteed food with an average calorie content of at least 1,500 calories per diem, certain minimum shelter requirements including water tight construction and sanitary facilities which must conform to current Al Amarjan sanitation codes. If you had a longer contract, a year or more, you would also be guaranteed a minimum clothing allowance of $75.00 and some holiday time, but those provisos do not apply to such a short contract as this one.
Fourth, as a slave you have certain responsibilities towards your master. These have been quite broadly defined by Al Amarjan law, but amount to doing what your master says, pretty much no matter what it may be, unless otherwise stipulated in the contract. You will note that there are no such provisos in this contract. There are provisions under Al Amarjan law for refusing instructions which are extremely and immediately life threatening, but these have been very narrowly interpreted in the past. In a nutshell your master cannot order you to do anything which would result in your death, such as slitting your wrists, but may order you to take actions which are life threatening but not guaranteed to result in death, such as running into a burning building to retrieve some furniture.
Fifth, the penalties under Al Amarjan law for violation of your contract are severe. Any breech of contract, such as failure to obey an order, attempts to flee from your master, or any form of verbal or physical assault upon your master are punishable by death. Poor performance of your duties, particularly if it results in damage to your master's possessions or loss of income on his or her part, may result in involuntary extension of the contract at the discretion of the Magistrate of the Slaveholder's Superior Court located the Arms Barrio. You should note that since, as previously mentioned, you are not covered under Al Amarjan criminal law you personally will have no standing in the Al Amarjan criminal court system in the event that you are prosecuted. Should such an event occur you will need to hire legal representation on your behalf to speak for you in court."
Ms. Rigatoni slides a pen across the desk to Ghishu then leans back in her chair. She reaches into her desk and retrieves a complex looking device - a time/date stamp - and places it on the desk.
"Now, if you will just sign these forms I can stamp them and get you
on your way. Once we're done with the paper work I'll call Ms. Vylaska
to let her know that you're coming, then we can get you fitted with some
shackles and leg irons, pop down to the garage, and I'll drive you over."
Trying to look calm, he finally says, "Ms. Rigatoni, I didn't expect to march into this interview as a free person and come out as a slave. I have a few obligations that I need to take care of before I lose my freedom. Is it possible for you to send all the required forms to Ms. Vylaska, and I will report to her house tomorrow morning and sign everything there? And besides, I'm not into this shackles and leg irons thing..."
For just an instant Ms. Rigatoni's face registers frustration as Ghishu speaks, before the polite and professional mask slips back into place. While Ghishu is uncertain of the exact nature of the thoughts running through her head, he is reasonably certain that the word "Burger" - said in that certain, special way that only Al Amarjans can say it - figured prominently.
"Da, da Mr. Ghishu, I understand," she says, holding up a hand to forestall further comment. She takes a moment to straighten the papers on her desk before continuing.
"Mr. Ghishu, no one is making you become a slave. You are free to choose to be a slave or not. It was just one option available to you. I certainly have numerous additional positions which do not require you to become a slave if that doesn't interest you."
"Ms. Rigatoni, I will not hide the fact that I don't like the idea of becoming a slave. I'd be much happier if you could find me a job as a regular bodyguard, but I'm also willing to try the slave option," Ghishu says. "What I was asking for was just one free night before I go into slavery. It's probably the way that I said it that made it sound like I'm trying to avoid the job, and I'm sorry if I was misunderstood that way."
Ms. Rigatoni seems only marginally mollified. "Of course you can come back tomorrow Mr. Ghishu. You can come back next week or next month. But I'm afraid that until the contract is signed I can't guarantee you the position. If you walked out of here today, promising to come back tomorrow, and someone else walked in this afternoon and qualified for the bodyguard position at Madam Vylaskas, that person would get the job and you would not. I'm afraid thats just the way it works."
She shrugs. "Also, I am afraid that the requirements for shackles and leg irons are non-negotiable. Its required under Al Amarjan law - one of those older laws still on the books from the 1700's I believe. Many people feel it adds to the ambiance. Needless to say they are only required during transfer - you wouldn't be much of a bodyguard if you were kept shackled all the time, now would you?" She attempts a small smile.
"As for additional positions..." she taps the computer keyboard once again, then reads the results on her screen. "Sad Mary's has an open contract for short-term fighters and performance artists. It pays $100.00 per fight, win or lose. Shaina Rainmondi has a temp position open as a security guard. Pay isn't specified. Winds of Change - that's a casino - has an open contract for security, $2,500.00 per month, one month contracts only. The Dog Faces currently have a temp opening - more of a trial period than a temp position according to this," she taps the screen, "Are you good with animals?"
She turns away from the screen. "Mr Ghishu, have you considered applying at one of the various security firms in the city? They may be more to your liking than any temp position I could offer you."
"Although the bodyguard position at Madam Vylaska's sounds like something I would like to explore a little further, I think I'll take your advise and give myself a couple of days to look for a job at one of the security firms," Ghishu concludes. "If I don't find anything, I'll be back to sign the papers."
Ghishu then seems hesitant and uncertain if to ask the next question. "Ms. Rigatoni", he says, "you probably guessed already that I am new to Al Amarja. I would really appreciate it if you could give me some pointers on the different security firms on the island."
Ms. Rigatoni's eyes seem to glaze over, just for an instant, as if she were watching something nobody else can see (she is, in fact, watching her commission go whizzing straight out the window). Then she mentally shrugs, remembering the important fact that good service leads to repeat business, and smiles again. She reaches into a desk drawer and pulls out an Al Amarjan telephone book for The Edge. Flipping through it she murmurs "Lets see what we can do here...." After a moment she looks back up.
"Mr. Ghishu there are numerous security firms here on Al Amarja, but not all of them will take just anyone. You don't strike me as the type that the Glorious Lords would be interested in, and you don't fit the description for a member of the Ares Gang either. Some of the other firms, such as Dunkleburg, only hire experienced people, so you would have to work up to them. Let me give you three suggestions. Bear in mind that I personally have never encountered any of these organizations, so I know them only by reputation.
"First, there's Armorguard Security in Sunken. They have a good reputation and pay well, though you would have to start off at the bottom of course. The problem with Armorguard, at least as far as you are concerned is..." she pauses, considering, then remembers that she doesn't have a commission riding on this anymore, and can afford to be honest. "Well, to be honest Mr. Ghishu, its your dress. If you have better than you are wearing now, I would suggest that you put it on before you go to Armorguard. They deal a lot with rich Burger, and their agents are expected to dress, and act appropriately. Forgive me if I have offended you, but I just thought you should know. Anyway, their address is 600 Endeavor St., Sunken Barrio. The phone number is 713779.
"Next there's Safe N' Sound security in Justice. I'm not certain about them - I really don't know too much about them. I've heard that you need to be really... SERIOUS about security work to work for them. They mostly protect businesses. They're at 12 Hangman's Alley, Justice Barrio. Their number is 678022."
"Finally, there are the Dog Faces in Four Points. I know less
about them than either of the other two - I don't go to Four Points.
What I know is that they hire people on a one-month short term contract
to see if they work out, and take them on for longer if they do.
They aren't listed in the telephone book, but I have a contact number for
them." Seeing the possibility of a commission reappearing, as if
by magic, she goes back into job counselor mode with a vengeance.
"Four Points is a rough neighborhood Mr. Ghishu, and not a particularly
rich one. The Peace Force doesn't really patrol there, and its up
to the Dog Faces to maintain order. It takes a special kind of person
to be willing to do that sort of work - dangerous, but important work for
those who live and work in Four Points. I do know that the Dog Faces
work a lot with animals, dogs I guess, because it says in their job ad
that you should like animals in order to apply. A stint in the Dog
Faces would be a great recommendation for some of the other firms, and
it would allow you to save up the cash for better clothes for the day when
you might want to move up to Armorguard, or one of the really prestigious
firms like Dunkleburg, or even the Golden Knights here in Golden Barrio.
I won't kid you that a stint in the Dog Faces is easy - if it was for everyone
they wouldn't have an open recruiting contract - but if you're serious
about getting into security work, and interested in protecting folks that
otherwise wouldn't get any protection, this might be the job for you."
"After considering all the options", he continues, "I think I'll try to apply for a job at the Dog Faces. I need a place to start from the bottom, and I wouldn't like it to be a security guard in a department store or something like that. Although I can understand from your description of Four Points that it's not such a nice neighborhood, the Dog Faces seem to offer an interesting position."
Ms. Rigatoni's face positively lights up. "Excellent Mr. Ghishu! I think you have made a wise choice." She picks up the phone and starts dialing numbers. "I'll just give them a call to let them know." She pauses for a moment.
"Hello? My name is Darla Rigatoni from Deadly Temp... Hello? He... hello?"
"Yes, this is Darla Rigatoni, from Deadly Temptations. I'm calling about... Deadly Temptations. Deadly Temptations! De... the temp agency, yes! Yes, I have some... what?"
There is a short pause.
"Dee ee ay dee el why tee ee em pee tee ay tee ie oh en ess. No, no... ay tee ie oh en es. Yes. Yes. Yes, I'll hold."
Another pause. Darla looks at Ghishu and shrugs, giving an encouraging smile.
"Hello? Yes, my name is Darla Rigatoni. I'm from Deadly Temptations. I have an applicant here who is interested in talking to you about your temporary security officer position. Yes. Yes, thats the one. I have your form in front of me and... what?"
There is another pause. Darla rolls her eyes.
"Darla: dee ay are el ay. Rigatoni: Are ie gee ay tee oh en eye. What? No, no, wait... I'm not the applicant, I'm the temp agent. The applicant is a Mr. Ghishu. Gee aich ie ess aich you. Yes, that's correct."
"Now I have your job description in front of me here, and there seems to have been some sort of error because there is no address listed. If you could just give that to... hello? Wha... hello!"
Darla looks at Ghishu and mouths the words "on hold". She picks up a pencil with her free hand and starts absently tapping her teeth.
"Hello? Yes, that's correct. No its... what? Are you certain about that? I see. Uh huh. Yes, I understand. I must say this is rather irregu... hello? Hello?" Darla reaches out and jiggles the telephone cradle, then replaces the phone. She turns back to Ghishu and raises her hands in a "beats me" gesture.
"Mr. Ghishu, I'm afraid that this is most irregular. I spoke to a representative on the telephone, and she told me that ... well, in her own words, you should just 'come down to Four Points and look around' and that you should be able to 'find the place'. She said it was some kind of test. I'm sorry, there was nothing about this in the job description. Are you still interested or should we keep looking for something else?"
Ghishu expresses some uncomfortable gestures during Ms. Rigatoni's attempts to communicate with whoever was on the other side of the line. When she's done, and she informs him of her lack of success, he sighs deeply in disappointment.
"Ms. Rigatoni", he says, "I think that this was the best job position I've seen during our meeting. I must admit that I don't like the idea of this test of theirs, but I think I'm going to give it a try."
"You know, I've only been in this city for a couple of days", he continues, "And you have probably been here much longer than this. Also, doing what you do for a living, you must know a lot of businesses all around the city. I bet you also know some places in Four Points. I would really appreciate it if you could help me find out where the Dog Faces are, or at least give me a starting point."
Ms. Rigatoni fidgets a bit and looks mildly uncomfortable at Ghishu's request.
"Well Mr. Ghishu, you see... um. Well..." she flounders for a moment. "I really don't go into Four Points. Myself I mean. Not its a bad neighborhood or anything! Nothing like that, you understand. Its just that its... well... um..." she struggles for a moment looking for the correct word.
"Its... poor. Now don't misunderstand me Mr. Ghishu, I don't have anything against poor people. They have my every sympathy! I'm sure that there are many nice people living in Four Points. But there really isn't any reason for me to go there. I don't shop there, there's nothing I really need to buy there, there are no theaters or concert halls or anything like that there. It just isn't a neighborhood that has anything to offer me. Surely there were neighborhoods in your home town that you never went to?"
"It really shouldn't be a problem for you to get there if you want to go. Head out of Golden and catch a jitney or a cab, and they should be able to take you. Heck, I'll bet if you hired a Total Taxi the driver would know the address."
Ms. Rigatoni seems earnest, yet somehow apologetic.
"No need to apologize, Ms. Rigatoni," Ghishu says calmly. "I just thought that you might know some business places over there because of your work here. I thought that maybe there are employers at Four Points that are looking for employees and that you might have a friend or two at those places. It was a long shot anyway. Don't worry about it, I'll find it myself."
Ghishu then gets up about to leave. "Do you have a business card? Or maybe you can give me a phone number is case I'll need your services in the future?"
Ms Rigatoni seems somewhat flustered at the recent turn of events. "Uh, certainly Mr. Ghishu. Hang on and let me get you one."
She pulls a business card with her name and telephone number on it, then stands, passes it across to Ghishu, and offers a hand. "Its been a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Ghishu." she says.
As Ghishu turns for the door, Ms. Rigatoni again starts tapping her teeth with a pencil. Ghishu has practically reached the door when she calls "Wait a moment Mr. Ghishu!"
Ghishu turns to see her scribbling on a small notepad. She rips the piece of paper off the pad, wads it up, and tosses it to Ghishu, who catches it adroitly.
"I was wondering if you could throw that away for me... on your way out." Ms. Rigatoni says.
Unfolding it, Ghishu reads an address.
"Metalworks
593 Pogrom Lane
Four Points."
Ghishu glances back at Ms Rigatoni. "Someone left it in my office." she says simply.
Ghishu takes a look at the paper and then back at Ms. Rigatoni.
"No problem", he says with a thank-you smile. Tucking the paper in
his pocket next to the business card, he leaves the room.
To Be Continued...