"I already have a job," Adem said, keeping his distance from the mysterious man. "I'm with Vanguard."
"And so you shall remain," Doc Paragon said, shifting his weight in his seat. "I have been in negotiations with the top shareholders of Vanguard International for several months to open up a branch office, a franchise, if you will. I have used a considerable amount of my own capital to establish it and, thereby, giving it complete anonymity from the main office on La Perdita. We will share name and a network of information. That is all."
"Where do I fit in to all this?"
"Information will be an important part of this European branch. I need people who can collect and decipher it. Your abilities are more than suited for such tasks."
Different's fingers began to fumble around on his right hand as he thought. "I'm not too sure about all of this. Leaving the people who helped me when I first arrived doesn't appeal to my sense of ethics."
Paragon stood and walked over to the alien. "You will have plenty of time to visit them. Unlike the main branch, our office building will be simply that, an office building. Boarding the employees in the same place only draws undesired and troublesome attention. When not on assignment, you are free to go whereever you wish, including Puerta Mibela. What do you say?"
Adem hesitated for a moment. That was not something he was used to doing. "I.... I accept your offer."
