Negotiations

[Elyse]

Elyse was alone at Anna’s place. For some reason she was not ready to go back home. But being alone with little to do kept her mind wandering. The business with her dad wasn’t really over. She owed Sage for work he had done. He had said they could discuss it after her father was dead. Elyse felt it was time to do so. 

I believe we have some business conclude. When would be a good time to discuss the price for your services.

Elyse would prefer to do this in person, but doubted Sage would want to do so.

[Sage]

You are already paying, sweetheart.

My price is information.

You are that information. You'll find a small program on your wallet that's courteous of me.

Where you go. What you see. I gather. It can save you in the future. And if you pissed me off it could be used against you.

Not that I expect you to do anything to piss me off. I'm pretty laid back. No molesting kids or hurting my family -- we'll be good.

[Elyse]

Elyse blinked at Sage’s response. That was unexpected. The price was simply keep letting me do what I do.

Elyse shrugged. So - I just let you keep doing what you’re already doing? I’d say that’s fair :-p I guess that means when I get a new wallet I’ll have to allow you to put your spyware on it.

You heard the promise I asked Nox to make. Can you make that too? I don’t want to know what he did - ever.

Also I’m going to be staying at Nox’s place for a little bit longer - unless he kicks me out. I don’t want a free ride. Let me know how I can help with bills or food. I’m assuming you’re the one who takes care of all of that. Just be reasonable with the amounts you take out of my account while I’m living there.

[Sage]

Have to seems like a strong word. You connect to Nox's wifi and I'll have immediate access. It's not even a thought.

I help you. You help me. That is the nature of most of my relationships. I will keep you out of Atharim cross-hairs even doing what you do now. You keep me informed by "allowing" to track you.

And I heard. I won't say anything. I don't even know the details. I wasn't watching. And have no need. Right now.


The last text sent was a breakdown of utilities and extras that came with the building broken down by the number of people living in the house and categorized by which adults were paying for which. The bulk of the break down went to Nox since he was technically fostering all the kids under 18. Sage had pulled Liam out into his own category, he was almost 18 and had asked to be included in the financial break down and pay his own way. Mara, Elyse, Olivia, Ashton and Liam had an equal share of 'debt' they had accrewed. Nox didn't charge anyone, but Sage kept track of everything, Elyse was right about that.

He sent her the total amount of her portion of the monthly bills minus food. Food Nox handled completely on his own.

If you want to chip in with food you'll need to talk to Nox, or just buy things that everyone can use. Nox won't let me buy food online.

[Elyse]

Looks fair to me. Thanks for that, Sage. Automatically deducted I’m assuming?

Also - is this whole thing with my father done done. I’m no longer Atharim?

[Sage]

If that's what you want it's done.

I didn't know you were Atharim...

Serious Note. It will be. The algorithm is still removing every last trace of your Atharim life. A casual scan will show you never existed, but there are tiny things it's removing still. And if your name is mentioned it will ping me and remove it immediately.

[Elyse]

Elyse felt both relieved and not about being removed from the Atharim files. It was like - something was removed from her life. She hoped eventually the Atharim would become better, she just knew from now on she’d never feel welcome in their ranks again.

You’re kind of scary, Sage. Glad to not be on your bad side. Seriously though - thanks. I owe you a steak dinner sometime.

[Sage]

I won't say no to that. And if you can get Nox to make it even better!

Though he might bite my hand off if I tried to steal his dinner these days.

[Elyse]

I’ll see what I can do. Can’t guarantee anything though. Won’t likely be seeing him tonight unless he comes here, and I doubt that. Still if he won’t, I’m a good cook too - no where near Nox’s caliber though.

Possible issue - deletion of my Atharim files shouldn’t cause any issues with my inheritance should it? I’m the sole beneficiary in my father’s will. Not that I plan on keeping Chateau Andersen - probably sell most of it.

[Sage]

That's all taken care of and has nothing to do with Atharim data.

You were never an Atharim. You are the daughter of Peter Andersen. But you did not join.

You are not even in the Atharim system.

Financials. Wills. etc should all remain intact as is. And if they aren't I can fix it. I can legally assign it to you now without wills or financials.