Marcus and Kat stepped out of the office, leaving Damien to face off against the black-eyed man across the table. He didn’t want to admit it, but a part of him wished that he wouldn’t be left alone with this strange person, and the dull silence that followed the departure of his companions only added to his unease.

An uncomfortable minute passed before Zero finally began to speak. “I understand that you are in a unique situation.”

Damien narrowed his eyes in response to the vague statement. What exactly was that supposed to mean? The bald man across the table clearly knew something about him that others didn’t, but how far did that knowledge go? Maybe this person was the key that could tie everything together. He decided that a forthright approach would be the best.

“You seem to know a lot about what’s going around here.” Damien said. “Do you know how I ended up in this place, and why I don’t have any memories?”

Zero responded with the same drab demeanor he’d held throughout the meeting. “I do not have answers to those questions. I may know a lot about your circumstances and those of your acquaintances, but I do not see everything that happens.”

“And how did you learn all of this?”

“I can not reveal that information.” Zero said in his unchanging, deep voice. “I understand that your personal data does not exist within any database. This is an exceptional situation, and it leaves you in a difficult position.”

So he knows about that too, huh? Damien thought. Even Marcus had mentioned how that could be a problem.

“Your situation may disadvantage you in some ways,” Zero continued, “but it also comes with opportunities that you would be wise to take advantage of.”

“And what might those opportunities be?” Damien asked.

“There are many within the elite rings of society that could use the services of a data-less tool. One that can not be tracked or traced back to them.”

Damien said nothing, choosing to ignore irritation that came with being referred to as a tool.

Zero reached under the desk then placed a small, silver disk on the counter between them. He then returned his fingers to the arched position they had been, his every motion slow and deliberate.

“What is it?” Damien asked.

“It contains the information of an acquaintance of mine. She provides a variety of services to exclusive clients within the ruling class. Private hires are among her most lucrative services. Elite private hires are few, and they are extremely valued, particularly if they have an untraceable past. If your skills are sufficient, the rewards will be plenty.”

Damien stared at the disc. “And what is it that I would be doing?”

“Private hires perform a variety of duties depending on the client’s needs. They may range from protection, to procurement of goods, to bounty hunting of corporate rivals. My acquaintance will provide further details should you choose to accept the opportunity. She resides not far from here, and that disc will provide her precise location. Present it to one of her employees, and she will see you right away.”

After contemplating the decision for a moment, Damien reached over and palmed the silver disk in his hand, causing a window to pop up before him.

New Quest! Talk to Zero's Acquaintance