A business requires employees… or slaves. Whichever works, I suppose.
The contract is not necessary, but it does help protect my interests in case of backstabbing, espionage, blackmailing and a whole lot of other goodies. I have not trusted anyone in a long time, and I obviously will not start now despite I have kept on telling everyone to trust me.
I know that trust works both ways, but if I can fake my side, I will fake my side. That is the smart thing to do, and as long as I do not get caught, it is the best thing to do.
"Zander…! This is a fucking slave contract!" Alex calls out. "Not only I have to listen to everything that you say, I have to carry out all of your orders to the best of my ability. And whenever you have called for me, I must come as soon as possible. Also, I will lose all knowledge and memory of your business and anything related to your business if I quit or get fired? Is that even possible? What the fuck, bro?"
I chuckle. "I didn't expect you to speed read the whole thing. Yeah, I suppose it is a slave contract, but aren't all employees slaves to their employer? You've got to slave for that dollar!"
Alex glares at me, and I am even more amused.
The contract that I have given him is the latest revision from the previous timeline. Therefore, it is just as Alex has said. It is a slave contract, but honestly, whoever I had contracted back then really have no choice but to sign away their freedom and more, as the alternative was much worse.
"Just kidding. Here's the proper one," I dismiss the System Window in front of Alex and then summon another. "The last part stays though. I just don't want you to blab to other people about me. And one day, if we part ways for whatever reason, I will make sure you cannot remember anything sensitive."
Alex narrows his eyes. "Why are you being so secretive? Does it really matter if the others know about what you can do?"
"Yes," I answer simply before sighing heavily. "Look, Alex. I don't want to be an ass, but I am still pissed at you for telling Thomas and the others that I have seen the future."
Alex blinks. "What? But you told Alice and Harry and the guys."
"Did I really?" I question, causing Alex to try and remember. "It was a hypothetical question. I actually never confirm whether I have or haven't until Thomas ask me directly."
"Oh shit. Sorry man, I didn't realize," Alex apologizes, and it is a sincere apology from his tone of voice and his body language. "But why did you confirm that you have when Thomas asked though?"
"There is a reason for everything, Alex, and you should not worry too much about it," I response with a smile. "I just want you to know that I will never abandon my friends and families, but please respect my privacy as much as I have respected yours."
Alex scratches his head. "I'm really sorry. I was a bit too excited."
"Yes, I know, that is why I keep telling you to calm down," I response and point at the contract before Alex. "This is to protect you as well. It will stop you from saying things you should not have in moment of excitement or lapse in judgement."
Alex ponders for a moment. "Well, if you put it that way, where do I sign?"
"Just touch the screen and say your name," I tell Alex. "It will do the rest."