United States New York - Present Day

I've never thought about it till now, how time slows down when the hand of death approaches you. Seeing the life I've had up to this point is quite... depressing, to say the least. Going back in time, it was just a typical day of work at my father's company. I, as one of the heads, hold many responsibilities, especially as the successor of the company. This does irritate the other administrators, I cannot deny this causes friction between us, but it lowers the efficiency of the workplace. It's not like I started here either, my father made me work from a low-level employee till I made it to where I am now. By no means was I given special treatment as I could get fired just like anyone else. However, once I reached my current position, the others who gained a spot as an administrator assumed my seat as successor was guaranteed. Furthermore, their fears are completely unfounded as I've learned whoever is the most capable will be selected. I suppose it just human nature. In addition to the fact I don't even like this job, it's not what I wanted for myself so, you may ask, why am I working for a job I dislike? The answer is simple; I didn't know what kind of place I was looking for. Before I knew it, my father offered me a job at his company, needing money I accepted. It was supposed to be a short term solution, but I somehow ended up here. It's tiring, to say the least. One could of purposely fail at the job in order not to advance or do the minimum course work to not get fired. However, it's not in my nature to do so, although this might be my father's gene in me. Getting to this position was not easy since the place of work is like a battlefield, meeting deadlines, making sure everything is in order, and keeping the workplace efficiency up. Jobs like these are not easy, especially once you move up the ladder; hard choices got to be made. Firing someone for incompetence is the most common, I do not fire someone out of spite or dislike them in general. I'm not one to set someone up to fail though some employers may do so to prove a point that they are in charge. If one does work as instructed, terrific, and if one improves the work efficiency even better. It tells the employer you are willing and innovated enough to enhance the workflow. But, I do not fire someone out of malice, chances have been given, and resources have been offered to aid the individual. If one still unable to improve their axed, it's strange though, I'm viewed as the bad guy even from people whose job is not in danger. Though it comes with the territory, the workplace is a constant battlefield; at least that's how I view it. Tactics and strategy are employed continuously, ranging from business and military all to progress the company to higher standards. I've been called cruel due to choices made for the company heartless even, nor do I care what they think of me cause decisions had to be made. Shying away from one's own judgment is weak-willed, I admit and own up to my choice even if it may be a wrong one. Perhaps necessary even. Letting emotion get the best of you will lead to poor decision making, which could prove costly. Looking at the clock, I guess it's about that time, as I'm getting up the door to my office opens, a young lady walks in of average height. Wearing usual attire one would wear to office work, she's recently a new hire if I recall correctly. She approaches my desk, which I always keep well organized, she begins to speak.

"Excuse me, sir, I was wondering if I can work overtime today," she said respectfully. 

Most employees know not to ask me about overtime, though that because they have been working here long enough. She cannot be blamed for this fact. Responding, "I'm sorry, you may not work overtime today. You may not know this, but in my department, overtime means only two things. One, the workflow productivity dropped due to someone incompetence or two something unexpected happened, which requires people to work extra hours. In my department, I view overtime as a failure." The amount of effort used to keep my department flowing is intense, and I don't tolerate incompetence that will break the flow. In fact, they should be happy they get to leave on time, there are many companies work their employees to the bone without extra pay. "I hope you understand," I said factly.

"Of course." She looked dissatisfied but only for a moment. Nothing can be done about it, its policy; she turns around and leaves. Making sure everything neat, I began to depart the building, As I go, I make sure to look around my department to see if everything is in order. Perfectly organized, as all things should be. My home is not far away, walking distance, which makes it more convenient to get to work on time. The sun has already set, I proceed to walk home, as I began crossing the street until bright lights beamed down the road. The car was driving too fast for me to move out the way, then it went black.

Despite that, I find myself in an office-like room with its bright lights beaming in my eyes. Squinting, I sit up from the couch I'm currently laying on. Piecing my thoughts together, I should've died unless I'm already am, and this is purgatory. This is going to be tiring to think about, but the fact remains I clearly got hit by a car. Taking a breath I began searching around the room, it appears to be a standard office, my person has no sign of injury, but the question is, why am I here?

"Interesting..." a voice rang out. Looking towards where the sound came from, I saw a dark-skinned man in a well-dressed suit behind a computer typing. I'm confused, was he always there? I'm pretty sure I hadn't missed anything when I scanned the room; it's not that big, but he just appeared. Is this person the arbiter deciding my fate, or is this just a comatose dream due to injury.

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"Close but not quite," he responded, "And no, this isn't a dream you are in fact, dead." He confirmed. So dead, huh, it's more different than one would suspect.

"Interesting Indeed. Most would panic or freak out and deny the possibility that oneself is dead. At least the ones that I bring here anyway." The one he brings here? So me being here is not a normal circumstance, to say the least.

"Well, fussing over things like that is a waste of time." Which is correct, you cannot change the past even if that past is my death. Sure I feel disappointed that I couldn't complete my objective in life, but I died. That's a fact. Emotions like fear and panic are irrelevant to the current situation, the man sitting across from me is much more worrisome than some weak feeling like hysteria. 

"So, who exactly are you if you aren't an arbiter? I can take a reasonable guess but don't want to jump to an unnecessary conclusion." It's obvious, but getting a confirmation from the one in front is best.

"Well I suppose its a reasonable question, I go by many names. The most recognizable one is God. Though you mortals do call me an asshole frequently too," he claimed. Humanity and its history long revolve around the worship of God, though I never worshipped him myself nor denied his existence for he as such that cannot be proven. On the other hand, it could be a deception, and this person who claims to be God is another entity entirely. There no point in fussing over it, though, for I cannot do anything at the moment.

"On the contrary, you can do something. For instance, the reason why I brought you here," he interjected. Minding reading is quite an annoying ability, its an invasion of one's privacy. Nonetheless, he most likely won't stop, "Why am I here then self-proclaimed God."

"Glad you asked," He smiled, looking away from his computer. "I would like to say congratulations! You've been selected to become one of my administrators. It very difficult to find excellent help these days." Say what now? An administrator? As in, the job I hated doing due to its chaotic nature? I prefer an alternate way of life then take up that position once again, so I'm going to have to refuse.

"Thank you for the offer; however, I'm going to have to refuse." Moreover, I was good at it, excellent even, yet it was not something I enjoyed doing for various reasons. There are billions of people he can choose from other than me, he's a so-called god, isn't he?

"What do you mean you refuse?" his eyes go dead, "It's not every day I pull people from the reincarnation cycle for a job that basically makes you what one would call an angel. It's quite challenging to find someone with your qualifications." This doesn't bode well; at this rate, he might force me to work as his so-called angel. What's with his statement with my qualifications? I'm one person. Did he just skim that globe found me and say 'Yup that's the one' and brought me here?

"No one ever refused this offer before; in fact, they readily accepted it. Why do you refuse?" Perhaps because you're a god and can end them in a second, thus, they accepted the offer. I have to respond in a way where it won't end poorly.

"I've worked basically all my life with that type of work, although you probably already know that. I hated it. In fact, I would go as far as to say despise it. Why would I work in that environment again?" I retorted.

"Well, I could just force you to become one of my angels and be done with it." stated matter of factly. 

"No doubt that you could, I may not be a god, but I'll call your bluff. If you were going to force me, you would have done so already." Just let me go already, "More importantly, I have a feeling you won't give up, will you?"

"Indeed, I won't force you. I can just keep you here till you agree." That's a problem all on its own, and I don't want to be here for all eternity. Although I have an idea...

"That's clearly unfair, surely you should give me a chance to decline this offer."

"A chance?" his eyes returning back to normal, which thankfully is a good thing. They were terrifying, but I couldn't back down. "Why would I do something like that, I'll win no matter what you suggest."

"Then all the more reason to here me out. I'd like to propose a deal that will give me a chance. Unless you are 'Afraid,' you'll lose," I taunt him hoping his ego will get the best of him.

He stands up with his hands hitting the table. "Afraid? I'll lose? Bold claims coming from a mere mortal. Very well then, state your proposal, and if it's acceptable, I'll agree to the terms." Thankfully, he is reasonable. I thought he would be more kittle.

"Alright, the terms. First-term, you mentioned reincarnation, my goal was incomplete in my previous life. I've thought about what I wanted, and I've come to the conclusion that I want to have a tranquil place away from the hazardous environment of my previous workplace. The second term, you cannot interfere with my reincarnated life."

Before I could continue, God interjected, "In other words, you're asking me to not interfere with the world, impossible, it's my duty to monitor the world which requires my presence. However, I can not impede you personally or directly. Also, this tranquil place you seek requires you to wholeheartedly accept it. No half-ass nonsense to circumvent the contract. Lastly, you have no control over what world you're going to nor race or gender. Along with a variety of other things, you must leave that all to me." This much was expected, but its better than being forced.

"Alright, I can live with that." Agreeing with him, a feeling tells me he won't accept anything less. He speaks again, "Also, to reinstate if you die before you achieve your goal, you work for me. On the other hand, if you succeed and live, I won't make you my Administrator even after your next death. Furthermore, I would grant you one prayer for my assistance. People call it God's gift, I believe." That last bit makes no sense, "Why would you offer me an advantage that will potentially make you fail."

He smiles, "I'm a generous god. Its to give you that 'fair chance' you mentioned."

"Alright, the terms are agreeable. Also, I'll make sure not to use that 'fair chance' you mentioned." It felt ominous to me. We shook hands, sealing the deal.

"We'll see, old habits die hard, so they say in your world." he quotes as he sits back down. "Please hurry up and die though, I'm going to be understaffed at this rate." He pushes a key on the keyboard, and everything goes black.