The Gatherings

by alexandra.helene

SYOC Open. Several decades into the future, there is an illusion of world peace. Leaders have made an international alliance with each other and physical war has stopped. The Elite, however, have broken off from the government, with the ideal of a "perfect world." The Elite have begun cleaning up cities, ridding the streets of crime. Only a few wonder: Where do the abducted go?

7. VI

Phineas' mind was reeling. 650,000 frustra. Damn. He needed to think. From what he'd gathered, what the agents were asking of him was a massive undertaking. But for 650,000 frustra? Calm down, Phineas. Think cost/benefit. With that kind of money, he would never have to worry about money again. In fact, he would be rolling in it. He could start his own business and invest money into his company. He could fund charities. He could pay completely for his parents' retirement and give Jodie a huge boost in her income. He could do almost anything. In the current economy, each frustra was worth about fifteen old American dollars (a currency that had since lost popularity, but was still in use in remote parts of the Midwest). Frustras were the unified international currency and therefore carried more value than any other type of money used in a specific area. However, Amanda had said the operation would be painful. Phineas could take pain. How many times had he worked himself to the breaking point during football season? Benching until he nearly dropped the bar onto his neck? Sprinting until he ate the grass? Phineas could take pain. Physical and psychological. Thanks, coach. But would Phineas really agree to this? Agree to have his entire life uprooted for the sake of money? To be permanently marked, to be taken away from his family and friends? He wouldn't see his parents until the ordeal was over, not to mention Jodie. But 650,000 frustras. 650,000 freaking frustras. With that money, he could make up for lost time by treating his parents and Jodie to exotic vacations and showering them with gifts. With that money, he could practically buy happiness.

"I'll do it."