Jim thought carefully.
For the most part, this demoness seemed to be threatening him. Her offer of staying seemed empty, what with his prospects of being whipped, or made a servant, or residing in a dungeon. He noted that the only good option was his return in exchange for Sharon, which suggested that Sharon was the real concern here. Jim felt pretty much like a common slob, blessed with some raw intelligence but not disciplined enough to use it very well. However, it was easy for him to imagine that Sharon held all kinds of boundless potential. No, he decided, this negotiation was not really about him
Jim did not consider himself to be particularly moral, but he was also not inclined to betray a friend, at least not if he had any options left open. As he tried to study the demoness in the shadows, it occurred to him that this encounter proved that there was some sort of underlying moral bias going on in the universe. He had heretofore doubted that, but it all made sense now. And if the universe held demons, then it stood to reason that it also held angels and perhaps even a Supreme being. If that was the case, then Jim wanted to act now to get on the good side of Good, in case anyone might ever feel inclined to rescue him. Saving Sharon would surely count as a selfless act.
However, that all rested upon what was being offered. In a manner worthy of Humphrey Bogart, acting cynical and amoral in the name of a quest for Good, Jim asked:
"What's in it for me?"
The demoness looked momentarily startled, but smiled. "You are braver than you look!
"Very well. This is the deal. You are already dedicated to sex. I can make you my apprentice incubus. You will seduce women. However, you will not be able to build a personal harem, as we must all account to Asmodeus and all human property becomes his. Your existence will be simply a chain of sexual conquests. Is that agreeable?"
Agreeable? It sounded like Nirvana to Jim.
"I accept."
The shackles sprang open. Jim rubbed his wrists and ankles, then got up.
"Come with me, apprentice. Your orientation begins."
Mon May 23 12:42:20 2016