Sirius Zero: Building A Corporate Kingdom After Being Expelled
Chapter 24: Sirius Software

Chapter 24: Sirius Software

"Wow! Nice crib!" exclaimed Harry as he and Aaron entered the loft.

"Well, it isn’t mine. I’m staying with Mr. Andre Esposito until I turn 18," said Aaron as he booted up the desktop computer where the game code was stored.

Harry marveled at the size, complexity and graphic detail of the game. "Damn, this is good!" he gasped.

"That maybe so, but I’m fairly certain that Valve Software will disagree with you," said Aaron.

"Well, we can sanitize it for Steam and then add all the extreme stuff as part of an externally provided DLC," said Harry.

"Very well, I’ll rework the game into a sanitized base game and an extreme DLC. You provide the artwork, I’ll get Mr. Esposito to draw up a contract," he said.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa a contract?" asked Harry, as Andre entered the loft.

"Yes a contract. I will not be blind sided again," said Aaron.

"And what are you gentlemen discussing?" asked Andre looking between Aaron and Harry.

"Mr. Harry Smith here, has offered his services to create artwork for my game on the condition that we sell it, and he gets a portion of the profits. I want a contract in place that he will share responsibility if the sale of this game results in any punitive action," said Aaron.

"I see," said Andre. He smiled at Harry. "Don’t think too badly of Aaron, he’s become quite cynical about the goodness in peoples hearts. I’ll make sure the contract is fair to you both," he assured Harry.

"Well OK," said Harry nervously.

"All right, how do you want to split this?" asked Andre as they sat in his home office.

"Register the company as Sirius Software. I want full control and veto power over any and all decisions," said Aaron.

"Wait just a minute! I thought we were going to be partners!" said Harry.

"This game is mine. I have invested too many emotions and sacrificed too much for it already. I like your artwork Harry, but those are my terms. Take it or leave it," said Aaron, his tone firm and commanding.

"Damn dude, you don’t pull any punches," said Harry. He took a deep breath.

"All right, but I want to be a free agent, not some employee that you can fire. Deal?" he asked, glad that his father had taught him the importance of negotiating deals.

"Deal," said Aaron.

Andre nodded seriously. "Very well, I shall draw up the articles of incorporation and the commission contract," he told them.

"And Harry, one more thing. Any art that you make for the game stays here. I don’t want anything leaking out of this house," said Aaron, his blue eyes boring into Harry’s hazel eyes.

"Fine," gulped Harry.

----

"Damn you work fast!" exclaimed Harry, his hands flying across the drawing tablet as he drew character art for the game.

"It’s my normal pace," said Aaron, taking a sip of his coffee.

"I think I might need some help with the artwork and music," sighed Harry, looking at the amount of work he had to do.

"Careful with who you ask for help," warned Aaron.

"I know, I know. I’ll bring in only people I trust," said Harry.

----

"Aaron, this is James Smith from electrical engineering, and Mario Gonzales from nuclear engineering," said Harry as he introduced his two friends to Aaron in the college cafeteria.

Aaron inclined his head slightly in greeting.

"Harry has told me about the game you are making. I’m a sucker for male power fantasy games, so I would like to help out with the music," said James.

"Has Harry told you about the contract?" asked Aaron.

"Yes, he has. I have no problems with it, just give me a commission," said James.

"Very well, I will draw up a contract for you as well," said Aaron.

"Um, I don’t need paying, but I’d like help with my studies. Harry says you’re a whiz kid," said Mario.

"Nuclear physics isn’t my wheelhouse, but I don’t mind taking a crack at it," replied Aaron.

"Great! I could use the help," said Mario, his face lighting up with a smile.

"All right, let’s all meet at my place after class," said Aaron.

----

"OK, here are the contracts," said Aaron, handing out the contracts to James and Mario.

"Sirius Software, looks pretty official," said James, looking over the contract.

"Yeah, I had Mr. Esposito draw it up," said Aaron.

"Yeah, well, bottom line is I make you music, and you help me pass this nuclear engineering course," said Mario, signing the contract.

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "A bit eager to sign, aren’t you?" he asked.

"Hey, not all of us are blessed with genius level IQs. I need all the help I can get," said Mario, shrugging.

"Fine, I don’t mind helping you out, but I’m not doing everything, OK? It’s you who still has to pass the exams," said Aaron.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, I just need a little help with the assignments and projects. Get off my case already," said Mario, rolling his eyes.

"All right," shrugged Aaron.