You have a sneaking suspicion that Winston knew precisely what professional trajectory you followed, and you wonder a few moments at his motives in asking you the question.
"I imagine that news has filtered down to your department concerning MetaHuman's performance of late."
"I've heard some things," you say. "As much from external media as internal sources."
"Then you know we're in a bad situation," says Winston. "Our existing products have been the source of a series of legal disputes and public relations fiascoes. All current product developments have been frozen pending the resolution of lawsuits that could drag on for years. Despite decades of success, we've essentially been reduced to a company starting out from zero. We're just barely allowed to continue trading on the New York Stock Exchange, but President Takei himself is keeping an eye on us. And then there's our CEO, Anaru Katariki, who has literally disappeared amid rumors of gross professional misconduct and an assortment of criminal activities. MetaHuman's best investigators cannot find him—and they are very, very good at locating people."
"I'd heard stories about Mr. Katariki's disappearance," you say, "but I wasn't aware of the specifics."
"We're trying to keep these things secret," Winston tells you. "Have you ever met Anaru Katariki?"
"Not personally, no."
"Really? Now that is curious. He has been very interested in you for years."
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