5

The employment contract of the CEO of MetaHuman Incorporated contains a very specific clause that allows him to name his successor, should he suddenly be incapacitated and unable to fulfill his professional obligations—for example, if he suddenly disappears. Mr. Katariki has chosen to exercise that clause. And he has named you as his replacement."

For a moment, you're sure you must have misheard Winston. "I'm sorry, I don't understand."

"Then let me be as blunt as possible. You are to take over the position of chief executive officer of MetaHuman Incorporated, for a minimum period of one year, with the salary, privileges, and obligations that the role affords. And as for this recent matter of you stealing two million dollars from the company…we'll forget all about that, as a gesture of goodwill. You may of course decline this post, if you prefer—should you choose to do so, however, MetaHuman will aggressively prosecute you for your recent criminal activities."

Winston gives you a few moments to absorb that. And at last, you manage to say, "Why me? Why did Mr. Katariki want me for this job?"

Winston sits forward in his chair. "We do not know. And we'd very much like to. In truth, MetaHuman could break this clause. It would be costly and tiresome, and no doubt details would leak into the press and we'd have to answer some uncomfortable questions. But it could be done. And yet we still wouldn't know why Katariki chose you for this job. How better to get that information than to indulge him? So you really have a very simple choice. Take this job—with its excellent pay, and the publicity and opportunities for networking that will boost your employment potential a thousandfold, no matter how things turn out. Or go to prison, and be forgotten."

Winston rises, and crosses the room, one slender finger staying in contact with the edge of the meeting room's table. You note he moves with remarkable self-assurance.

"I'll give you a little time to think about it," he says, and passes you a slim dossier. "Here's your contract. Read over and complete the personal information—human resources stuff—and sign at the bottom. You can bring it to my office at the end of the corridor when you're ready."