8

Mr. Katariki was a supremely intelligent man, but also respectful, considerate. He had little tolerance for errors, or laziness." The smallest smile crosses Leach's face. "Fortunately, I am rarely error-prone or lazy."

You, Winston, and your assistants climb into the back of the Cadillac. Winston passes his assistant his tablet. "The press releases," he says. Miss Nakamura brings several documents up onto the tablet's screen, and hands it to you.

"We've taken the liberty of preparing several contrasting press statements," Winston tells you. "Each one is ready to go live on our company website. We only need you to decide which strategy you want to back, and to announce it at the press conference a few minutes from now. We'll release the corresponding documents as soon as you've announced your choice."

You glance through the preprepared statements. They variously exercise caution, or expansion; innovation, or reliance on tried and tested methods. Their tone paints you as either encouraging and inspirational, or a stern figure capable of making tough decisions at a tough time.

"I'm completely underprepared for this," you tell Winston. "You can't possibly expect me to decide this company's strategy for the coming year in just a few minutes."

"It has to be now," Winston says. "This media event has been in the works for a while. Perhaps you're under the illusion that this conference is a result of your appointment as CEO. In fact, the reverse is true. The controlling shareholders have until now been undecided about Anaru Katariki's wish to appoint you as head of this company. It is this growing media circus that has forced them to come to a consensus. And they've decided to back you." He leans forward. "Professor ., this statement is just a public-relations exercise. Announce whichever strategy you think will make MetaHuman look good. Consider the short-term and long-term impact of whatever you say. And remember you'll be free to change your mind later, behind closed doors."