6

Alone now, you look out across the city before you, trying to take in the full impact of this brief meeting. Really, what choice can there be?

Somewhat absently, you look down at the document he has left you. As well as a lengthy contract outlining your obligations as CEO, it includes a standard personnel form. The first question is: Your first name is: Neah.

You read through the pages of the employment contract. Should you accept, you will be responsible only to the company's shareholders. You know that, even though MetaHuman is a publicly held company, a core of six main shareholders collectively hold a controlling share of the company. And though the identities of some of that group are not even publicly known, they will essentially be your bosses. This employment contract is to run for a period of just one year, after which the main shareholders will evaluate your performance and assess your future desirability in this position.

Ominous. As Winston said, MetaHuman is a company that has so far casually exploited dark, forbidden powers. And such willingness to do so has seeped down from the company's shareholders. If you are found undesirable, you wonder what form the shareholders' wrath will take.

And yet, what choice do you really have? If you refuse to accept this job, you have no doubt that MetaHuman will prosecute you for gross theft—and their evidence appears solid; you will be convicted.

Years in prison, or a shot at glory and brilliance?

You initial each page of the contract, and sign your name at its end.

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