Now it felt as if you commanded him telepathically, that he took a sip of the water after he had to clear his throat before speaking.
"I represent Musashi Innovations, "born" in Kusari. But that doesn't mean we despise foreigners at all. You know, we... look beyond the isolationism that pollutes the House. There's so much talent out there that we would be missing otherwise, right?"
He finished his meal, not minding having to wait for Finn to be done with the steak. With a grin, Hideo continued.
"No more water, I didn't expect less from a Dubliner. As I was saying, the company's growth has increased exponentially over the last year, hiring people with scientific concerns from almost every corner of Sirius. We are not alligned with the bigger corporations, at least not yet. Those follow a more radical agenda with it comes to monenitizing, and you and I do know that."
Hideo leaned forward a little, lowering his voice as if he was about to unveil the mystery behind the creation of the universe.
"However... I'm not offering you an average spot like Kishiro or Ageira does with their eggheads. I'm offering you a chance to perpetuate your name through the next generations, unraveling the mysteries of Sirius, there where Kishiro or Ageira would never dare to send their people. Omicrons, Omegas, whatever system isn't baptized yet... You will lead your team, mister McCool. You will be assigned projects, or you will have the freedom to begin your own. And I'll only expect one thing from you: Positive results for the company. That way, we will keep growing. That way, we will keep researching."
That name sounded familiar. Had the IRG interacted with them before? H e couldn't remember... add it to the long list of things he couldn't remember either. Though, it seemed as though, while no specific memories were returning, emotions associated wih said memories were as if waves washing over him, a mix of fear, pain, anger, and relief. A very strange set of emotions that took turns washing through Finn's mind.
Pushing those emotions aside, he finished his meal and looked at Iwankurry.
"That is a very exciting offer if i do say so myself. Only one problem. There is nothing in what you just said that separates you from the company I founded years ago, the Ingenuus Research Group. You're offering me a chance to be on the forefront of unknown discoveries. I was already doing such with the IRG. You said I would have the freedom to create my own projects. I already had that privilege. You also stated that I would be expected to provide positive results. First, that can never be a guarantee, not in our field. Research is not something you can 'demand' results from. Results very, and projects often times do not provide the expected results. That is why it is called research. Yes, positive results will inevitably come, but that does not account for the myriad of tests and other projects that will come and go with less than ideal results. Secondly, why would I trade my position as head of the IRG, with the best staff I could ask for, as well as as much freedom as I assign myself, to report to a manager or managers, and be potentially restricted in my work?"
Shaking his head, Finn looked around, still feeling uneasy about his surroundings, but yet again, could not put his finger on it.
"Unless there is something you can offer that beats my position as Director of the IRG, where I currently do not report to anyone and have as much, if not more freedom in my research, then I will have to politely decline. That said, I'm sure a collaboration between Musashi and the IRG could prove fruitful?"
Finn clasped his hands on the table, watching Iwankurry to see what response would be provided this time.
Hideo casted a amusement expression, grinning and softly chuckling. What is he laughing at? Rude guy.
"Alright, alright. Guess I'm not that good at promoting the research opportunities that every other group in Sirius lacks. How could I convince you for a trial period, even? At least I hope you enjoyed the meal, mister McCool. This one is already paid."
He almost stood up from his seat before remembering the last mandatory exchange of pleasantries.
"Oh, before I forget... Here, have my contact card. You'll realize I'm not... that hard to find. Have a nice day, mister McCool."
With another grin shot at you, he began walking away from whatever place he claimed you and him were. What is going on suddenly? Why is Iwakura's contact card completely blank? Obviously because you feel like you can't read a thing too. The meal? What did he just say about the meal? You sense it, the awkward feeling in your stomach even if the steak tasted delicious.
Read the contact card again. Do you reach to read anything yet?
And now?
And now...?
You can still hear me, can you?
Run away while you can. Go to the door that you friend just walked through.
But why am I even talking to you anymore? -Our- job is already done here.
Remember to read the contact card again after you wake up.
Finn's eyes fluttered for a moment, as he felt a sudden jolt, as if he had awakened suddenly.
"What the hell..."
He shook his head, disoriented once again. This time though, he was able to piece back vague memories, that seemed to occur only moments ago. Thinking his mind was playing tricks on him, he looked down... and stared at the contact card he was holding in his hand. Jumping up off the stool, and dropping the contact card, he looked around him, knowing this were very wrong.
A voice... a voice his mind was trying to recall. Something about walking through a door. Which door? Slowly reaching down to pick up the contact card, his eyes fixated on one of the doors leading out of the bar area.
As he continued to the door, he looked down at the contact card, though it was no longer blank...
