Under New Management (Takashi Agera)
| Under New Management (Takashi Agera) | |
|---|---|
| Date of Cutscene: | 26 December 2023 |
| Location: | Obsidian Tower |
| Synopsis: | Takashi meets with Kaolinite and gets a wrench thrown in his intended plans. |
| Cast of Characters: | Takashi Agera |
- >FYI<: Buchou - honorific meaning roughly Divison Manager. Shachou - honorific meaning roughly Company President (Director, for Obsidian).
Takashi Agera knocked on the door to Kaolinite's office. He was pretty sure he wasn't getting fired, but there was always something a little bit worrying about getting random texts from your boss that explained nothing but told you to meet with them ASAP. Well, at least he'd gotten over the jet lag from being in America, then Paris. So many thoughts running through his head as he waited for the door to open. Could it have something to do with the visit Beryl made? What are his escape options if this is a meeting about 'severance'? Minor things like that.
The door finally opened after what probably was not as much of a delay as it felt like. Inside was Kaolinite - and just Kaolinite. That was a neutral sign. "Kaolinite-Buchou." he says with a polite bow.
"Agera-san." she says, nodding. Crossing her arms and stepping out of the doorway, and back behind her desk. "Close the door and have a seat." she says, indicating the chair opposite her, which Takashi does. Then she begins.
"As you are possibly aware but is still not public knowledge, one of our fellow Shachou recently experienced an unexpected and unwelcome... exodus of talent." Kaolinite begins. "Beryl-Shachou has recently lost a great deal of her direct and indirect reports."
A great deal? Hematite's like one guy, Takashi thinks. Way to talk him up.
"In addition to Department Manager Hematite, she has also lost several section managers; essentially, all of those under Hematite." Kaolinite adds.
That is new to Takashi. Does that mean Zoisite, Nephrite, and Jadeite all left as well? He speaks. "That... would... explain why Beryl showed up at my lab on edge and blew up some of my equipment when we did not have the answers she came looking for." Takashi says. Kaolinite sighs and nods.
"Beryl-Shachou has been under a great deal of stress recently, even before these developments. Soon she'll be explaining the situation to the company at large." Kaolinite continues. "I spoke with her after that incident and while the situation is not entirely unexpected from her perspective, it did happen sooner and faster than she was ready for." Takashi nods. Beryl -or- Takashi. With all of the shitennou gone, that was going to be a different issue than if it was just Mamoru... yeah Beryl was going to be on a rampage.
"Of course, we - meaning Professor Tomoe and myself - are very sensitive to the difficulty of Beryl-Shachou's situation. Since she's lost one of her two direct reports, along with his staff, her ability to complete her objectives has been compromised. And, as Father Obsidian often reminds us, while we are separate in some ways, we're all part of Obsidian and should be working together. So Beryl-Shachou's difficulties are our difficulties. And your difficulties, Agera-san."
Takashi winced. He was steeling himself for a great set of lies regarding his recent interactions with Hematite/Mamoru and foreknowledge of his leaving. But he wouldn't have to lie about the others. "I agree, Kaolinite-buchou. This is a severe problem. It'll make it hard for her to complete her division's objectives, both personal and as part of Obsidian." he says. Best to just feign ignorance. Remain merely corporate-polite. "I wish her a speedy recovery from the setback."
"It's a good thing that you say that. You were, I'm sure, unaware of this impending situation." Kaolinite began, and Takashi nodded. He'd been feigning shock for a while. And he moved to talk, but Kaolinite didn't let him. "And we've decided to provide assistance to Beryl-Shachou in the form of a capable team that she can slot in to cover the organizational holes this has created. Since it's ideal for this to be an individual who already has a team working under them, to minimize the chaos of the transition, it's been decided to shift you and your team to Beryl-Shachou's division."
Takashi's face faltered and his mouth just kind of fell open. They WHAT.
"Kaolinite-buchou, I have worked very hard for you and Professor Tomoe! And I've been consistently successful. Why are you so quick to dismiss me?!" he asked, standing up from the chair. After everything he'd done - the rifles, the heart crystal, the energy - they were just going to throw him away?
"Agera-san, this is not a demotion or firing." Kaolinite said, glaring at him until he got control of himself and sat down. "It is precisely your effectiveness that has made you the right candidate for this transfer. That, and you're the only one who already has people working under them. You can bring yourself and a team to assist our colleague. Plus, you will be reporting directly to Beryl-shachou, as I report to Professor Tomoe. Surely you can see this elevates you in the organization."
Takashi was fuming, though. He'd thought Kaolinite was smarter than the Witches, but she'd always just wanted to get rid of him too? He felt about the same way about the woman that Hotaru did, now. And that brought up another thing. "Kaolinite-buchou, part of my team includes the Professor's daughter, who I'm also responsible for the safety of. You can't seriously be moving Tomoe-chan to another Director's division." he says.
"Correct, we are not. Hotaru will remain with us, though at this time we'll have her retain the monitoring device you have, and we would request that you continue to intervene in tense situations, as you are able, for her own good." she says. "But she will no longer be your responsibility. I would think that would be a lot of stress off your mind." Kaolinite says, peering at him.
Takashi sighs. "She's gonna be crushed." he says. Kaolinite continues to look at him. Yes, he'd grown far too emotionally attached to that girl. Especially given their plans for her.
"She's old enough to be made to understand that fostering a good relationship with and appreciation from a fellow division head is important to her Father." Kaolinite replies. "I really thought you would take this differently. You will have far more resources at your disposal working directly under a Director than you do here. You will have more authority."
All Takashi could think was that he'd work directly under BERYL. The creepy lady. Mamoru had ditched his problems and left them right in the middle of Takashi's road.
"I like where I am now, who I work for. We're a science division. The Witches 5 is a science-focused group. I'm surrounded by research and development. Tomoe-sensei is a great mentor. Who does Beryl have to work with me even left now? Tethis?! I don't think she could research her way out of a paper bag!" he exclaimed.
"Precisely why she needs someone like you to help return her division to full functions. Your preference to work for our division is something I'll note down, and take into account if and when the situation permits it. But this is not a request, Agera-san. The paperwork is already completed. You will spend Wednesday moving your things and starting Thursday you and your team will be employees of Beryl Holdings. If you appreciate the mentorship Professor Tomoe has provided you, then show it as you settle into your new role. He is the one who believed you were ready for this responsibility, after all." she says. "And on a personal note: Stop acting like a spoiled child just because your life isn't going exactly the way you want. This will be good for you if you don't screw it up."
Takashi just grit his teeth and bit back a bunch of words. "...understood." It wasn't his choice, it wasn't in his control. The agreement between Beryl and Tomoe was already done. This was actually happening. Even though he wanted to tear his long hair out over it, it wasn't going to help. All that was left was to try to sort things out to get back as soon as possible, which meant he needed to leave on the right terms. He stood up and bowed again. "Thank you for your leadership to this point as well, Kaolinite-buchou." he said. She nodded. As he walked out, Takashi thought Hotaru may have had the right idea regarding this woman and a short trip down a long stairwell.
