>https://www.globalnerdy.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/org-charts-tech-companies.pngYou could argue. But if you really pushed the matter, he'd be even more likely to make you forget about it, and then where would you be? You sigh. "You'll explain everything else later tonight?"
"If you're sober enough for it, Charlie, yes. I think that sounds like a plan. Did you have a question?"
In a way, he's right. You don't actually want to ruin your Game Night. Better to ask something on the safer side. "Yeah. You're not Management, and you didn't know them, but they knew you. That doesn't make any sense. How are you actually related?"
"Hm? It's not as complicated as all that."
Uh-huh. "Then why wouldn't you explain it earlier?"
"Because you had better things to do, no?" Richard settles back in his chair. "I'll preface this by stating it's all somewhat speculative—"
"<span class="mu-i">How?</span> What is there to speculate on?"
"Slow down. It's all speculative, because, in a literal sense, they were not my department. That's what I believe." Richard presses his fingers to his lips. "You are aware of my... role. My title."
You squint. "Correspondent #314?"
"Yes. Very sharp, Charlie. Am I the only Correspondent?"
"I thought you were supposed to be answering questions." You drink the rest of the water, then set it down. "But, um... no? Since your arch-nemesis snake is also a Correspondent? And I guess there'd have to be 313 others. Oh. That's a lot. 300 other people have Richards?"
"I assure you, only one person has a Richard. But I promised one question, so—" He crosses one leg over the other. "There are more than 300, for the record. I am not as high as all that. But we are all Correspondents."
"So that's what snakes are? Correspondents?"
"No, Charlotte. Like I said, it is a role. Similar roles are grouped in departments. All of the departments, together, make up... us."
"'Snakes.'" You make the quotation marks.
"Yes. This is how we are organized. As you might imagine, then, I only know a small number of others on personal terms, all of whom are Correspondents, or else dedicated liaisons between departments. I believe one of them accosted you?"
Your eyes widen. "She gave me the card for you! R-D-something?"
"R/D-C #1. Yes. She serves as a bridge between ourselves and R/D. Research and Development. It would be inefficient to expect us to keep up with their work, and for them to keep up with ours, so there are a few who are tasked with conveying information and assistance. They... know me well. Regardless—"
"So R/D-C #1 was a Manager?" You frown. "She was too nice, I thought."
"No. In any case, I seriously doubt it. The liaisons are kept far too busy to waste time on a side project. R&D, on the other hand... you said you heard their numbers?"
(1/5)
