Game Player

16 - Cal

"This is what the data topology looks like during the various phases. Phase four is our end game and where we need to be. By which time, we aim to have the technology and data from both Serkos and EoN combined into one enterprise platform," Sasha explained. "Shane and Kerry and our data architects will have been working closely with your teams over the last few weeks to ensure that the processes and design that you are creating conform to a standardised and interchangeable template. Our first milestone is to land all the data from the various sources into each platform and perform key integration tests along the way. I've already provided the programme plan and various supporting documents but please let me know if you have any questions. Kerry and Shane will have gone through the EoN and Serkos project plans for phase one with your teams, and will continue to run it as they see fit as long as they meet key deliverables along the way." Sasha paused, looking around the table at the executive stakeholder committee as she outlined the strategy and plan. "If there are no more questions then I'd like to have a chat with you a moment please Cal and Alex."

Cal noticed that Alex barely acknowledged him as she was about to step out of the room with Harry Wright, a guy who was introduced as the Datamix CTO and one he hadn't met before. Apparently, another admirer of Alex's if he wasn't mistaken.

Sasha looked at Alex. "This won't come as a surprise to you Alex but it might to Cal....I need to tell you that I have some fairly bad news." Sasha said, looking around to ensure everyone had exited the room. "It has a direct impact on you which is why you need to know but I ask that you keep this confidential," Sasha warned, glancing between the two of them. "Shane has had a couple of serious misconduct complaints against him which are sexual in nature and one has been proven to be true. They are now in the process of terminating his employment and he will likely be gone by the end of the week."

"What?!" He exhaled, looking at Alex with uncertainty.

"Yes. So the issue is, we need a quick contingency plan and so I'm proposing that we have Kerry across both teams while we find a replacement. It's not ideal but it's the most workable solution given the short notice. It will slow down our plans but we've already started looking at alternatives." Sasha explained.

"Why would you have known about this Alex?" Cal asked, feeling a mix of unease and confusion.

Alex looked at him stoically and replied, "I just happen to know what he can be like." She turned to Sasha, "thanks for letting me know Sasha and I'm happy with your proposal. You're right - it's the best option we have without stopping the project. Please let me know if there's anything you need help with but I do have to shoot off now to another appointment, please excuse me." Cal watched her leave, a sense of dread filling him.

"Why does she really know about this?" He asked directly at Sasha.

"That's not for me to answer," Sasha looked at him curiously and continued. "Do you have any objections to my plan as it's going to impact you the most?"

"No, I agree it's the next best thing for now." He replied absentmindedly.

"Great I'll keep you posted on the replacement plans."

"How serious were the allegations?" He asked.

"My understanding is that the one which has been proven is not as serious as the one that hasn't been. Although I believe that the unproven one is also true. Either way, they are both serious enough individually for a dismissal."

"Ok, thanks for the info, Sasha." Cal quickly grabbed his things and dialed Alex's number as he headed out the door but it went directly to voicemail. Frustrated, he sent her a text.

Alex we need to talk
C

Busy. Contact my PA
A

I'll come to your office
C

He got no response but dialed Geoff's number to explain the situation.

"Shit, I thought he was a bit sleazy but didn't realise he had crossed the line.....and by the sounds of things, more than once," Geoff replied.

"Why did you think that?"

"Well, I saw him getting close and personal with one of our tech writers one time. I just thought they were getting it on cause it had a weird hushed vibe about it. I didn't give it much thought at the time other than that they were probably trying to keep it secret."

"Why did I miss it altogether?" He said more to himself than responding to Geoff.

"Well to be fair, he wasn't that obvious about it. I just happened to stumble across that particular incident but now knowing what I know, it's brought it to the forefront of my mind. It might still be nothing - and turns out to be as I originally thought." Geoff explained. "On another matter which I was going to bring up today is that the leaking of our IP is getting worse," Geoff sighed. "I have noticed that a couple of our competitors seem to be making small changes to minor functionality that have a very similar look and feel to ours - it seems too coincidentally familiar. Some of the guys in the software team have picked up on it as well when they attend roadshows and view demos."

"Why do you say it's getting worse? We've known for several weeks someone was leaking minor details but what's changed?" Cal asked, concerned.

"It's the timing. Before it still seemed like they were copycatting and were just lagging behind. Now it feels like they know certain things we plan as we plan them. They're still small and not key roadmap strategies but it's concerning all the same."

"Ok, I'm guessing you've already got Oliver and co looking at software forensics on this?"

"Yes absolutely," Geoff assured.

"What about Liam from security?"

"Yes got him too. Everyone's on it. It will just take time to sift through. We need to report this into the US office obviously."

"Sure, I've got a call with Pieter tomorrow. He'll have my ass and my career if we don't get this shit sorted. My head's already on the line if we don't close this deal. Keep me posted. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Pieter would LOVE to have your ass if you let him." Geoff laughed. "No I'm on an off-site with a few of my team over the next few days then I'm back in San Fran for three weeks. I'll see you at your sister's BBQ."

"Oh shit. I forgot that you're away for a while."

"I wouldn't miss your sister or her BBQs for the world." Geoff teased.

"You stay away from my sister otherwise you'll find some utensils shoved in the most uncomfortable places," Cal growled.

Geoff howled with laughter and Cal hung up on him.

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