The reception Lanier received from Renraku was nearly as cold. Most members of the board, including Watanabe, didn’t trust Lanier as far as they could throw him and the ex-Fuchi man submitted to what Aneki considered invasive security checks and surveillance to prove his loyalty to his new corporate community. Lanier passed every test with flying colors and his advice to the board on how to handle certain relations with Fuchi had proven invaluable in securing Renraku’s new market position against its formidable rival. Lanier was considered a full member of the board, but Aneki knew Watanabe and other board members still did not accord him their full trust, even after so many months.