I didn't really think it was an important element, I was just interested. After re-reading it with what you explained in mind, it does seem to fit. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Hmmm.
Seems to me that ol' Virgil is falling victim to a little Orwellian treatment. Virgil doesn't exist anymore ... so they have to reassign the slig formerly known as Virgil a knew identity, due to his crime.
Have I got it?

i think this winters person is a concept made my the magog cartel to keep everyone in line. Virgil is going to assume the role of winters to take over and make everyone believe he's there or probaly something a lot deeper than that...

"Winters' needs stage presence, which he, regretfully, lacks at this point in space and time. Dreadful, isn't it?"
"Now hold on a minute!" Virgil cried out.
"It really is a shame. So soon after entering the public eye, Winters will be struck down by politically correct divine lightning. Tsk tsk." - maybe a bit of foreshadowing there?
"STOP TALKING ABOUT WINTERS LIKE HE ACTUALLY EXISTS!!!"

anyway i think a few chapters ago they needed virgil alive because he still had a purpose for them. Maybe it's because he's smart enough to be this Winters person? I dunno im lost to be honest

Some of your theories are right, some are wrong, and others are a tad too close for comfort.

I have some work to do right now, but if all pulls through, the next chapter should be here later today (April 11).

Again, I thank you all for your patience in this matter.