Level One

"What's Level One?" asked Diana as she entered the elevator.

The elevator operator just smiled. "That's the first floor below the lobby."

"Below the lobby?"

"Yes. There are seven levels below the lobby. Level One is just the top one."

"Why the need for so many floors below the lobby? What's wrong with all the floors above the lobby?"

"The floors above are executive offices. The floors below are reserved for R & D."

"Oh, I see."

The elevator doors opened. As Diana stepped out of the elevator, she noticed that it was very hot on this floor. So hot that she was sweating.

A security guard in a short-sleeve shirt came up to her and said, "I'm sorry, ma'am. But I'm gonna to have to confiscate that jacket."

"Confiscate this jacket?" asked Diana. "Why?"

"Regulations, ma'am," said the guard. "The Ereshkigal corporation does not want its visitors dying of heat exhaustion while they're on this level."

"Really?"

"Yes. But don't worry. It will be returned to you at the end of your visit."

And with that, Diana handed over her jacket to the security guard. "I hope this investigation is worth it," she said under her breath.