Time to see your boss

You're surprised when you see Crystal, two cups of coffee in hand, waiting for you just inside the guard desk. She normally doesn't arrive until after ten and it's only seven-thirty. Not that the cubicle farm is ever empty. Programmers work weird hours... and are expected to be at their desk whenever they're needed.

"Ohmigod, Mike," she squeals. "I can't believe it and I owe it all to you." She rushes toward you as you scan your ID and step through the electronically activated gate.

"Uh, watch the coffee," you say as she goes for a hug.

"Oh. I... I bought one for you. I hope you like cream and sugar."

Actually that sounds nauseating but you nod. "Thanks, Crystal. Now what's this about."

"I got the promotion. I can't believe I'm going to be a manager. If I hadn't solved that problem last night, I might have gotten fired instead."

Promoted? Manager? She's only been with the company for a few months and she already got promoted?

"That's great, Crystal," you manage. "Congrats."

"It'll be your turn soon," she gushes. "After all, everyone knows you're the best programmer in the shop. Maybe we got a big job or something and they need a lot of managers."

"Yeah, maybe." Still, her words cheer you up a little. Surely if Crystal is getting a promotion, they'll promote you as well.

Your cubicle is one of a couple hundred in a florescent-lit floor of a building. The three floors above and below all host similar cubicles and the air conditioners run constantly to keep up with the heat generated by all those computers... despite the cool San Francisco weather outside.

You continue working on your project, providing assistance to the other programmers as needed until, finally, you get a call.

"Mr. Strong, it's Barbara from Mr. Worthshill's office. He's ready to see you now."

"I'll be there in five," you promise.

You take the elevator up to the thirtieth floor and step into an environment completely different from the cubicle farms where you work. Wood paneled walls, thick Persian carpets, and rah-rah corporate slogans cover the floors and line the walls.

A row of administrative assistants guard large doorways into the inner sanctum... you're in 'Mahogany Row," the executive floor of MicroStuff's headquarters.

"Barbara?" You approach the first of the admins.

A pretty Asian woman looks up from her computer.

Like all of the admins, she's strikingly attractive with boobs that have to be artificial, long black hair, and a slender figure. Her top is tasteful but low-cut enough to show off some hot cleavage.

"Mr. Strong? Let me inform Mr. Worthshill that you're here."

She presses a button on her phone, then picks up. "Yes, I'll let him know."

Turning back to Mike, she says, "He'll be with you shortly. Can I get you a coffee while you wait?"