There's one hiccup

The boat ride to the Rig was significantly less exciting than the van. Only Adam and his passenger (Who I learned was named Jenson) accompanied me and they piloted the ship with that same stony efficiency that was their usual. I kind of missed the warmth Adam had shown when I was using the Slut sticker, but the lack of self control in myself was enough that I didn't dare keep it on longer than usual. Though I would certainly remember this mornings events fondly.

With the box comfortably sat in my lap and my scarf wrapped snugly around my neck, we made good speed to the Rig. General consensus on the Rig was that of the two PRT/Protectorate headquarters, it was definitely the more impressive. And the bigger waste of tax dollars. Most full Protectorate agents used the downtown headquarters instead, leaving the Wards confined to the Rig when they were off duty.

It was a beautifully designed structure for sure, with state of the art equipment and technology; it just felt like it's purpose was to make the city seem safer than it was. Brockton Bay was a shithole, and the Rig only served to act as a pretty coat of paint for it. Now I could put it more to use though, what with actually having some control over my life now.

There was a dock built under the Rig around its four massive support pillars. We pulled up on the one nearest the coast, where an average height woman dressed business casual with dark hair and dark eyes was waiting for us. Adams helped me out of the boat, and the woman approached me with a tablet in one arm. She wore a firm expression on her face, but not a humorless one.

We shook hands as she introduced herself, "I'm Vanessa Raine, Director. I'll function as your secretary and assistant, and bring you up to speed on the situation in Brockton Bay and your duties as the Director of the Wards. You'll be expected to step fully into your duties at the end of the month, but until then you are free to learn them as you please."

I nodded and managed a smile. The cool sea breeze wrapped around my legs and almost seemed to caress my lips; I suppressed a shudder and focused on business. This was my job after all, I was going to take it seriously.

"Lets start with a tour of the Rig then, Miss Raine. You can fill me in on the basics as we go." I said.

Vanessa stood up straighter and nodded, "Very good, ma'am. If you would follow me please."

I did so, sparing a wave goodbye at Adam and Jameson as Vanessa lead me to the nearest elevator. Inside, she almost immediately started talking and updating me on what was expected of me as the Director. Long story short, I was in charge of finalizing the budget for Ward operations, I was a liaison between the PRT and Protectorate member in charge of the Wards, and I was expected to participate in the weekly reviews with the local Protectorate leader Armsmaster, and PRT Director Piggot. There were a ton of other minor duties, but those were the most important.

Vanessa explained all of this as we toured the Rig. The structure's interior was as nice as its exterior, equally as modern in both aesthetic and technology. Every floor had several built in navigation stations for guests, cameras were installed at every intersection, the doors were automated and key code locked (Which made me wonder where the hell I would keep a key card. I made a note to see if we still had some of moms old purses back at home), and the facility was fully staffed at all times.

Of course, this meant everyone got a nice good look at their new directors naked ass, but like with dad, Adams, and Vanessa, no one seemed to notice I was only wearing a scarf and carrying a box with me at all times. At this point, the lack of reaction was enough that I was even starting to forget I was naked, until an errant breeze quickly reminded me of how exposed I was.

Our tour came to an end at a large set of double doors. Vanessa placed a manicured finger on the panel and there was a loud but short alarm from the other side. She explained, "Standard operating procedure for entering Ward facilities is a warning so that they have time to conceal their identities. As of right now, only one Ward is off duty, the rest are either manning their desks or at home. Will you require anything else, director?"

I shook my head, "No, you've been a great help Raine. I can find my way to my office from here once I've talked with the Ward. Please leave a report of what we covered on my desk, it will make for good reference material as I settle in. I'll also want a full list of all Wards currently active."

Vanessa nodded, "Of course, ma'am." and she turned and walked off down the hall, heels clicking on the tiled floor.

The doors finally opened and I stepped inside to see the sole occupant. He was a tall well built young man, with a strong jaw, deep blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. His costume was all metal plates, power armor designed in the style of a knight, with his helmet under one arm. He was very cute, and I tried not to blush as he looked at me.

"You must be the new Director. Hebert right?" he offered his hand.

I shook it and said, "Y-yes. Taylor is fine, or Hebert, whichever you prefer!" my voice cracked, and I quickly cleared it. "Ahem. You're Gallant, yes?"

"That's me. Gallant, or Dean if you prefer." the cape said. His pretty blue eyes flashed with confusion, and then a slow realization. What he said next hit me like a hammer to my gut.

"No offense director, but... you are aware you're naked, right?"