Introductions...

Lauren arrived at the building, took a deep breath, and headed inside. After a quick trip in the elevator, she arrived at the reception. A young and very beautifull brunette was at the front desk. She had her cheeks flushed, and seemed to be thinking about something funny.

"Hello, welcome to Alternative Solutions Systems! How can I help you?" - she said, beaming.

"Hi, my name is Lauren Hill, I have an interview about a position in your company..."

"Yes, yes, let me check here" - she said, and started tiping. "Here it is, Lauren Hill. Please, have a seat, one of our secretary will be here shortly."

Lauren took a seat in one of the couches spread around (very comfy one, by the way) and waited. She noticed the receptionist was still flushing, and still had a smirk on the corner of her mouth. Certainly she was having fun, doing... whatever she was doing on that computer. All she saw when they talked were a bunch of documents opened. Weird.

A couple minutes later, a copper headed beauty, dressed in a black elegant form fitting dress and high boots, appeared through a corner door. She went straight for her.

"Hi, you must be Lauren, my name is Kate."

"Nice to meet you, Kate."

"Please, follow me."

Kate led her through the main door, and Lauren was instantly awestruck: after the small reception area, a balcony led to a huge open area, at least 10 floors high, INSIDE the building. In the center, a private elevator, exclusive for the company internal use, connecting the various floors. "Incredible" - she thought. "How did they do..."

"Ahem..."

"Sorry!" - Lauren blushed.

"Don't worry" - Kate said. "Everyone reacts pretty much the same way the first time they enter. However, even though it's impressive, we have a time table to follow."

"Sure." - Lauren said, as she started following Kate again, going to a side room.

"For security reasons, we have this room here, everyone leaves cellphones and other objects determined by company policy here"

Lauren saw several rows of lockers. They seemed out of place in such a bold design and decoration. She saw they were divided by what she presumed were research teams in the company, and there was also a row of lockers with a 'visitors' logo.

"Here, let me help" - Kate said, and extended her hand for Lauren purse. Lauren picked the folder with her curriculum from the purse and gave it to Kate, who opened one of the locker doors. After putting the purse inside, Kate closed the door and flapped open a small display and said "put your thumb here". As she did, Lauren noticed a small light in the display turn from green to red. "... and done! Now, your fingerprint is set up for this locker". Lauren was amazed by how simple and small the fingerprint reader was. "Now, let's keep going" Kate said, leading Lauren out again.

After a few minutes, that included a trip on the central elevator, Kate led Lauren inside what looked like a small conference room, with a projector already lit up.

"Per company policy, any person applying to any position in the company has to watch the company introduction video. It basically covers some legal subjects, in case your interview doesn't end up with a positive outcome, and also goes over what the company is, it's history, among other things. I must warn you, it's quite long, about 30 minutes." She pointed to the table, where a bottle of water was. "There is some water here, and also feel free to get confortable. Just sit and relax, I'll be here in 30 minutes to get you." And with that, Kate went to the door, and after a quick look, she turned and left.

"Was that... sadness... in her eyes?" - Lauren thought, as she sat down to watch the video...