She calls

As she stares at the card the words Ms. Stanley said as she handed it to her are clear in her mind: "If you can't figure out how to get your life together after you're expelled call this number. From what I've...seen of you...you aren't completely future-less."

At the time, Katelyn didn't understand what the VP meant. She was so distraught that the man Ms. Stanley was blackmailing refused her and thereby torpedoed her college career that she never wanted to think about it. Now, after months of hiding her shame and suddenly seeing it vomit forth over everyone in her circle, she understood. She would need help escaping this curse and maybe...maybe Ms. Stanley had given her the answer months ago.

Feeling like she has nothing to lose Katelyn dials the number. Instead of the pulsing ringtone she's used to hearing when she calls someone the sound is of several long beeps before a computerized voice says: "The Facility welcomes you. Please enter your submission number."

Katelyn looks at the number on the bottom of the card. "That must be it," she says to herself and taps it into the phone. There are more beeping tones as she waits. Finally, the computerized voice continues: "You have been registered by" it pauses and she hears Ms. Stanley's inserted voice say "Deborah Stanley." The computer continues: "Please prepare to receive. When you affirm reception keep your phone next to your ear. Reception can take up to five minutes. As long as you hear the muzak you know reception is ongoing. Please be patient and wait until reception completes."

Katelyn scrunched up her face. In college, she had taken part in immersive games that used both digital and real-life tactics. This seemed a lot like one of those games. Did-did the VP of a massive accounting firm sign her up for an immersive game? That seemed weird but it was the only thing she could come up with as an answer and, honestly, she could use some levity. Maybe the game had some sort of life lesson.

"If you are willing to receive please say 'Yes.'"

Katelyn is silent as she considers. She wonders, okay, but what if this isn't an immersive game? She was blackmailing that dude at the office. But Katelyn didn't have anything. And she was, in her mind, ruined for life due to everything that would happen. What advantage would a powerful woman have with blackmailing a college dropout who can't keep a job? It must be some sort of weird wealthy person mentorship game, she thinks, right?

The computer voice interrupts her thoughts: "Are you still there? You have 30 seconds to confirm your willingness to receive this opportunity. If you do not confirm in the next 30 seconds your Facility submission code will be terminated. if you are willing to receive please say 'Yes.'"

There, it said "Facility" again, Katelyn thinks. That seems so much like a dumb immersive game evil organization name. She licks her lips and makes her decision.