Yes, Orientation!

You walk into lecture hall with about two hundred other students your age. Sitting next you is girl who might be attractive, if not for loose clothing and some rather ugly glasses. The dark rims contrast with her tousled cherry blond hair.

You are about to introduce yourself when a well groomed, black haired, man in a very expensive suit walks up to the lectern.

“Hello everybody. You are all here because you were selected. The committee feels that each of you brings something unique to this company. Are you going to get paid? No. Are we going to exploit you? Absolutely! But, those of you who succeed in this internship will be offered jobs paining no less than six figures. Now please send a text to the number on the screen up here.” A phone number pops up. “Once we compile a list we will be sending out the suggested reading list. Now everyone with a last name from A to F, go with Michael…”

You and the girl sitting next to you both head toward the man in the gray silk suit. His greased back, black hair, contrasts the lighter suit.

“Follow me. I’ll be taking you on a brief tour.”

He takes you around the building. There are computers and servers everywhere. Each floor has a reading pit, with dozens of people on terminals.

The ultra high speed area has liquid nitrogen cooled lines. White vapor billows off them.

He reaches a large room filled with empty terminals. “This is where you’ll be starting tomorrow.”

He walks into another room. An older, gray haired man with chiseled masculine features and a black silk suit waits there.

“This is Vincent. He is a senior partner here and has something special for each of you.”

He makes his way around, handing each person a small gold coin. You examine it. The back is blank and the head has only vague features.

“These coins are valuable. They should be kept with you at all times. If a partner asks to see yours and you fail to show it to him, you will be kicked out of the program. Is everyone clear on that?”

There is a murmur of understanding.

“Now, you are free to go. We suggest you explore the city. Be back here tomorrow at eight sharp to begin your day.”

You pocket your coin in your wallet and walk over to the girl with glasses.

“Hi, I’m Simon.”

“I’m Connie. Nice to meet you.”

A tall willowy blonde walks directly over to Connie and kisses her on the lips.

“Fara, not at work…Simon, this is my girlfriend Fara.”

You attempt to hide your disappointment. “It’s nice to meet you, Fara.”

She gives you a disapproving look. “Nice to meet you as well,”

They begin to walk away. The crowd seems to be breaking up. You wonder if you can find someone to explore with, or if you should just explore alone.