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"Well, I think you'll do all right. Remember, this level of access is only for use when you need to see something you normally couldn't. The password changes every day." Stef passed me a sealed envelope, and said, "That's the next two week's passwords in there. Shred them when you finish with them. We'll work out some way for you to be updated once we know where you're working."
"Send me an email?" I asked.
She nodded. "That would work. It would have to be an encrypted email. You do remember your encryption pass phrase and email address?"
I smiled. "It's skyle at waynecorp.net, right?"
She nodded, and glanced at her monitor. Stef tapped some keys, and added, "It's eleven. Let's go grab a bite, and I'll show you the lunchroom. We've both got a meeting at one." I grabbed my purse, and stuffed the envelope of paperwork into it.
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As we waited for the elevator, Stef remarked, "Most of WayneCorp's buildings follow an informal tradition of putting workout facilities on the top floor, lunchroom and medical on the second floor, and a daycare on the third. It's nice to be able to look out the window at the scenery when you're sweating on a treadmill. If Medical agrees, you can take a paid hour before or after lunch to work out. Some people don't eat lunch at all, they just go and work out." She looked at me, and said, "I'll bet you're an aerobics fan, aren't you?"
"Primarily for flexibility." I replied. "But I prefer running and martial arts. I've got black belts in a couple of different ones." The elevator dinged, and we entered.
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In accordance with elevator etiquette, we stayed silent during the ride to the second floor. I followed Stef through a set of double doors, where she swiped her ID through a gate. I followed, and asked, "Why the security on a lunchroom?"
Stef looked uncomfortable, and said, "It's not primarily security. A few years ago, the Joker got loose, and gassed one of our smaller facilities. We had a tough time identifying the bodies from skeletal remains. This way, we at least know who's in a room if, well..."
"Oh. Well, you know I've never killed anyone."
"I know. Can we change the subject?" She motioned, and said, "Soup and salad bar, and the hot line for lunch. What's your pleasure?"
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"Ah. Nothing like hot soup on a cold day." I said. I looked out the window, and added, "Snowing again. Great. Six blocks of icy sidewalks to the train station. Why did I wear heels?"
"For the same reason every woman does, Selina." Stef commented. She grinned, and said, "I normally don't wear a suit and heels to work, but I'll be on the platform giving an introduction to all you newbies. Department heads set the dress code for their departments, but HR is trying to standardize everyone. Can you imagine my techs having to wear suits, or the guys in shipping wearing ties?" She snorted, and said, "It's tough enough to get my guys to wear company golf shirts and decent jeans! At least my girls go along with that."
"Well, you look good." I mentioned.
"Thanks. Does help to be a former beauty pageant winner." She grinned, and looked at her watch, then stood and took her tray to the far wall, with the conveyer belt. I followed her, and she mentioned, "Finish your tea. You'll need the caffeine to stay awake while Annalisa is talking."
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I followed the signs on the 42nd floor to H.R.'s auditorium. I wasn't the last to enter, but close. I signed in on the clipboard, wondering why they didn't do a card swipe like just about every other place in the building. I found a place, and saw Stef and Tee on the podium with other people, already looking bored. Behind me, I heard the doors swing shut.
An immensely obese woman plopped herself down behind the podium, and started to speak. There must have been something wrong with the microphone, as it gave the 'fingernails on a blackboard' squeal, which she seemed to be immune to. She said in a monotone, "Good afternoon, everyone. I am Annalisa Brown, the head of your Human Resources department. I'd like to welcome everyone to WayneCorp. Let me start with a brief overview of the company ..."
### Chapter 9:Of H.R. and Tea