We entered the lab and immediately a few of the working interns there perked up at the sight of Peter.
Julie gathered the class's attention, "Okay everyone, so this is one of our first-floor labs. These are staffed primarily by our college interns in their first year here, who are supervised by higher level employees. While all of these students are quite bright, their positions in these labs expose them to many new concepts and are built to challenge them, so they are more of a learning experience than a work one. Here at Stark Industries, we believe in ensuring a strong foundational base for our interns, and for all staff, to encourage improved intelligence, creativity, and communication skills, ensuring success as they move higher up the ladder."
She glanced towards a tall blond at the front of the room, "Jamie, would you give a quick presentation about what this team is working on right now?"
Jamie nodded and stepped over to a whiteboard, going through a complex formula and describing an insanely complex situation. At least, I assumed it was complex because the only words I understood were the conjunctions. But everyone around me was nodding like they understood. I sighed internally.
As he wrapped up, Jamie asked if anyone had any suggestions on how to deal with some unbalanced reactions that the team was struggling with, thinking that perhaps fresh eyes, even high school ones, might see something they were missing. A few classmates actually even put their hands up, but their answers were quickly denounced as the interns pointed out problems with them. Then Jamie spotted Peter, "Peter, we were going to ask you tonight when you came on shift, but since you're here now—could you help us?"
Peter blushed red, and muttered out a solution. A redhead intern further into the room lit up at his words, "Omg, that's it! Fantastic, thanks Peter—knew we could count on you!"
Peter just nodded, slouching into his hoodie.
Julie led us out of the room, bringing us to a few other labs, following the same pattern. She would explain their status level, what their goals were and who worked there, and would have someone go over current projects. In several of the labs, the staff would notice Peter, usually singling him out to say hello, though a few others also asked for his guidance. By the 4th time he was asked—and Flash had still not said or done anything— Peter got a bit more comfortable, moving over to help out with his usual enthusiasm. Other kids in our class would exchange some glances, but that was it. I smiled to myself. The days of people doubting his internship were at least over for good it seemed. Flash had at least lost that ammunition.
Unfortunately, I also noticed a few staff members perking up when they noticed me, but thankfully they would get noticed by a coworker and be reminded to ignore me. One lady even elbowed her table partner when she looked like she was going to say hi. I was incredibly grateful.
Some of the labs didn't just explain their work, they also showed us. Even I got a kick out of getting demonstrations of some newly developed robots with A.I, advanced water filtration systems, and the array of advanced prosthetic limbs they had in one of the highest labs. Mr. Harrington had been absolutely fascinated by the filtration systems, seeming almost sad when we had to leave that room.
Once we had finished that part of the tour, Julie gave us an hour of free time for lunch. "You have all been given a bracelet with a hologram map. It will show you where you are at all times, highlights restricted sections—and will set of an alarm if you enter them, as will FRIDAY so don't think you can enter those spaces simply by taking of the bracelet. We will also receive notifications if the bracelets are removed or leave the premises, these are safety precautions. Also highlighted on your maps are the food spaces you can visit. There is the main cafeteria of course, located in the lower levels, as well as a variety of cafés, pizzerias, sandwich stalls, and other food options. A timer will go off with a ten minute warning at the end of the free period and will begin directing you to our showroom auditorium. I will see you all there. Remember, FRIDAY is always watching. And please keep your visitor cards in clear view on your lanyards. Thank you."
As she turned to speak to an employee next to her, the noise level of the class increased as everyone freaked out over the hologram watches and began choosing where to go for lunch. I sighed as Flash sauntered over to us, "So, where are you all going to eat?" He looked at Peter with a sneer, "Got access to some fancy intern food stalls?"
MJ spoke in a warning tone, "Watch it, Flash."
He looked at her with an innocent expression, "What? I'm simply making polite conversation with the resident intern." He eyes narrowed slightly as he turned towards me, "Or should I be asking you about it? With your dad being a full staff member, he must have access to all the swanky spots. Show me."
Trying to ignore my pounding heart as he walked a dangerous line, I simply pointed at the watch, "Doesn't matter if I do or not, today I'm here with all the same access as you. We can only go where the watch lets us."
He hmphed and walked away. I breathed a sigh of relief and turned back to my friends. Rose chuckled, "Oh if only he knew just how 'swanky' your access was."
I let out a nervous laugh, "Uh huh. But that's not something he'll be learning anytime soon."
She frowned, "Unfortunate, but necessary. Obviously, your safety is more important than shutting him up."
MJ nodded in agreement and redirected the conversation to where to go for lunch. We decided on the cafeteria and headed down. There was a sandwich place there, that while it was no Delmar's, was still pretty good. So that's where we all went for our lunch, each of us getting one sandwich, except Peter, who grabbed three. I was behind him in line and made the impulse decision to order a second one for myself. I figured it couldn't hurt to carry an extra snack around for Peter in case he got hungry later.
The rest of the break passed pretty uneventfully, and when the warning timers went off—sounding all over the cafeteria and confusing some of the regular staff who were also eating— we got our stuff together and headed towards the auditorium.
The auditorium was a large showroom that could fit up to 3,000 people. It was slightly rounded, with tiered seating, and large screens at the front to magnify images of what was happening on the stage. While it wasn't noticeable unless it was put into use, the front walls and ceiling could also turn into panelled images. Dad had compared it to an IMAX theatre and had been annoyed when I'd told him it made me think of the Hogwarts dining hall. The stage itself was rather large, giving lots of space for any productions that were needed to demonstrate or sell products, etc. Right now, it was mostly empty, save for four chairs filled with scientists. Julie was standing next to the front rows, directing students into the seats as they arrived. Because we were all able to sit so close, there was no need to use the large screens.
Once all the students were assembled, Mr. Harrington called us all to attention and Julie went up to the podium in the centre of the stage. "Okay, kids, you are all very lucky, as over the next two hours you are going to get to listen to mini-lectures from our topmost prestigious employees. Dr. Burns heads our biological sciences research, Dr. Lee is from Robotics, we like to refer to Dr. Simms as our general surgeon, as she is able to apply her expansive knowledge to almost every field covered in the building. And lastly, but certainly not least, Dr. Jones is the head of our education department and will be giving an introductory seminar about the intern program in case any of you are interested in applying while you are in college. Enjoy!"
It took everything in me to not roll my eyes. This was going to be a riveting two hours. As I expected, everything they said mostly went over my head and it took everything in me to not yawn my way through it. Everyone around me seemed to be greatly enjoying it though, especially Peter, who was practically bouncing in his seat with excitement. He did realize these were the same people he often worked with, right? Thankfully, I managed to keep my eyes open until the end, gratefully standing up to stretch as Julie corralled us back out to the main hall.
The next, and last, stop was the Avengers Museum. The last hurdle to getting out of here without Uncle Bucky or Dad making an appearance. The entrance was on the second floor, with a small lobby that had doors leading into Stark Industries, but also an elevator that came from an entrance room that connected to the street. I had avoided this area of the tower so far, feeling weird about looking at museum displays of people that I knew personally.
But there was no getting out of it now.