KAT
The numberof files on my desk is overwhelming. But that’s the least overwhelming thing in the last two days.
The biggest confidence-fuck is Archer’s gaze on me through the glass window of his office. I can feel it on my skin. It’s curious and challenging like he waits for me to fail.
Whatever, prick.
Yesterday, I spent two hours with Brooke from HR, who gave me a thin waterproof silicone bracelet to wear on my wrist.
“It has a chip with all your info and balance,” she explained.
“Balance?”
“Yes, your account with Ayana.”
I came to Zion with nothing, so that’s a surprise.
“You can use it anywhere in Ayana to purchase things—restaurants, bars, gym, spa, Ayana general store, where you can get all the essentials. It works as a key to the Center as well as to your condo. Shopping outside Zion goes through a different app, and I already set up your account.”
The longer she chirped away, the higher my eyebrows rose until they were almost at my hairline.
“Who sets up the balance? I mean, I’m new.”
“All the newcomers get a general setup that’s connected to their payroll account. But yours is directly under Mr. Crone’s as per his instructions.”
Mind blown.
I got a laptop, and excitement surged through me with the possibilities until Brooke said, “The connection to the internet is through the local server.”Of course.“You have limited access until Mr. Crone gives clearance for using IM applications, messengers, and video apps.”Ugh, no surprise here.“The server blocks out cookies and spyware, so the use of the internet is limited for security reasons, you understand. If there is something specific you need access to, you’ll have to go through the Center and get clearance from the management.”
Clever.
And then there was shopping. Which, to be fair, I hadn’t done online since the Change. But this place has a corporate account with Thrive, the online shopping monopoly that took over the market since the Change.
No prices but an online concierge who in a matter of one hour helped to arrange an entire wardrobe for me.
Brooke only smiled sweetly. “The first shipment won’t get here until two days from now, I am afraid. Sorry for the inconvenience. But the expedited service to Zion would cost more than your wardrobe.” She laughed and then apologized again.
You kidding me?
I left the HR office in shock, the silicone thread with a chip on my wrist burning me with the constant reminder that I am now in a different world that seems too unreal.
The shock didn’t go away for the rest of the day. Not when I picked up the tablet on the desk at my bungalow and, scanning my new bracelet, ordered takeout from one of Ayana’s restaurants. Then I spent three hours on the computer, figuring out how much access I had to the outside world.
And then I slept.
This morning, I got to the Center at seven and giggled like a kid when the scanner at the front entrance flashed green when I waved my bracelet.
April from HR told me about the files waiting on my desk. But I asked her to introduce me to some of the surveillance team on the morning shift.
It’s only a matter of time before I know everyone.
Now, I organize the files on my desk. It will take me longer than I thought to go through them. And those are not spring-breakers, which is another agenda, because after all, Milena Tsariuk might be one of them, and that’s my priority.
I feel too self-aware. I raise my eyes and see Archer in his office on the phone behind his desk, talking and… staring at me.
Ugh. I wonder if I should ask for a more secluded place to work. I could work from my bungalow, but the internet access is limited. So if I need any info or access to DMV and public records, I’ll have to be here, in the Center.
Suck it up, I tell myself. And when I raise my eyes next time, Archer is not in his office.