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Walking down the stairs, I can't help but think that little has changed. The sense of novelty, the excitement I felt before is wearing off, and it's being replaced by an uneasy feeling of suspicion. Paranoia? Well, maybe. But it's not paranoia if they're really after you.
Everyone is back at their posts, their confidence in the machinery of Capitalism apparently unshaken. Some people are still willing to do whatever their told, no matter how stupid it sounds, or how stupid it is. Ted might actually be cleaning the bathroom now, but, for most of us, that's what his previous job description actually said, given his behavior.
And the elevators keep breaking down.
Regarding that, I have my suspicions. Jordan went down to the security room only a short while ago. Maybe she's having fun with the remote control, so to speak.
When I finally get there though, the scene that greets me is nothing like I expected. There are at least six people in serious-looking black suits, eyes fixed on different displays, taking notes. The desk space is a mess of printouts, coffee mugs, notepads, screwdrivers, DAT tapes, pens and open briefcases that seem to have exploded from the pressure of crap inside them. Jordan is nowhere to be seen.
A moment after I step in, the door closes and the soft sound that comes from it makes all heads in the room turn. At me.
Can I help you? Says one suit, polite-perfect pitch, tone that doesn't give away any sign of involvement or underlying emotion.
A consultant.
I'm looking for Jordan, I say.
Puzzled looks.
Jordan, Jordan Hudley?
Faces brighten up.
Miss Hudley, yes. She went to get something to drink.
And who are you? I say, in the most impartial tone that I can manage.
All but one of the suits turn back to their screens and their keyboards.
We are from Systems Integrated. The system integrity alarm was triggered, and we were informed of it this morning. We came immediately, the remaining suit says.
Oh, that's ... good, I say.
I open my mouth and I'm about to say something when the door opens behind me. I turn around and smile, expecting to see Jordan, but no luck.
It's Pete.
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5:40:37 PM 
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