Chapter 10
Stiff from his drunken sleep on Jane's couch, Greg stretched as the pain in his head kept banging a beat that matched his heart's pace. It took him several moments to remember where he was and what happened that night. Using her bathroom, Greg did his best to freshen up. Fortunately, he has extra shirts in his office closet; the same suit with a different shirt won't get a second look.
It was still very early and his stroll through the quiet plant was something only the security cameras would catch. As he had the previous night he paused at the same place where he and Jane had stopped to admire the tanks. He marveled at what he and his team had accomplished. Their systems had put the inmates in a sustainable alternate reality. It was this technology that allowed him to make the necessary changes to Inmate 8913069 aka Liz, and which his entire program is based. If successful it will change the entire Penal System permanently. The prison system was originally designed to punish people sent there for what they have done, and the creators felt that penitence should be the way to rehabilitation. That kind of thinking was ancient and had changed over the years.
However, Dr. Greg Thomas felt that his augmented reality could provide both penance and reform achieving the lofty goals. He could even create a world where those sentenced wouldn't even know of their crimes, could be rehabilitated, and eventually released. Inmate 8913069 was the first step in making that dream a reality. That was still a long way off; nevertheless, yesterday's development was a significant first step.
As Dr. Janet Lofton entered the building it was obvious things had changed. Even before 8 AM, the place was a beehive of activity, phones ringing, people rushing about, and everyone wearing bright smiles. Making her way to her office, everyone she passed greeted her. She smiled and replied with the appropriate pleasantry. Everyone was so up, and chipper lifted her already good mood further. Everyone was so jolly, and they hadn't yet gotten the grant. Things did look very good. She dropped off her things at her office, but there was no sign of Dr. Thomas, he didn't leave a note. He did tidy up, there was no evidence that he had spent the night.
She was free til 10 AM so she decided to check on him. Arriving at his outer office she began to introduce herself, but was interrupted, "Dr. Lofton, how can I help you?" she asked in a very pleasant and professional voice. Catching Jane off-guard, obviously a quick study, "Is he in?" she'd not met the new receptionist/secretary. "He's on the phone right now but asked me to let him know if you came by. Please have a seat, I'll instant message him." Jane took a seat and admired the new secretary. She was stunning. She noticed that she was looking her over closely. That was odd behavior for her, she continued. She was professionally dressed, and Jane began undressing her mentally while assessing her physical assets. Even seated it was obvious that she was tall, her long slender legs went on for miles. She appeared to be chesty and trying to hide it. She didn't wear much jewelry, just simple earrings, no wedding ring, and a jeweled ring on the opposite hand. Just as Jane was beginning to imagine her nude, she was startled from her daydream. "Director Thomas will see you now."
Playing it off, by covering her mouth and yawning, Jane rose to her feet. "I'm' sorry. I didn't get much sleep last night. Thank you." She smiled and walked into Greg's office. She hoped he was okay, and things wouldn't become weird.
"Good morning," he too was a bit nervous, as he began to speak taking in Jane's appearance. She looked hot and sexy to him despite her professional attire. "About last night..." he paused, uncertain which way to go. "I'm sorry. I was very drunk," thinking he'd give her an out. "Did we...do it?" Before she could answer he continued. "If we did, I must have been pretty bad."
