Lilium Rorsch Pharmaceuticals. In recent years, their products far outstripped their competitors. Upon investigation, their recent advances all traced back to a single research facility on a remote island. Suspected Crimes: Human Trafficking, Human Experimentation, and Tax Evasion.
Vanya swiped to the next page on her tablet and took a couple deep breaths. Her small cabin lurched with the rocking of the ship. Her stomach did small flips with each wave of the ocean. But shaking her head, she refocused on the screen.
Satellite images showed an aerial view of the large research compound. On the northwest side of the island, fenced off and nestled in a small cove, dozens of buildings comprised the bulk of the remote facility. Pools, recreational areas, and dormitories lined the shore. While further back, larger two-story buildings made up the actual research zone. Like a tiny city, the compound crammed everything from bowling alleys to offices into one place.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door. Sighing in relief, Vanya locked her tablet and opened the door to her cabin. "Yes?"
"We are nearing the island, if you'd like to gather your things," a deckhand in a blue sailor uniform informed her.
"I'll be only a moment," she smiled back. Putting her tablet back in her computer bag, she slung it over her shoulder. Looking down, she quickly smoothed the wrinkles in her suit and skirt, nodding. "Let's go."
The deckhand showed her up to the top deck of the large vessel. Despite the sunny day, winds blew in from the east. With one finger, Vanya pinned her fake glasses to her face, careful to not let them fall off. Her brown hair whipped in the warm wind, destroying her carefully straightened work.
"It'll be less windy in the cove!" The deckhand shouted over the wind.
As they finally approached the shore, the wind slowed and the large ship docked into a cut-out wharf. Crane arms poised over the vessel, ready to lift away the cargo containers from the ship. At the same time, two deckhands prepared a walkway down to the dock.
"Vanya Harper! I hope your trip was well," A voice called out to Vanya.
A younger woman climbed the walkway and onto the ship. She wore a short floral skirt, a high-neck stretchy crop top, sandals, and sunhat. Compared to Vanya's suit, her greeter seemed better dressed for a pool party.
"It was certainly a journey to get out this far. But the opportunity is worth it," Vanya smiled fakely back.
"I'm sure you don't want to stay on this boat another second." The greeter smiled back. "Let's get you on dry land and I'll show you around."
Do you not want me to see what's inside those cargo containers? Vanya thought to herself, but kept her mouth shut. "That would be great, thanks," Vanya replied and followed her onto the shore.
"My name's Jamey," she finally introduced herself. "I'm the senior lifestyle director on the island. So if you need anything while you're here, feel free to give me a shout. Although, if it's related to your research, you'll have to talk to your manager."
Vanya nodded, That explains the unprofessional outfit, she thought to herself. But as they walked down the path on the beach, they passed more women wearing nothing but skimpy swimsuits. Not to mention, they all seemed younger than Vanya herself.
Vanya didn't consider herself old. In her late thirties, she still had plenty of time to settle down. But the women here put doubts in her mind. Even after faking decades of experience on her resumé, Vanya barely got the job. How did such young women get into an exclusive top-secret research facility?
"I'm sure you've noticed, but we only employ women on this island," Jamey explained. "Studies show that remote research facilities have some of the highest sexual harassment cases. So this is for everyone's protection."
"I see," Vanya nodded. So they already discriminate against gender? They must be discriminating against age too...
"This is your room," Jamey said, as they arrived at the dorms. "Clothes and necessities are already provided. So feel free to freshen up, and perhaps change into some lighter attire."
"Much appreciated, I'll be quick," Vanya nodded and headed inside. The other woman's words stung a bit, but she needed it.
The small dorm room held only a bed, dresser, table, and bathroom. Stripping down to her underwear, Vanya headed to the bathroom. She brushed and tied her messy long hair into a ponytail, then reapplied her deodorant.
For clothes, the warm tropical heat meant she couldn't go back to her suit. Thankfully, the dresser and closet held countless outfits. Most everything looked casual, but she chose a pencil skirt and white sleeveless blouse from the options.
From the top of the dresser, Vanya picked up the keys to the room and an unopened water bottle. With those two in hand, she headed back outside, "Thanks very much for waiting," Vanya called out.
"Oh, no problem at all," Jamey smiled. "But, you know you can go more casual today. You don't start work till Monday."
"Ah, I just wanna make a good first impression. And it's only Friday, I'm sure everyone is still working."
"Between you and me," Jamey leaned in, "Everyone wears lab coats in the main buildings. So nobody actually cares what you wear underneath. I've even seen a few girls working in only their underwear."
"I guess that makes chemical showers easier..." Vanya replied, trying not to picture the scene. Turning around, she locked the door to her room.
"Oh yeah, the maids come in every afternoon for cleaning. They'll wash your clothes and tidy up the room. So don't be surprised if someone enters your room while it's locked."
Silently, Vanya checked off 'lack of privacy' from her mental bingo card for her mission.
-
They toured the recreation area and Jamey showed her where to get food, where to meet her manager, and to the entrance of the labs. But Vanya had already memorized the layout of the compound from the satellite images. Instead, she focused on everything else: the faces of people they passed, the interior layouts of rooms, escape exits and entry points. Anything to distract herself from the increasingly bizarre staff around her.
