Megan couldn't help but narrow her eyes. "And--so why does it... you know...?"
Janice grinned. "Poke you like a pornstar? Because your sense of self is alien to G. It doesn't understand the idea of being just a single individual living in a past, present, future. The best way to understand your brain is when your sense of self is out of the way, and the best way to do that is--"
"--make me orgasm. Repeatedly."
"Yep! When you're 'there', G has a better understanding of how you--and all the other girls, and all the other pods--understand and feel and think without your ego blocking it. So it can then make better decisions about the questions we ask. So your job is not just to orgasm--you're job is to think about the trigger words and bond with G while it processes a bunch of data, direct it's thought process. And you--" she tapped the tablet's display of chaotic lines and data--"did great for a first day! We need to start at three hours a day to let you get used to the bonding, but also for health reasons--you can get addicted if we don't manage it, or get confused about time. That's why you're so loopy--you're getting 'unlocked' from the present. It'll get better with time--no pun intended."
Megan sipped her tea. Why did this all sound so normal? "But why me? And why aren't I...freaking out? D-did you...?" she looked at the tea, thought of all the water bottles! "Is it the water? Are you brainwashing me?!" Janice's eyes widened in the terror of a middle manager being accused of a crime. "What? No! The water is a special blend--mint, cucumber, lime, some herbal blend! It's harmless! You can buy it in stores!" She reached over and grabbed Megan's hand. "No, you were picked for two reasons. First, you react positively to the Verdant Sigil--most people don't. They get disoriented, panicky. Those like you become more open to experiences, which is why you're taking this all like a champ. And second...you had a good interview. You were a good working, fun experience, seemed nice. You weren't forced to be here or anything. This is just a job, and one you are good at. If you want to quit you can, but I don't think you will." Janice gave a wry grin. "I mean, this isn't the worst job you've had, right?"
Suddenly, the doors burst open from both sides. On the left, women--some from Megan's pod, but dozens of new faces--came in. On the right, a men of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Janice glanced at her watch "oh crud I was hoping we'd get more quiet time. Lunch rush--are you doing ok? Do you need food or something? Listen to your gut on this--if you need something get it."
Megan started to answer but then stopped. "...no, I'm good. Why am I good? I should be starving?" Janice nodded. "Big G again. To keep your body um...functional?...it provides a lot of replicated nutrients, pharmaceuticals, hormones while you're bonding. Long term exposure well...take a look" She waved out, and again Megan couldn't help but notice how healthy everyone was. Most of the men were fit, tall, strong. The women were all athletic, curvy. Everyone looked young, and they all seemed taller than Megan. There were some larger ones, but even they seemed to be carrying it in a way that made them seem happy. As she glanced around, she noted she was squeezing her legs. The whole room was full of incredibly good looking men and women, and--
"What's with the green eyes?" Janice grinned. "Long term exposure side effect. They can come and go. And before you ask about the people with strange eyes walking you through strange events; we're not mind controlling or anything. It's...ok, this will be weird but--when you get the green eyes, you can sorta...see potentials. You know what's going to be likely, so you can kinda...guide things." Janice squeezed Megan's hand. "We knew you were going to be here because Miss Ventner saw you here. You're here because you were meant to be here. You let Big G merge with you because you knew you would want to after it had happened. Future influences past. It's kinda tricky but...just go with the flow. If things feel dreamy, then let the dream walk you through. Does that make sense? Do you have any fears, or concerns?"
"I...no." Megan didn't feel anything wrong. She was actually sort of happy. Thrilled, even. "No, I think...I think I'm gonna like it here." Janice broke into a big smile, and so did Megan. This felt right. "So...what's next?"
