Day 15

Monday, June 20, 2045

“Thanks for meeting with me early,” Jill said.

Mark Hernandez shrugged. “Not a problem. It’s a good time. So how can I help.”

Jill sat up straight on the edge of her chair.

“I wanted to let you know that I’ve accepted the offer to join the Purchasing department full-time.”

“Excellent. Glad to hear it.”

“Thank you. I’m looking forward to continuing my role here.”

“We are happy to have you. Last we spoke, you also mentioned you were interested in a future in Research and Development. Given your family connections, that does seem like a natural career path. Is that still what you’re thinking?”

Jill nodded. “Long term, yes. Not that I don’t appreciate the opportunity here in purchasing, bu eventually I’d like to find a way to transfer over to R&D. At the right time, of course.”

Mark nodded, folding his hands on his lap and leaning back in his chair. “Makes sense. If you want my advice, stick around here for a couple years. It won’t hurt your chances of a transfer. It might actually help to have a little more experience at the Company before diving into the deep waters over there.”

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“That makes sense. Thanks. And again, I’m not looking to leave Purchasing any time soon. I actually enjoy the work.”

“Ha! You’d be the first.”

They shared a chuckle, followed by an awkward silence.

“So I was wondering,” Jill said, “if possible, over the next couple years, if I could work on procurement assignments related to R&D activities, I would really appreciate it.”

Mark shrugged. “Sure. Might be possible. I’ll be on the lookout for those opportunities. But just so you know, for most of what they buy, they do it themselves, because it’s all super secretive. But if you’re able to raise your security clearance, more opportunities in that area could open up for you.”

Jill smiled. “Great!”

Mark leaned forward in his seat. “There is one thing I need you to do for me.”

“Ok. What is it?”

“First of all, what I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this room. Am I clear?”

Jill nodded, her face solemn. She knew that in the Company, secrets were precious and jealously guarded. She had heard many stories from her relatives working at the Company. A single betrayal of confidentiality could be a career-ending mistake.

“Ok. I just learned this morning we may have a security problem with one of our interns.”

“Do you know who it is?”

Mark nodded. “Yes. And the problem is on your team.”

Jill’s mind reeled. She tried to say something but coughed. Finally, she was able to speak.

“What do you need me to do?” she said, dread settling in the pit of her stomach.