[color=#CCCCCC]A massive structure stands in front of you, it is none other than the OCULUS Corporate Branch. The skyscrapers seem to disappear into the sky, as if destined for heaven. If you think that the building is tall, it is just as large underground. But, the only part you will be seeing is the corporate lobby, the only area accessible to civilians. In front of the massive structure lies two doors that are almost humorous to look at from afar. Inside lies the main lobby. Upon walking inside you are immediately greeted by a OCULUS Representative.
"Greeting civilian, welcome to OCULUS, purveyors in technology and media! If you are here by appointment, or would like to schedule one and meet with OCULUS Media representatives, please leave your name and take a number. A rep will be with you shortly, and you are welcome to wait in the lobby. If you are not here for a appointment, we welcome all guests to our main lobby, where we regularly show OCULUS media broadcasts, and have a corporate bar fully stocked. You are welcome to help yourself to anything you desire"
--The OCULUS robot gives a long smile, waiting for a reply--
Hayes awkwardly lowered his hand to his side and shifted his weight from one foot to another. Clearly they reserved the most human-like robots for more important functions than resident doorman.
"Well," he began, "Maybe if I assist you, you can assist me? The company, I mean..."
Better idea: skip the robot altogether.
"Tell you what," he continued, "I'll check the place out. If anybody's interested, they'll probably know where to find me."
He peered off to the sides of the counter. Aside from a garishly large portrait of the vaunted founder, there appeared to be a lobby area beyond, with enclosed lifts on the edges serving as the only noticeable way into the rest of the building.
Looking back to the robot, he gestured towards the doorway with an open hand.
The robot kept its smile on, and pressed a button opening a nearby door to the corporate lobby area, which featured a fully stocked bar
Help yourself to our corporate bar sir. If you seek a representative, I am sure one will be around in the lobby shortly. Try not to wander Mr. Hayes, our corporate buidling is restricted to personel only and is very large, I wouldn't want you to get lost. It could take weeks to find you
[color=#FFFFFF]The robot continued to smile. The floor light up with lights that led into the corporate lobby.
Inside the bar stood a man in a blue jumpsuit. He wore several devices on his waist and a communications device around his head and one of his eyes. He ordered a drink before sitting down at one of the cornor tables in the lobby area.
Tell them to cancel the deal with that broker
[color=#FFFFFF]The man seemed to mutter to himself in the cornor of the room, but in all actuality, he was having a conversation through his communications device
He raised the drink to his mouth and took a sip.
Stocks have gone up 120%
[color=#FFFFFF]The man muttered again. He watched as a man entered the corporate lobby. A name flashed across his device "Gerald Hayes". He put his drink down
I will have to call you back.
He hit a button on the side of his device, and hung up the call
"Of course, wouldn't want that!" Hayes said, smile locked, before following the lighted path through the doorway and into the lobby.
Jeeze, like following airway signs. Was this just standard fare because the place was as big as they claimed, or was it just another way to be in control? Following directions along the floor like cleaning droids?
He strolled up to the bar, casual in his gait. Screens mounted on the ceilings, at personal tables and booths, and even on some walls, pervaded the room, most of them displaying the same Occulus broadcast. The exceptions were either other Occulus stations, or business stations all the same. One might have said that the room needed no illumination, as the screens sufficed.
"Hey, bartender!" he called out over the din of the broadcasts, "Fix me a vodka martini! Shaken, not-"
And then he stopped short of the counter, seeing only the bartender's back. Only then had he recognized the curious possibility that the bartender was just another android.
The bartender turned around, revealing his cobalt face, and bright electric eyes. The robot asked Gerald Hayes in a monotone voice...
What can I get you to drink sir?
[color=#FFFFFF]The robot seemed to continue to mix a drink, as he asked the man the question. Meanwhile the man sitting at the corner table had noticed the man that had just come in. He walked up to the bar and took a seat next to him.
How are you doing today? Names Donald Vinscent. Welcome to OCULUS corporate offices, is there something I can help you with?
[color=#FFFFFF] The man stirred his drink while he talked with a toothpick, and raised his hand to Gerald Hayes
"Uh, wh- Vodka Martini..." Hayes muttered, a bit dismayed.
Then he reconsidered.
"Shaken!" he said cheerfully, pointed finger and wink both for good measure.
Immediately after, he turned his head and allowed himself a look of consternation; he sure liked his own robot a lot better.
Coming back around, he caught sight of a man approaching the stool next to him. Thankfully it was really a man this time, although the equipment strewn about his head and waistline planted seeds of doubt.
Hayes took the appropriate seat and waited for his visitor to arrive, then returned a nice, firm handshake when prompted. Business smile was a given.
"Evening, Mister Vinscent," he started, "The name's Gerald Hayes..."
A corporate hound. Within seconds of entry, too.
"...independent businessman," Hayes concluded, adding bait to the hook.
Start off casual. Compliment the company, not that it didn't compliment itself enough.
"Very nice operation you have, here. Pretty streamlined..."
Streamlined?
Well, it was the only adjective he was honest enough to use. He could think of worse.
[color=#FFFFFF]The man seemed to daze off into facts...
OCULUS co. was founded by our CEO Roy Heliox, a real visioneer of the future. With our specialties in technology and media, our corporation has steadily rose and increased its stocks by more then 110% everyday. You cannot turn on a video feed without seeing at least five to five hundred thousand OCULUS channels.
[color=#FFFFFF] The man smiled
Our corporation has steadily expanded throughout sirius, and we have several station posts. This Corporate office here was designed by none other then Roy Heliox himself. This is one of our central offices. The architecture was designed to look as if you were approaching a structure that could of only been created by some godly form.
[color=#FFFFFF] The man took a drink
It is quite a beauty. SO, Mr. Hayes, what brings you here? If your just here for the liquor.
[color=#FFFFFF] The man smiled
[color=#33CCFF] Thats perfectly fine as well, we have many interesting guests, and even a occasional celebrity down here. Think of me as a key to this building.