Jun completed her check of the temperature gauges in the ZaiCorp greenhouse ahead of schedule and by 8:15 was back at her desk in the small office annxed to one of the larger research laboratories. She wouldn’t be joined by any of her colleagues for at least another thirty minutes as they were undertaking their daily dose of orientation at the hands of one of the corporation’s many productivity instructors. Due to her seniority, Jun was exempt from this morning ritual, although she was still required to attend training at least once a week. Any failure to attend would be noted.

Coffee in hand, Jun began reading a paper which had been recommended by Yoshi, one of the junior assistants on the programme. After less than five minutes she was interrupted by the telephone. She sighed and, after placing her cup of cooling coffee onto the desk, answered the ring.

“Jun Matsuoka speaking.”

“Ms Matsuoka, this is Executive Yotashi, from Resourcing and Personnel. We haven’t met, but I am aware of the important work which you do for the Corporation. Can you spare a couple of minutes?”

Yotashi’s tone was odd, almost robotic. Jun had, thankfully, very little experience of dealing with ZaiCorp’s R&P department. As well as being responsible for human resource matters it was rumoured that R&P kept close watch on the digital activities of all ZaiCorp’s employees and Jun was aware that Executive Yotashi headed ZaiCorp’s R&P operation across all of Atarashii OSA. This was big. What did she want?

“Of course, Executive Yotashi. What can I assist you with?”

“Ms Matsuoka, it has come to our attention that you have recently been accessing material on the ZaiCorp database that bears no clear relevance to the scope of your research. Now, I am not suggesting that you have exceeded your access…”

“I hope not. My access rights are unfettered throughout the ZaiCorp database. That is the agreement which I reached with the Director of Research. My team and I cannot work under any other circumstances.”

Jun was nervous. What had they picked up on? It could only be one thing: the fertility data. But she thought she’d deleted her access history. Clearly their data mining tracking capability was more sophisticated than she had thought.

“As I was about to say, Ms Matsuoka, there is no suggestion that you have exceeded your access permission. However, we are concerned that, how do I put this: the Corporation is concerned that those with privileged levels of access should not abuse the trust which has been placed in them. I have spoken with the Director of Research and he informs me that the Corporation’s enhanced fertility scheme, which you were a beneficiary of, has nothing to do with the research which you are currently undertaking.”

Jun sat rigid in her seat. What had she touched on here? She hadn’t found anything of note during her search. What were they hiding?

Yotashi continued. “It is recommended that you limit your mining of the database strictly to those areas which directly relate to the matter of your research, Ms Matsuoko. Is that clear? We will not issue this warning again”

Jun breathed deeply, hoping to keep her voice steady, before replying, “Abundantly clear, Yotashi-san, although please let it be known that I resent the implication of any wrongdoing. My work here is complex and multi-faceted. Science cannot be neatly divided into boxes and it is in the interests of the success of the project that my research and mind flows freely across the information which ZaiCorp holds. Nevertheless, your warning is noted and I will make sure that my team is informed. Goodbye.”

The dial tone returned and Jun slumped in her chair. A film of cool sweat had risen during the short conversation. They wanted her to know she was being watched. But why?