“Sora…” A voice called out in an angry tone followed by a fusillade of badgering questions. “What are you still doing here?” Do you not know the definition of a “break’?”

Sora didn’t speak but instead kept working with deft precision and focus.

The glass door slid open and a young man came in. He was tall, about 5ft 11, blonde hair and hazel eyes. A handsome fellow. He came over to kiss Tora on the cheek, and then he stuffed both hands in his pocket spoke with a tiring voice.

“Come on dude, you gotta know when to let it go. Today is the day to have some fun”.

Sora finally spoke, “I don’t have time for parties. Not when my prototype isn’t finished yet.”

Tora’s body stiffened at the remark. The muscles in her face tightened as she slammed down on the counter, gripped its edges then leaned forward, “Do you have time for me?”She barked vociferously.“Huh, do you, Sora?”

Her rage toppled the table and the Bunsen burner and test tubes along with it. As Sora was about to lose balance, the guy moved in closer to help.

“Ah…” an implosive screech deafened the walls.

Trays, bot parts, and broken glass decorated the floor.

“Wren…” Tora pleaded, “We talk about this... Never touch Sora!” She turned in a panic.

“Get out please!” Sora cried, “Both of you- now!”

_____________________________________________

Meanwhile, in lab E, Zod made his way around in search of something.

Where is it? He thought. He was looking for Model APC1 Training goals for next week. But he just couldn’t find them.

It is Saturday after all, they should be here! - He contemplated.

He sorted through every cabinet in the lab but didn’t locate my portfolio.

My file is usually updated every Friday afternoon. A Government rep is here every Thursday afternoon for a live show of my performance. After they discuss with Zod and Professor Cage, they report directly to the Premier. The Premier discusses with the head of each department in the city: Security and Information Technology, Research and Development, Agriculture and Science. And then they send us instructions regarding the next step.

When he couldn’t find it, he went directly to the front desk to spoke to the receptionist.

“Have they sent anyone over yet to update the portfolio on Model APC1?” He asked.

“Umm, if you could wait just one minute, I’ll be happy to check on that for you.”

“Thanks, Michelle is it?” He beguiled.

Her eyes twinkled in embarrassment as she averted her gaze from the flirtatious glance of the Doctor, then spoke softly. “Actually, it’s Marie.”

*Someone answers the phone* “Yes, hello this is Marie from Apo Center Section B I’m calling to…”

Zod turned his attention back to his E-pad, allowing her some privacy to speak on the phone. As she hung up the phone noticeably upset, Zod became anxious for a report.

“I’m afraid I have some bad news.” She began, “I was told to report that this project is ranked classified. And is no longer available for public viewing. I’m sorry.”

An angry pout surfaced on his lips, “That’s impossible!” he denounced.“There must be some mistake.”He continued his determined deprecation, rising in pitch with each word.

“Zod, may I?” A gentleman stepped. He placed one strong masculine hand on Zod’s shoulder and pleaded with him to calm down.

“There’s no need to be upset. You’re just the man I was looking for.” He led him away from the front desk and into the halls headed towards the labs.

“So you’ve heard, huh?” He sharply gathered. “You must have a lot of questions. Allow me to be of assistance.”

. “Listen…” Zod started off, “I don’t have time for pointless palaver. Just tell me what’s going on!”

Battling his way through words, he exploded, “Am I being fired?”

The man busted out in laughter, “You really know how to go straight from zero to one-eighty.”

Feeling quite fatuous about his hasty comments, Zod calmed down and tried to conduct himself in a professional manner.

“Well then, what was all that about?” He hastily inquired.

“Oh, that”, the man chuckled. “You are not getting fired Zod. They’re pulling the project on Model APC1”.

“What do you mean pulling the project?” he reiterated in confusion.

“I mean we’ve done it. Our Scientists were able to come up with a formula so strong that we can remain outside for months, even years at a time.”

Overcome with vicarious joy on Ryun’s behalf. His adulated vagary took the man by surprise.

“This is excellent news. I must find Ryun at once!”

But his praise and joy were short-lived.

“That won’t be necessary.” The man seized. “Model APC1 is government property and has been deemed unfit for public exposure…

It will be put down on Monday.”