My mind was swirling with adrenaline and excitement as Liam drove me to work. Other cars drove by, all a blur in my eyes. I gripped my purse and Holo Caster in my lap, the cool metal causing goosebumps to appear on my legs.

“So, what’s going to happen today?” Liam inquired, glancing over at me. I thought for a moment and then shrugged, picking at the strap of my purse.

“Well, we have a meeting at nine, which is to discuss the next projects we have up and coming, and to also discuss who will be promoted to CEO of the company.” I waved two fingers in the air, and appearing in front of me were small chunks of text; my notecards for the meeting. “I was going to discuss the new unit, ELIXA, and I think during that time, I’ll introduce Syntha as my new project. As well as that, I’ll be meeting with James and Wong, as well as some other members of the board, and discuss my position shifting from COO to CEO.” I muttered the last part, embarrassment overcoming the adrenaline. I was very grateful for my position at the company.

I had been approached in 2020, my third year at university at this point, by a scout from Sumitomo, explaining my work was incredible and revolutionary. They asked me to work there as one of their prototype builders, and as an eager, and broke, uni student, I happily agreed. During the day, I went to my classes, and in the afternoon and evenings, I was in the laboratory, working with different equipment and equations; different ways to better A.I. units. My mentor Lukas Darling showed me many things, and everything he said I took into account. As I grew along the corporate ladder, he stayed just as a scientist in the laboratory. But I don't think he even cared. He loved what he did. And I was grateful I got to keep working in the labs instead of behind a desk.

“Amelia, love?” Liam placed his hand gently on my thigh and I looked up. Through the roof’s skylight, I could see the many shimmering floors of the white and blue building of Sumitomo Artificial Life.

“Sorry, I was just thinking.” I smiled, stepping out of the car and fixing my skirt. The sun shone on the building, giving it an almost gemstone-like glow.

“Do you want me to pick you up this afternoon?” Liam inquired as I strode to the driver’s side of the car, leaning down and leaving a gentle kiss upon his lips.

“If you can manage it.” I teased, brushing some hair from my eyes.

“I’ll see you tonight.” I stepped away from Liam’s car and watched as he drove away, up until he turned and the vehicle was out of sight. I let out another long sigh, staring up at the building. My Holo Caster made a soft humming noise, but I just tucked it under my arm and sped to the building. I wanted to get to the labs before everyone else arrived. Syntha was my personal project, and until I unveiled her myself, she was my secret, well, me and my mentor’s secret. After all, he helped me and Aki come up with her, helped with the facial recognition software, and many other imperative features in my A.I. unit.

“Amelia!” I quickly turned on my heel and felt my chest loosen as Lukas came running up to me, struggling to get his arm through his lab coat.

“Good morning, Lukas, early as ever, I see.” I laughed, slowing my stride so he could catch up. Salt and pepper hair was slicked back into a short ponytail, and he pushed his thick-framed glasses up his nose.

“Well, it’s better to get here before everyone else isn’t it? Hey, is that Syntha?” He asked in a hushed but incredulous voice, tapping the Holo Caster under my arm. I rolled my eyes and pushed open the double doors at the beginning of the building, the only sound was the clacking of the secretary’s keyboard and my own high heels.

“Hush! Wait until we get to the lab,” I hissed, hurrying to the elevator. “I don’t need anyone else knowing. Look, I think I’m just gonna drop her off in the lab, and then I’m going to head to the meeting, okay? Watch. Her. Carefully.” I hissed, pressing the button labeled B2. The lab.

As we started our descent, we were quiet. Lukas was busy fiddling with that seemed to be some sort of hard drive. I laughed to myself. When was he not playing with things like that?

We made it to the lab in no time at all, the gleaming white and silver of all the equipment making me smile, and the slight smell of lemon Lysol spray. I hurried to my work station, and set down my Holo Caster, running my fingers gingerly over the top. This was going to be the best project that came out of this company! I looked to my right and felt a twinge of heartache. Aki's work station hadn't been touched since her disappearance.

"Amelia?" Lukas placed his hand on my shoulder, but I shook it off, clearing my throat.

"I don't have time to be upset. I have to push forward. For her. Now, do you think I'm ready Lukas?"

Lukas stepped back and smiled, looking me up and down.

"I see the future CEO standing right in front of me."