“Gentlemen. As you know, I have been with Sumitomo Artificial Life for the past five years. In those five years, I have created the Ekko.1 system. The first big A.I. unit from this company. Unfortunately, a large majority of the systems had to be recalled, but, over these last six months, I have fixed the system, and I am proud to say the Ekko.1 system is ready to be re-released to the public.” Many eyes stared at me as I took a pause, observing everyone’s expressions.

Abner Long, an older man with a twinkle in his eye and a smile at the corner of his mouth, gave me an approving nod, seeming proud. Jonathan Strives and Eiichi Saito both gave me a little thumbs up from underneath the table. They were the laxest of the group. Roman Wells just threw daggers at me from the right side of the room, but I ignored him, he was of no importance. Just someone with money who wanted a high position due to a superiority complex.

My eyes went to the two most important opinions in the room. James Sumitomo and Wong Huang, the current CEO. Wong’s copper hair was slicked back, and his eyes had no shine. He almost seemed to be glaring, but most of us assumed that was his natural face. James was stroking the thin, black goatee on his chin, his eyes focused on the slideshow presentation behind me, all the inner workings of Ekko being shown. I could feel my heart race as I felt some anxiety start to well up in my chest.

“I think I can safely say everyone is very impressed with your work, Amelia. Is there any other news you’d like to share?” James shot me an approving smile, and I could feel myself relax. Wong nodded as well. I clasped my hands together, excitement welling in my chest.

“Well, as a prototype project, Lukas Darling and I are working on the ELIXA unit. Very similar to our Ekko unit. She has most, if not all of the same functioning. One feature we added though, is an advanced medical emergency system. Any sign of extreme stress, or any type of medical emergency, and the ELIXA will alert the authorities. Now, we have had yet to begin production, but we could have this project up as soon as November.”

James and Wong leaned towards one another, casting an occasional glance in my direction. The rest of the members sitting around the table just stared either at me or the projection behind me.

“Well,” James clapped his hands, snapping me from my thoughts. “Wong and I are very proud of you, Amelia. All of your hard work. All of your dedication to this company. And I think that-”

“Amelia!!” Lukas ran into to conference room, breathing heavy and his eyes wide with what seemed to be disbelief. Suddenly, the building alarm system went off, the terrible wailing starting. “Someone broke into the lab!!!”