The silent corridors echoed with the clicking of Xandra's high heels. Being a practical women she preferred comfortable shoes except when occasions presented otherwise. Today had been an occasion so she had dressed the part. After the Special Lecture, she had returned to her Lab, her safe haven. The forest green hospital scrubs styled uniforms were mandatory, so were the lab coats. No one, meaning no one dared to defy her and not wear them.

The whole department, consisting of six scientists, was completely deserted. Without thinking or realizing Xandra went left at the turn, instead of right. She automatically took the path leading to the testing area like a driver takes the same route while driving home. Half way down the corridor she realized she was headed for the testing area.

"I might as well check up on the mirror" she whispered moving forward instead of turning back.

She stopped at the fiber glass door on which the golden holographic words 'SIMULATION LAB' appeared as she stood in front of it. A smile formed but was followed by a frown, as she knew the lab would not be empty.

She placed her index finger on the fiber glass, after a few seconds of reading her DNA, the door slid open.

'Clash! Clang'

"What is that?" Xandra was rooted. Listening intently she took a few steps and then frowned.

"Don't tell me they are at it again." With quick paces she reached in front of the fiber optic wall which immediately changed into a screen. It showed the stats, represented by symbols, of the people within the game. A wand showed magical powers, coins showed money and hearts showed lives.

"Claret is wining again!"

She swiped again and the screen disappeared. The wall turned transparent. The form of two women dueling appeared. They had no idea they had an audience. Xandra walked up to the wall and spoke

"Ladies"

"Xandra!" both women yelled. They tapped the side of their forehead pausing the game and stood facing the wall. The fiber glass was one side see through, Xandra could see them but they could not see her.

"They look like little girls caught stealing cookies. Well, I am not their mommy and they need to grow up!"

Claret moved first. She tapped on the wall and passed through the door which had appeared, Elvira followed.

"Xandra! What are you doing here so late? We thought you would be in bed by now. The Lecture was your best." She handed over the relic to Elvira and stood in front of Xandra with her hands on her hips making it obvious that this was her lab.

"Glad you enjoyed it but aren't you asking what I am suppose to? What are doing here?"

"We were testing out the new game simulation. You really should try it. Its so much fun." Elvira replied, keeping the swords and returning to where they stood.

"Elvira, you almost always lose. So how can you say that?"

Claret shook her head in disagreement and her long brown curls danced around her shoulders. She moved to Xandra's left and passed her arm through Xandras.

Elvira had given a deep sigh and moved simultaneously as Claret repeating her actions but on Xandra's right.

Xandra was stuck between the two as they moved out of the simulation lab towards the exit.

"Xandra dear, it's not just about winning or losing it's about how you play the game."

"I am sure you would know all about it."Xandra retorted not liking the direction where this conversation was heading.

"Of course she would. Even I do." Elvira giggled. "You're always working, researching or lecturing."

"You mean to say I need to get a life!"

Elvira patted her hand replying "That's not what I said."

"But that's what she meant." Claret interrupted, "Isn't everyone off today but you're still here."

"You should be out celebrating with Caa..."

Suddenly Claret broke out into a violent cough.

"Out celebrating with your friends... umm do you have any friend,don't you?"

"I've got you two, haven't I?"

Claret groaned and Elvira rolled her eyes. Xandra didn't care. They had reached the exit.

"How about chocolate brownies and you drop the subject." Xandra said stepping out.

"Of course!"

"Yes"

Satisfied, they changed their course with Xandra leading the way to the cafeteria.