Xandra folded her comforter for the third time in 15 minutes.

"It's still not right!"

She started over mechanically moving around the room. Her mind wandering back. She was about to leave for the Lab when the call had come through. It was one of the junior assistants to Mr. Harlan. She was supposed to be at the administrative office in an hours' time.

The offices were located at the other end from the lab. It was a 20 minute walk. Xandra took a final look around the room, feeling satisfied, she headed for the cafeteria. Unable to eat, she armed herself with an extra-large coffee and entered the building.

"Good morning, I am here to see Ms. Amaryllis"

"3rd Floor, Expected Appointment" The computerized console answered without bothering to take a look at her. Xandra walked past the white fiberglass doors and took the elevator to the 3rd floor. She sipped her coffee to avoid looking up at the hidden cameras. The swish of the elevator startled her and she gingerly stepped onto the carpeted floor.

The place was abuzz with bodies moving around with electronic files and classified information. The front office was always bright and vibrant. Nobody noticed her as she moved past. Another DNA scan leading to the lair as the techs called it.

One of the assistants was waiting for her. Without a greeting, she was lead to an immaculate office and ushered to have a seat. In front of her stood Mr. Harlan, in the middle of a call, like he was the boss. Xandra tried not to stare but he was quite a handsome man with a quirky taste.

As he was obviously distracted, Xandra leaned slightly to get a glimpse of his cuff links. Mr. Harlan was rather famous for his collection.

Unfortunately, he caught her movement and she straightened immediately and pretended to take a sip of her cold coffee.

Pity, It's the plain one. I hoped, it was the one shaped like a rabbit's head.

"Xandra? Are you alright?"

The words brought her back and she realized she had not answered or heard a word he had spoken.

"I am fine. Just a little nervous. You wouldn't know why she called me here, would you."

"Even if I did, you know I can't tell you." He smiled at her saying "I've worked for her so long and she still makes me nervous."

I am not the one head over heels for her!

"That will be all, Harlan."

Xandra jumped up while Harlan nodded at her and left.

"Sit, Xandra. How have you been?" She asked walking behind the desk.

"I am alright."

"Not nervous?"

"Erm, No."

"That doesn't sound very confident." Giving a sigh, Hue turned towards Xandra. It was as though the women was psychic, reading Xandra's every thought. She always knew what was going on regardless of where on campus it was happening.

"I would have expected you to be nerves... with less than two weeks for the experiment."

"I'm not. It will work this time."

"Good. You're confident. Have considered your options. You know if it didn't."

Xandra sat dumbfounded. She had never thought beyond the experiment.

"I don't know. I would probably teach classes until I figure things out."

"I'll be direct, Xandra. This is the last shard. If the experiment doesn't succeed then the board has decided to pull the plug. Your team will be reassigned. We would have to stay with us until the end of your contract, after which you will be free to leave. Of course, we are hoping you decide to stay."

"What about the benefactors?"

"They agree too. This needs to work. There is no other alternative."

The air around Xandra choked her. She took deep breaths trying not to gasp. Hue arranged the Tiger Lilies on her desk giving Xandra time to adjust.

"You will be coming to the benefit of course."

"Benefit?"

"Yes, it is the next day. You will have to come regardless of the experiment's outcome."

"Then I guess I have no choice."

She placed her palm on Xandra's clenched fist.

"Focus. Everything will work out one way or the other."

Xandra nodded and took her leave. She dumped her ice cold coffee, walking determinedly to her lab.