“Alice…” Emily said in shock, “It was her? How?”

“She somehow got access to the head of marketing’s login details and set up a scheduled email to go out under his name,” the lab director said, “Luckily she used her own work computer to do it, so we were able to track it down to her quickly and match it to our security footage to when the email was created. In addition, metadata in the video proves that it was her phone that recorded the video that was in the email. She’s already been fired, and blacklisted from ever getting a job at any CODA affiliates again.”

Emily blinked, “Any affiliates? All of them?”

The lab director nodded seriously, “There are a few places that are independent… but most places have some sort of at least partial ownership by CODA. At least around these parts. I doubt there will be many places where she will be able to find work in the future without leaving our country.”

“Oh. Well, that’s good.”

The lab director gave her a curious look and leaned forward. “You don’t feel even a little bad about it? This girl’s life is essentially ruined. I know what she did, but still…”

“Good. She ruined mine. Now it's on social media and everyone knows. I was in the news on Saturday,” Emily said shortly, “Only seems fair.”

The lab director looked at her for a moment before reluctantly nodding, “I see. Peter Rose told me that he’s been trying to get the news sites to take down that article. But they’re not budging, Mr. Rose is on the verge of starting a lawsuit… He’s rather incensed by this whole situation, you see. Well, later today we’ll get to meet with Peter Rose for his apology. I’m sure he’ll tell you more about his efforts then. You can either go home again or do some work while you wait for the meeting.”

“I- I think I’ll go to work.”

“I’ll come collect you when it’s time. Oh, and ignore Donald. He’s still shaken by his experience with the Shadow and doesn’t know what to think about you. I thought I’d tell you so you don’t get the wrong idea on why he scurried away when you first arrived.”

“Oh. I thought he thought I was dangerous or something.”

“No, that’s not it. Thought you should know. See you in a few hours.”

Emily stood and left the office.

— — —

Emily stood nervously next to the lab director as they rode the elevator to the top floor where Peter Rose waited. Peter had been an orphan of the fourth Indian civil war and was eventually adopted into the wealthy and powerful Rose family when he was eight years old. From there he had founded CODA when he was in his thirties, building it to what it was today.

Now he and CODA did good all around the world, more than any of the unstable governments ever seemed to manage to do. He took expensive life rejuvenation treatments to extend his lifespan, now he was approaching a hundred and thirty and still looked the same as he had a hundred years ago.

A word from him would have warlords and world leaders bowing their heads, changing their ways in the face of CODA companies pulling out of their territories. That was the kind of man that wanted to meet her. Apologize to her.

There was a sudden wind and faint female whispers, but they died down a second later. Emily took a deep breath. Hopefully they would stay that way. But somehow she felt deep down that Sinestra was encouraging her.

The elevator doors opened and the lab director stepped out. The whole floor was one large space. There was a display of various weapons mounted on the wall, plush carpets, aquariums with exotic fish lazily swimming around. Emily’s eyes widened as she looked around at the extravagant wealth on display in the large room. There was a massive desk on the far side of the space and standing in front of it was Peter Rose himself, having a soft discussion with five or so men and women in crisp business suits.

The lab director walked forward casually and Emily followed, but she couldn’t resist letting her eyes linger on all the sights around her as they moved closer to the desk. To the side there was a little sitting area with couches and chairs as well.

As they came close enough, the group noticed the two of them and stopped their conversation to watch them approach. Peter Rose was staring at her. Oh no. Peter Rose was staring at her!

Emily froze like a rabbit, unsure of what to do as the silence grew deafening. Then suddenly Peter’s eyes softened,

“Emily Stenson. I’d like to apologize for what’s happened on my watch. I’m sure you’ve been told of some of the efforts I’ve been making to make things right…”

He waved his hand at the lab director, “No matter how short its been, you’re one of my people, Emily. It’s my responsibility to do my best to make sure that CODA is the best it can be to let you be your best self. And that we don’t hurt our own. Now, why don’t we sit down?”

Emily mutely nodded and she sat down in a nearby puffy chair that Peter gestured to. She sat straight backed, trying to not let her panic show on her face as the Peter Rose spoke directly to her. Peter sat opposite her in another chair. The other people he had been talking with and the lab director sat on the couches on either side, sitting up attentively as Peter spoke.

“So, John tells me that you’ve been doing quite well in your work in your time with us,” Peter said as he gestured to the lab director again. The man nodded back but didn’t say anything else, “Why don’t you tell us what you’ve been doing?”

Emily waited, but everyone kept staring expectantly at her. Wait, he actually wanted her to answer, “Well, uh. Sir, Mr. Rose. Executive. I’ve uhm, been working on modeling proteins mostly. It’s been a lot of fun, I’ve discovered about ten or twelve new proteins so far just playing around with it. For the lab, I’ve mostly been doing modifications on proteins that the full time scientists are working on.”

“Hm. Ten or twelve? How much is that John? That sounds like quite a bit. She’s been here for less than a year from what I’ve been told.”

“Yes,” the lab director, John, replied, “She has a natural talent for it. We’ve all been rather impressed by her work down at the lab. It’s not easy to create a fully functioning protein, most of us don’t end up making more than three or four a year at most. We’re still verifying a few of them, so it’s still to be seen if they are completely new proteins or just different formulations of ones we already can make. But they aren’t useless either. She’s an asset for the team. I was considering offering her a very comfortable salary to stay here after her internship was completed.”

Emily stared at John in surprise. There were still two months until summer. He was already thinking about keeping her on? Even after what had happened?

“Hmmm. Most impressive,” Peter Rose said before turning to Emily again, “And you can call me Mr. Rose, Emily. I’m not one for titles. A glowing recommendation from John there. It’s not often that the interns through the program stay in our main labs. Often we shuffle them off to one of our other branches to get some more experience under their belt before they prove themselves enough to come back full time here.”

There was some silence in the room as Emily opened and closed her mouth a few times, mind blanking on what she should say next.

“Now,” Mr. Rose said steadily, “There is one small issue to deal with first. Truly, it’s most of the reason I’ve called you here today.”

Emily felt something sink in her gut. “I-Is it the video?” She asked quietly.

“Yes,” Mr. Rose said, and Emily felt like the world was suddenly spinning around her. Mr. Rose was going to say she was too dangerous, how she was perfect to stay, but…

“I’d like to offer you access to our best doctors. Free of charge. You don’t need to do anything at all in return.”

Emily’s spiraling thoughts screeched to a halt. Huh?

“What?” She blurted out, “What do you mean?” before biting her tongue and feeling like an idiot.

“What I said,” Mr. Rose said, “My associates here today are representatives of some of the best hospitals in the world. I’ll fund your treatment out of my own pocket. I’m sure your doctors are fine, but I can afford the very best. They’ll help you get back on your feet and back to as good health as they can. They’ll be contacting your family very soon to discuss who you should be seeing and what arrangements you’d like to make.”

“B-But why?” Emily asked, feeling suddenly lost, “Why would you do all of that for me? I’m just some nobody.”

Mr. Rose smiled slightly, “I used to be a nobody. Worse than the dirt under their feet for the local militia. But now here I am, on top of the world. It wouldn’t do to lose someone so talented just for a little money. I’ve certainly got enough of it these days. What is it even for if I can’t use it to make the world a better place, improve lives? And you, working at our labs, are someone that can do that. I can improve your life with little cost to me, so why shouldn’t I?”

Emily stared at Mr. Rose with stars in her eyes. He really did care about even the little people even with how powerful he was…

She swallowed thickly, “Thank you, sir,” She said, “I’ll do my best to live up to that.”

Mr. Rose inspected her for a long moment before nodding, “It’s the least I can do. Now, I have to discuss some final details with our representatives here in private. John?”

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John stood and Emily quickly followed his lead, “C’mon Emily, back to the lab.”

They walked out to the elevator and started riding down into the building.

Peter remained standing with the suited representatives in the room.

Wait, what’s happening?

Why aren’t we following little Emily anymore?

I don’t know.

I think we’re tethered to Peter for a bit.

Maybe he’s going to say something important?

Peter turned to the remaining group, “Make sure that our people are the ones to see her. With a mind like hers, we don’t want any hostile forces getting any ideas about trying to recruit or exploit her. I want absolute security on her files. No convenient ‘security breaches’ or ‘lost’ files to let them out. I won’t accept any excuses. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” They all chorused before assuring him that they would inform their superiors of his orders.

“Excellent. Then I think our business is concluded. Contact the girl’s family and see what you can do.”

Peter walked over to stand behind his desk and stared out of the massive window behind him with a thoughtful expression.

“If I train her up properly, she could speed up my plans by decades…” He mused as the other people finished walking into the elevator at the far end of the room and leaving.

“I’ll have to increase my military funding just in case things go sour early…” he continued, staring into nothing as he faced the large window overseeing CODA city. Then Sean and Emily’s view of the scene was cut off and they were hurtling forward in time again. When the scene cleared again they were following Emily again as she sat in the CODA lab next to Luke, typing away at her computer.

That’s odd. I wonder why we had to see that?

I didn’t realize he wanted to protect me so much.

He really went above and beyond.

I was talented, but with what happened…

Most people would have just

dropped me rather than doing so much to help.

That scene seemed strange.

Why would he have to increase his military forces?

We’re missing something.

He was trying to change the world.

Lots of people didn’t like that.

I’m sure he’s just worried that

whatever his plans were were too radical for them to accept.

Like the concept of skipping senior year of high school

for CODA internships sometimes as just one.

People in my parents' generation hated that one, but it turned out fine.

People from other countries attack CODA if they do something their leaders dislike.

Like when the Revival Empire thought he was giving weapons to the Democracy faction.

If it was true or not, they attacked him and CODA with all they had after.

Of course he wants to have a big military just in case

Something like that happens again.

Well, what were his big plans?

Surely you know, having lived through it?

I don’t know. Whatever they were,

He didn’t manage to accomplish them in the end.

There aren’t decades left for him to work with.

Maybe this time he can do it.

I’m feeling good, little Emily trusts me I think.

And you gave her the information she needs to fix things.

I think we can do it.

Hopefully. I’m just getting a bad feeling.

Something strange is happening with Peter Rose.

If we can trust anyone, it’s him.

He always does what he thinks is right.

Like just now.

It wasn’t an act,

He really believes what he told her.

I don’t know him.

But I’ll take your word for it.

That was nice for him to do.

Even if he probably wouldn’t do the same

if you hadn’t proven yourself useful already.

That’s not true.

Just because it’s a factor

Doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have helped at all.

Maybe he wouldn’t have gone so far as to pay for the doctors…

But I’m sure he would have done everything else even if I was a janitor.

He’s just like that. Everyone’s part of the CODA family,

no matter how short you’ve been there or what you did as your job.

It was nice.

Emily shook her head as the whispers grew loud around her for a few seconds. But as she ignored them and kept inspecting the model of the protein they died down again before they went away. Emily let out a small sigh of relief. Maybe she could keep things under more control.

— — —

Emily opened her eyes in bed as the wind and whispers washed over her. She grimaced and tried to stay quiet as things grew more and more intense. Then with a pop, everything went silent and the portal opened. Sinestra crawled out of the wall. Emily walked over to the lamp in her new apartment and flicked it on.

“NiCe PajaMas.”

“Thanks, Sinestra,” Emily said as she glanced down at the silky purple shirt and pajama pants she had bought a few months ago, “Long time no see. I thought you were gone for good. I’d almost forgotten how much that hurt.”

“Sorry aBoUt that. ThOuGht I’d say HaPpy BiRthDay. Your tWenTy fifTh. Sorry I diDn’t briNg a caKe.”

Emily smiled slightly as the distorted women walked around and started inspecting her room.

“Just my luck…” She said, “Right when I thought I could finally stop taking the meds.”

Sinestra looked up, “You sHouLdn’t haVe to tAke them. You sEE me anyWay. Why deal wiTh the side effeCts when it will haPPen eiThEr way? Also, wHere’s Luke?”

“We had a party during the day,” Emily said, feeling ridiculous as she spoke to her… alter ego? Hallucination? She wasn’t sure what Sinestra was really.

“No need to look so doWn. It’s been moNths since you’ve sEen me, riGht? Did you miSs me?”

“No.”

“OuCh. MeAn.”

“Sorry, Sinestra. I just… you know what I meant.”

“Yes… LisTen, liTTle Emily. The tiMe aPpRoaChes.”

Emily straightened. What? This was different. Over the years since the… ‘incident’, Sinestra showed up for some small talk for a bit before disappearing again. The woman was so pleasant despite Emily knowing it was only a figment of her imagination.

“You’re tWenTy five. It will hAppen this year,” Sinestra said, suddenly deadly serious, “You mUst not work on Any viRus, no matter what. ReMemBer. No virus, or the woRld will end.”

“I know, I won’t work on your stupid virus,” Emily said, annoyed. That’s all the male voice seemed to care about, yelling at her whenever she tried to research scientific papers on viruses to find out what her subconscious could be trying to tell her.

Sinestra stared at Emily for a long while, remaining motionless in her blurry and indistinct form.

“Good. RemEmBer your pRoMise. We will play nice and try to be qUiet. I’ll be yOur friEnd. And when the mOmEnt comes, you reFuSe to work on the viRus.”

“I know,” Emily said, still frustrated, “I get it.”

“Okay… So, how doEs it feel bEinG one yeAr oldeR?”

Despite knowing that she was only reinforcing her delusion, Emily sat down on the bed and Sinestra sat down next to her. The two of them could practically be twins now with their identical height and shape as they sat side by side. Emily wondered if under all the distortion of her hallucination, if Sinestra’s face would be the same too.

“I dunno… Same as before, I guess.”

“Find a good giRl to settLe doWn with yet?”

“No, you know that better than anyone. And stop trying to get a rise out of me.”

“You’ll be happiEr once you aCCept it. I just wAnt to hElp you. You kNow the reaSon Luke keePs brEaking up with his giRlfrieNds is beCause he’s hoPing he can be with you.”

“Uuuuuggggh. I know. But what am I supposed to tell him? He’s my best friend, I don’t want…”

“The tRuth. You know it’s whAt you want to do. Just do it.”

“Mmmmmmhhhh,” Emily whined, “Aren’t you supposed to be comforting, Sinestra? Why are you doing this?”

“I’m yOur friend,” Sinestra replied, “FrieNds ask hard quEstions soMeTimes, don’t we? Just think abOut it.”

“Bleh,” Emily said, “I wouldn’t even know how to go around asking a girl out. How would I even know if they’re into me?”

“Get out mOre. Make more frieNds outSide of woRk.”

Emily shrugged, before shooting Sinestra a suspicious look.

“Are you just saying that so I spend less time at CODA? I’m doing important work there, things that could become cures for all sorts of diseases. I’m not going to stop just because my hallucinations say so.”

“Caught. But still true. If you tell Luke, then he cAn help you. He hAs enough exPeriEnce seducing women to hElp you CaTch a few on tHe side with some training. A winGman to heLp you out. Any giRls that go to flirt with him are autoMaTically out. The ones left over sTaRing at you while that hunk is nearby have poTeNtial. You can sWoop in aNd shoOt your sHot wiTh them wHiLe Luke bAcks you up. How DoEs thAt sOund, Hm?”

“Gross,” Emily said before cocking her head to the side slightly, “Gross… but maybe true? Ah, maybe I should tell him. But that’s such a selfish reason to do it…”

“As loNg as yOu do it. No need to tEll him that seCond part until latEr.”

“Yeah. Probably best to wait on that one…” Emily agreed.

The two of them kept talking casually as Emily explained to Sinestra what she’d been up to since her last ‘visit’. Emily knew it wasn’t healthy, but it wasn’t any worse than talking out loud to help yourself think, right? She just… was talking to herself in a different way when she did this. Sinestra was still her after all, even if she felt separate right now.

But no matter how unhealthy Emily knew it was intellectually, it still felt… nice. Sinestra was a good listener. Eventually in mid sentence, Emily yawned and glanced at the clock. It was already one am, getting late.

“Well, I should probably sleep now,” She said, “Until next time. May the drugs keep us apart for even longer.”

“GooDniGht, Emily. SWeet DReAms.”

Emily switched off the light and rolled over onto her pillow. “Gooodnight, Sinestra,” She yawned as her eyes fluttered closed. Suddenly there was a pop and the normal sounds of the world returned. Sinestra was gone. Emily fully closed her eyes and after only a few more minutes, she was fast asleep.