“It wasn’t my intention.” I shrugged and glanced up at the gallery. “The other senior researchers didn’t give me much choice.” All I had to do was mention that Quanta wanted to challenge me and they’d jumped, clearing me through security for the chance at a juicy betting pool. I’d made some friends there, and was banking on cashing in later.

“Do not screw with her, Orpheus.” His cheeks flushed with anger.

“I wouldn’t.” I ducked my head a little, trying to play subservient. “I was just on my way to discuss strategy with you. I’ve found my angle for building her trust.”

“So?”

“I’d like to try some VR gaming with her.”

His lip twisted in a skeptical sneer. “Now you’re a doctor and a techie?”

“I’m not, but my sister designs custom VR helmets and gaming environments.” I needed the patience of a saint to keep my voice level with him. “Based on Quanta’s enthusiasm for shooting, I think she’d respond well to playing in a different arena.”

Darren’s eyes narrowed, but the scientist in him finally fought to the surface. “You think it would be more effective than the sim room?”

“Definitely. She’s aware that everything she does has an audience. If we pull her into a VR space, we might be able to get her more comfortable.” And, more importantly, the two of us could finally have our moment off camera. Darren stood silent for long moments, making me sweat his answer.

“I’ll think about it,” he said at last. “After you send me a written treatment plan. At least fifty pages.” He strutted out with a smug smile plastered on his face.

I let out a breath. It could’ve been worse.

Fifty pages was nothing.

And it was that much closer to finally getting Quanta alone.

<<<>>>

After polishing off my report, I spent the next days setting up my lab. Most of the materials had been transported in from my former workspace, but I feigned waiting for a new batch of genetically engineered test rats to stall on starting anything new.

Going over the in-house documents was keeping me plenty occupied.

Akua’s current project involved assessing Quanta’s moods and correlating them to the images she projected in her holo room sessions. But Akua had nothing concrete. The most valuable information she’d learned was that a sugar-high Quanta was a more cooperative Quanta.

My lips quirked. The girl was worse than Cass.

But Marco Vidal…

I gritted my teeth at the thought of him. He’d been moved to administrative work after Quanta overwhelmed him with a telepathic attack. That alone pointed at his weakness. She had powerful abilities as a Red Helix, but when it came to telepathy she ranked at the bottom of the spectrum. Any person with basic mental fortitude could’ve shut her out projection.