My goal has been to be Monica Chan.

And the only way I’m going to be able to do that is to experience something outside Moncha Corp. So, I’ve decided to join Zora at coding camp to improve my skills—and take a trip with Mom and Dad to see more of the world.

“No,” I say in a voice barely louder than a whisper.

She smiles. “That’s a shame. Are you sure I can’t change your mind? You could come and be part of creating future bakus. We need minds like yours.”

“Thanks, Monica, but I want to try and find my own way for a while. Maybe I’ll come up with an invention as great as the bakus.” I feel cheeky as I say it, but I have to be truthful. Now I want to work until my idol has become my rival.

She laughs, but there’s nothing unkind in it. “I understand that impulse better than you know. And somehow, I don’t think you’ll be bored this summer.” She looks over my shoulder, where Tobias is standing shoulder to shoulder with my mom and dad.

“No, I don’t think I will be,” I reply with a smile of my own.

“But you know, if you ever change your mind…your baku knows how to reach me.” Pardem reaches out and touches Slick’s outstretched limb. “Now he has my direct line, so we can make sure that we can communicate.”

“Thanks, Monica.”

She reaches out and touches my chin. “You’re going to do amazing things, Lacey Chu. Don’t give up.”

And then she’s gone. Moved on to the next person.

Slick raises one of his legs.

>>Ready?

“Ready,” I say. I’m free now. A whole summer with no school. No worries about getting back into Profectus. I can tinker away to my heart’s desire. I can search for inspiration.

I turn to Mom and Dad. “I need some air. Is that okay?”

“Sure, honey. We’ll be right here.”

“Everything all right?” Tobias frowns, looking concerned. He’s interning at Moncha again, and he thought we’d get to work together this summer. My decision surprised him too. But we’re friends.

And still just friends.

“I’m fine, I promise. I just need to go outside.”

“You’ve done good, Lacey Chu. And you’re going to do great things.” He reaches down and kisses me on the cheek. I blush. I still can’t help how cute I think he is. Then I step away, moving quickly along the path Slick is projecting in front of me, to the exit that will bring me fresh air—and a little solitude.