Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Mise wakes up early, the sky still looks dark with sun starting to climb. Sky looks violet purple with dash of glowing orange. "Nice view, better shot it first. " Position her tablet for nice spot, and take the nice sunrise view. 

Bathroom all belong to her today, Haski might have a morning class and left early.  After getting her favourite khakis, she grabs her bags and goes downstairs for breakfast. Dad makes some nice curry and phrata, they also video chat with NuHwa, who is about to go for training.

" When are you coming back? " Ask Mise, "either tonight or tomorrow. Coache want to see some result, and he does not like what he see yesterday.. " NuHwa sounds disappointed and exhausting, even early in the morning. 

" Well, have fun and don’t forget our little game !" Mise says it with a wink. 

"Ok...  Sure" NuHwa whisper quietly as if he does not want parents know about the little game Mise is referring, and shut the phone quickly.

" What game? NuHwa been teasing you again?" Dad asks. 

" Nope , just jokes between me and him." Mise smiles and hide away eye contact from dad. A quick snap of the tuna sandwiches, she kisses dad and mom bye and head for work. 

Crowd seems to be less today, and Johnson is up early looking around for someone. Mise sneaks behind him and makes sudden jump in front of him. " Morning, looking for your new girlfriend? " Mise teases him.

"Huh ? What girl? You mean last night? A friend’s birthday and invited his sister friends along, all bunch of school girls."

" School girls are young and cute , suits you !". Mise keep on teasing but kind if feel regret when she sees Johnson started speechless and trying to find words to reply. 

" Alright, bus is here, let's go. " With guilt, Mise grab Johnson hand and lead him to usual seats. Johnson seems more relaxed now and sit more closely to her in the bus. Whatever hard feeling last night seems to be disappear when Johnson just let Mise do the talking , and holding her hand passionately. 

"So, do you want to go for a movie after work? "Ask Johnson.

 "Oh I can't, I might have to work late tonight" . Mise replies, and suggest few days later. "Alright, catch you later. "  A hug and she off to the bus. Johnson wanders when is the best time to tell her.

Today lab three is very quiet, only she works alone, and no sight of Mike and friends. Lab three kind of sporky without those crowns around, especially the only other lab which is occupied is four labs away. However, once she concentrates on her work, she kind of forget the silent around her. She must have been working too hard when she heard some cracked sound from her white towering plant column. 

“ Since when this plant can grow that high? " Then she saw a few flowers open up like sunflower and glowing seeds projecting out. She almost look for cover afraid those seeds would explode, then out of sudden the whole kab is darken and replaced with gloomy projection onto the  wall and ceiling. It looks like a panoramic view of a place, a place similar to her hometown, with people walking and talking. However she saw something unfamiliar, some humanoid looks like her kind, but with facial hair and rather odd looking walking pattern. Before she could look more detail, everything vanishes and light is back on again in lab three. Mise thought, has she being working too hard that she is hallucinating. Then a tab on her shoulder, she turns around to see Nuru staring at her curiously.

"Lunch time, are you coming? " Ask Nuru

 "Oh ya., I am coming, did you see that? The blue projection from..." She pointed hesitate to the plant.

 "Nope, what projection? Only you and the high tech desktop. We thought we could to find you in cafeteria. But you weren't, so Mike sent me to look for you. " 

Mise stunned for a while, "Geez, I must been looking at the screen too long."  Quite convinced she is hallucinating, she stop pursuing the topic and follow quickly behind Nuru. They run quite fast and didn't notice Johansfre is whispering to his phone.

"They manage to trigger the portal opening. Looks like the artifact is still functional. Proceed to next stage?" He listen carefully, nodded and shut off the phone and walks towards cafeteria.

The cafeteria is busy as usual, same group of people sits together, but today there seems to have more colour mixture around. If one just look casually, one would say there are few more women working here. However, Mise looks closely, she could spot the men style in their suits. Men style tends to flavour monotone colour, simple straight cut and no-nonsense design. Even though they opt for complementary colour, the simplicity still found in their suits, no matter they wear long dress, skirts or pants. Of course the more obvious is the scar that accumulated built up during their former training or accidents. Men don't shy away from scar like women do. Even with today basic laser scalpel which can remove scar and restore smooth skin cost effectively, men still secure scars like a sacred trophy. Quite an unusual ritual, Mise thought.

After lunch, Mise almost forgot the strange encounter with the white column plant. She does not want to talk about it anymore, but insist on walking together with Mike and lab mates back to Lab Three. They finally walk back to work which took them 30 mins. Thus really frustrated Mise which live on a fast lane. Upon arriving to her lab, she notice the white plant has shortened its height to normal. Hmmmm...she thought, perhaps what happened this morning was really her hallucination.

The work schedule is back to super busy till the evening. As one of the template requires some revision and more variation based on colour scheme. However it is all done before five. Mise is afraid she might have to stay back, Mise decides to stay back a while to await further instruction from Illy Chan. One quarter later, Illy calls back, he is happy with the results and would liaison with other departments to await their feedback. This mean Mise might get few days peace and quiet. However, she started to feel the corporate pressure, and have second thought of continue her work here. Even though the sport and recreation facility as employee benefit are quite attractive too. 

The workload for late afternoon is rather relax, Mise could even go afternoon tea time with Peter. They have quite casual chat that cover a wide range of topic, while admiring the ever changing colour of sakura and bowl flowers. Mise learn that Peter came from a clan who is exception skillful in carpentry. Their family used to make furniture, ornamental  wood work for the loyalty. Mise was passionate about woodworking and handicraft back in high school. So she and Peter could dive in the topic very deep and technical.

"So, why didn't you follow the line of traditional ? " Mise ask curiously

"I tried, " says Peter, "but I have limited talent in controlling my finger, hence unable to control the final wood form. Luckily I have few sisters to pick up the trade. They are way much better than I. " Mise always fascinated thing that are done with hands, such as carpentry, sword welding, iron work, painting. Much of this works are done by android or robotic collaborative, and the products they generated are perfect and identical. Works done by human tends to be not uniform, couple with imperfection, which makes it very unique from product to product.

Today they work slightly late till the security requests them to go home unless being required to work overtime. The lab three team packs their stuff and quickly head to the lift. It seems they are not only one who work late. They have a nice talk about deep learning, plant neural network used as a server and ancient wood work robotic. When Mise reaches the bus stop and bid them firewall, and very glad to learn a lot things, unusual knowledge from them. Sometimes she just want to geek out it, a topic where Johnson would vanish instantly the moment Mise talks about it. 

Speaking of Johnson, " Hii gorgeous! " Someone whisper at her back. 

Mise turns around and saw Johnson, or is he? She is wearing nice lace skirt, her blonde hair look curvy and shining, with decent make up. " Johansen?, Since when did you come back?" Mise quite surprised to see Johnson twin sister at central city. They practically look like mirror images when they were young GaPan (neutral), before attain their maturity. Later as they mature into female and male, the difference becomes obvious. Johansen speaks intellectually, every works has deeper meaning if one digest her conversation carefully. Meanwhile, Johnson, to put words politely, one could predict what he would say sentence by sentence. Mise knows quite a few twins and triplets, most of them might have share similar facial structure, but not skin colour. Johansen and Johnson are the only twins that share similar facial structure and skin colour. 

"Hi, don't get too excited, mom asks me to wear like her so she would get some family photos. And the heel shoes is killing me !". And yes, the moment Johnson speaks, one would instantly distinguish him from his sister. 

"I see, you look sexy in woman dress!" Mise teases him, " so, your sister still doing her research at the other side?" 

" You gotta be kidding me! I am a dude, not a girl. Yup, she still in the tropical forest in the other twin earth, communication has been bad these few months, not to mention the travel distance has to pass a sun, we have hard time getting a decent chat." 

"But she is back every year at least, right?" Mise understands the homesickness when she was abroad at Canada. Johansen is about 2 Astronomical Units away. Pretty long distance. "How could she cope with that?," Mise wanders.

"I guess she is married to her work, husband and wife make a good team in harsh environment.” Johnsan says jokingly.

"Is it mean to be sarcastic or bad joke? I am not laughing.." Mise frowns " Alright, want a drink? I am off work "early", I could use a sexy escort with me !". Mise decides to tease him full height by saying the word "Escort" loud enough. 

Before the crowd surrounding turn their head to look for the escort, Johnson quickly grad her arm and move away. " Very funny, girl , wait till I get you drunk"

They go their favourite bar, "Sober"  around the corner, which usually populated by graduates and blue collar working class. Today seems quiet even though it is day four of the week, or may be the night is still young. Everyone turn around to see this charming lady that Mise brings around, and back to business as usual. Johnson could be very attractive when he dresses in female form. However the gesture and word of language kind of rugged as men. 

Mise orders tequila while Johnson goes for his regular Corona. They cheers for good career and friendship , one shot down and order another round. 

"Have you heard of Kihrhirts? " Johnson asks. 

"Hmm. . The Brewmaster?" Mise answers curiously.

"Er.. nope . An urban legend of a failed experiment. A government project about a portal that open into inter dimensional world. It suck in few scientist, but it also bring back other things too. " Johnson explained.

" Some story you heard from Kitchen?" Mise asks.

 "Ya,... Kind of sporky, " continue Johnson, " Eventually they retrieve back the survivor and send back those things. Somehow i the transit the only survivor actually manage to grab the thing and said something tohe before the portal collapse. Few years later, the scientist gone mad and left a diary that tell her story during the investigation of the inter dimension. Her diary was so weird that the agency thinks it is much better to hide the diary away from exposure to the public. " Johnson reports it like a pro.

Mise looks at him for a while, and checks the Corona, for alcohol content and asks politely ," have you been drinking before we met just now?"

" No, no,  I wasn't drunk, just the story I heard." He protests. 

"Well, my tequila seems watery, I though back then was much stronger." Mise is wondering whether she should complaints to the bar tender. 

"Nope, it is usual, the more stressful you are, your body metabolism races faster, and you could digest high level of alcohol much faster. " Johnson explaines like a expert, "in your case, you resistance towards alcohol might grow stronger over age. " Johnson claims it proudly. 

"So, you are saying .. I am old?" Mise pretends to be angry.

"Err... That is not what I meant actually." Johnson didn't expect such reaction from Mise, he was meant to impress her by keep on practising this response, and let it out at the right time. It seems sometimes he say the wrong phrase at the wrong time.

Mise smile at him cheekily, and said "gotcha! And you seems bit of awkward these day, what happen? Stress at the kitchen? Or new girl recruits?" The last sentence sound more like a test , instead of teasing.

" Ya, they are quite sweet and hard working too, never say no to me.." and Johnson realise this might not be the right response, " Err... I mean they are hardworking and obedient to senior chef." 

" Yup , have it your way, look at the time, it is late, have to meet up my brother. " Mise sounded frustrated and can't wait to go home. 

" Ya, this round on me, I will send you home." Johnson says it quietly.

Both of them walk home quietly, without exchange any words. There are few times Johnson try to grab her hands, and she just sway it appropriately. 

When they reach Mise home, Johnson grab her shoulder and look gentle in her eyes, and say, "Mise, as long as I know you, there is a feeling I wish to..." And the front door bang open, NuHwa is there to open the door.

"Hi sis, hi Johnson, you guys done kissing?" 

Embarrassed, Mise hits NuHwa at the hip, and push him inside, while smoothing Johnson shoulder gently and out of guild, "see you tomorrow?" 

" Alright, see you, sweet dreams" Johnson waves and walks back.

Half force fully push NuHwa into her room, " you spoilt my moment, you still want the massage?" Mise says it angrily. 

Knowing his sister temper, he whisper "just the back would do." He undress and lay down. Mise have a peek at her brother front, the previous bruise seems to subside, but they seems to have more red bot, or bite marks around his abdominal. 

"Ant bites or allergy? Old wound faints, new wound comes." Mise says it disapprovingly. 

"Seriously, it is ok, small issues, just help me massage the back would do." 

"No worry, I got just the right cream for you. " It is an old habit of Mise keep those healing oil and cream handy for all sort of unusual occasion. Before NuHwa objects, she apply a thin coat from his breast down his abdominal and down to his inner thigh. The plus side of the cream is it heals fast; the downside, it causes arousing sensation, pain , itchy hot and chilling pain. Sometimes the sensation come in different order. Mise quite enjoy to see his brother sudden change of different reaction.

" Ok, ok, no more of the cream " and dashes out of the room, but runs back again to grab is robe, and say, " you are so evil , sis..." 

"Wait, I haven't do your back." Mise jokes. There will always be next time. 

Quite a night today, she tidies up her stuff and prepare for tomorrow routine. Then off to bed soundly.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The next morning she wakes up to find out she is alone in bed. NuHwa must have left early in the morning, as the side where he was sleeping still warm. He also left a big note "Thank you" and a red lip stick on the mirror. Mise thought, " that is very nice of him, saying big thank you with my lipstick. He really need know a thing or two about personal hygiene. "

This morning seems quiet, dad, mom and brothers are still in bed, so Mise can take the morning routine all to herself. While she is taking her own time to gloom herself, a knock on door, asked Haski, "Hi sis, are you done? Can i join you?"

"Morning, it is ok, I just done. Enjoy yourself !" she seems delighted this morning. It could have the easy new job lighten her burden of all these months of inconsistent workload. A quick dash to kitchen, she sets up a wonderful breakfast for the family and herself, and join the crowd at the bus stop. 

"Morning, Johnson. " Greeted Mise from behind her best friend. Johnson seems to be not responding.

 "Ops, did I mistaken someone? " Mise then slowly walk forward to check if he is her friend or not. Yup, it is Johnson alright, with the usual ear plug speaker, but with a pair of dark glasses, and perhaps a sleeping eyes beneath it. Mise tries with a light punch to his shoulder, Johnson suddenly awake and look surprising how he is at the bus stop. 

" Ah ha, I wake you so you won't miss a bus.!". Mise claims her contribution. 

"Ah .. what? I am here the whole time. Just didn't see you coming.." he is murmuring. 

"I am here for full 5 mins, and you can't see me? Wait, why you eye so red? Have you been crying?" 

She must have been too loud as the crowd around them pretend didn't hear their conversation by look away. 

" Nope.. just didn’t sleep well last night. Bus is here, let go." Once they are in their usual seats, Mise has been chatting non-stop while Johnson occasionally speak , node and muffle some words. It is very unusual of him today not speaking much. They usually chat non-stop whenever they meet since the very first day they met. " Ok, my stop, see you tonight in gym?"

 " Uh... Ya. Ok see you." Johnson seems bit blush , but seems looking forward to see her tonight.

Mise official work time is from 9 to 5, but she prefers to appear early to start working. As she steps inside cargo lift and requests to be sent to lab three. The lift won't move at all. Puzzled, she steps outside, steps in and whisper lab three, again and again. Yet the lift won't comply to her command. Confused, she steps out and ask the security for help. The officer, slim but firmly build, Geigiry replies politely with thick Irish accent, " Every staff working here come in and out within an allocate schedule. They could be here 10 mins early or 10 mins late after working schedule. However Ms Mise, " paused to check his tablet, " you are half and hour early. The earliest time you would be allowed to your workstation is 8.50am. How about take a walk around the garden and be back by 8.50am?"  Geigiry suggests.

Seeking no compromise in his tone, she quietly comply and head for the coffee bar outside the tower. While waiting for her inspiration injection, Malibu dark coffee, she spots two family figures at the far side of the japanese garden. It is Ms Lowe and HAVRYIL. Ms Lowe seems to be engaging a speech with different expression, while HAVRYIL just stand there, occasionally say something , nodding and shaking. It is unlike his attitude when she see him few days ago. Mise wanted to see more but she is scheduled to work soon. Swiftly follow the crowd, and into the lift. This time she is successfully admitted to lab three.

Seems like she is the first one arrives in lab three, while waiting for desktop to warm up, she notice the white column plant near her has a tablet attached to it. Curiosity let her to examine the tablet and tries to power up. 

"Yik, better don't touch it, it is still prototype. " Mike yelled lightly.

"Is that why it caused the door slammed yesterday? " Ask Mise.

"Something like that,. " Mike admits embarrassing. "So, your research is to use plant to open switches?", asks Mise

"Yes !" Exclaims Mike. 

"Wow ! that pretty impressive. " It is suppose to sound supportive, but Mise expression somehow convey strong irony. “Why not just use old switch,” Mise thought. 

Mike might have sense the change of tone from Mise, and explaines in detail and nerdy, except in double speed. “Yes, you could use plant as switch, it already has a ready-made circuit board but coded in DNA. It is just a matter of time to track down which part is the processor, which part is the switches,,,”

Mise is so carry away, she totally look blank, except she heard something like plant neurologist work like computer chip but in different bio signals. And something like they use it controlling spacecraft ? Growing habitat in a conditioned ocean? 

" Hey, Mike , sorry to cut you short, my phone seems need my attention, thanks for the info, I will try avoid the white plant." Mise tries to be polite the lengthy lecture.

 " Oh, don't worry too much about it, it is old school processor, just don't touch the attached tablet.".

 “The white column plant is a CPU?”  Mise is surprise to learn plant can be used as CPU. Plant has been engineered to provide morphing clothing and meat replacement food  products for the society for ages. It seems she has yet to discover the full potential of plant. The phone must have been ringing 5 times, and she quickly fetch the phone, 

" Morning, Mise speaking, how can I .." 

" Hi, there you are, I was almost afraid the technician didn't install the phone in time for you. We have couple of brochures need to be rushed out by next week, could you please take a look. Call me back if you require more information. Okay? " The phone shows Illy Chan from HR, and indicates a few message from her. Better get to it promptly, Mise thought.

The task is to create a few news brochures and newsletter. But based on Mise experience, it is much better to rush out a few draft version and let Illy to revise and comment. This progressive method would reduce any surprise during review session. After weighing her option and wording, she suggests Illy of her working method. Illy seems fine with the suggestion and ask if her might need to overtime, but no later than 10pm, though. It is company policy not to let staff overwork unless really necessary. 

"Oh crap, I totally forgot about NuHwa treatment tonight." Immediately, Mise left a message to NuHwa if he is alright to have treatment after 10pm. A while later, NuHwa said he would only be back two days later as he is outbound for training. 

"What? with such a damage, you still want to go training?  Don't ask me for help next time." Murmur to herself angrily. 

During lunch time, Mike still seems very engage in his new experiment while Nuru and Peter engaging other topic. Mise tries to be polite, and ask a few questions to Mike. It is much automated query and answers like the turing test. It is  the least she could offer instead of ignoring him. In the end , she learns that certain plant are readily modified into bio mechanoid  than others. Their DNA structure has a few sections to swing from setting A to D, as to say. Of course, there are other correspondence changes as well. Through trial and error, plant biologists manage to get rough Blueprint on the working mechanism of plant.

The rest of evening is exhausting, but rewarding too. At least she manages to rush out a few acceptable templates and share some jasmine coffee with the boys. Mike seems to make progress to command the plant to do simple things with proper control. Mise also learn Nuru tattoo is a shape shifting parasitic ink in her body. It is a tradition marking passed down from his ancestor to protect his clan. It actually move around his body, but he manage to keep it along the leg. As the ink can warm up the body parts really fast. Keeping the tattoo ink along the leg would ensure he does not have to go topless from time to time. From a far, the tattoo looks like tiger strips, but upon closer inspection, the stripes are small words and sentence, more like spell. Peter can fix most electronic gadgets, just have to keep him on track from time to time. He seems like to detour a lot. 

After sending off some templates and draft version of the new brochures to Illy Chan, she then asks Illy about her job scope in Designing gene. Illy pauses a while as if she is trying to understand why Mise asks such question. 

“How did you get the idea of designing gene ?” Illy finally asks.

“Err. .. it is in my letter of employment, Job Description Section.” answers Mise.

“Oh.. I see. It was actually refers to something else. You see, our engineers are good at control when and where the tree would blossom, which type and shape of flowers would come out. However they lack the creative side. For example, the Chinese garden at the cafe is either white in colour or pink in colour. The arrangement of trees seems to be …. havoc.” Illy tries to explain a complex situation in simple terms. “This is where you could lend a helping hand. Just put some thoughts on how the garden would look like, or colour combination that looks pleasing. Anything creative idea you might, you could put in on paper, and our engineer could work it out.”

“But… I never done any genetic designing at all….” Mise sort of complains lightly.

“Not too worry, you would be fine, just paint some colourful pictures of your favourite garden, then we can work from there.” without giving Mise a chance to move away, Illy persuades this topic further and encourages her to keep on working.

Mise is actually quite good at problem-solving, but she would not perform well if she is asked to do something she is unfamiliar with or she doesn’t like. Every Time when she was asked to do a strange job task, she would resign. Hence she has been job hopping for the past few years. However this time, she hopes to get rid of her fear, and try her best to on uncharted job task.

Just before Mike and friends off for home, or some bars downtown, Illy reminds Mise to apply to overtime stay in the office, or else the security would escort her out.

"Better do it before I forget." Mise then speak to her desktop about her extension of work. The system immediately approves her request and reminds her to make use of the office facility to relax.

After informing dad and mom that she would work late, she continue her work till few hours and decides to stop here. Then she packs her bags and check out for the sauna and spa. 

The sauna room is a combination of wooden floor and wall, mixed with grey concrete lining, which lit warm glow along the trim gaps. It has about 10 spa pools with bench beside it. The space can become private when curtain drop down from ceiling to form complete closure. Just as she wanders how to use the massage service, she saw Johansfre walks into the sauna with few friends. Nods with her, he gestures to an Android attendant to help her up. 

Moment later, a friendly android comes by, introduce itself as Niche. It lowers the curtain to form a private enclosure, then helps her to undress, give her a warm showers and rinsing, scrap off old skin and give her a relaxing massage from head to toe. When she is about to daze off, Niche gives her aromatic scents and drinks. She wakes up with energetic and yet still in relaxing mode. She is about to say goodbye to Johansfre, but found that the private enclosure still covering the spa pool. Well, she thought, respects other privacy and leave quietly. 

It was a wonderful evening in the facility that Mise decided to give herself a treat, take a cab home. It is faster and no need to cramp with others, slightly costly though. When she is in the cab, she just realise Johnson been calling her few times and nervously looking for her. 

“ Hi John, sorry I was in the office till quite late” Mise returns Johnson missed call. “Where are you ?”

“I am at the sport bar at the Old Port.” Johnson replies. “ Kind of noisy here, just let me get somewhere quiet,” moment later, he continues,” busy day?”

“Ya, touch up some loose end and my other manager asked me to do the impossible thing.” Mise briefly describe the meeting with Illy Chan in the afternoon. Just before Mise which to talk further.

“HI John, don’t be shy, come dance with us !” a young girl voice shouted exciting in the background.

“I will be …. just a minute.” Johnson sort of caught out of word.

“You busy? I will leave it up to you then.” Mise kind of feel uneasy, cut short the conversation and hang the phone quite hard. Mise suddenly has an uneasy feeling, is it jealousy? Johnson always popular among girls, especially young girls of 10 years or younger. Mise has known Johnson since high school, they two get along and best friends ever, but that is the best stage they could develop to. No boyfriend, no kisses beyond that. There is something uneasy of Mise wants Johnson to be her boyfriend. This is also an irony when Mise feel uneasy when he is around with other girls.

When she reach home around 9pm,  dad and mom already asleep, Haski still working hard on homework. She gives him a hug and kiss, then back to her room. Before diving into deep sleep, (the massage really work well). She is pondering between the feeling of jealousy or teasing? She is not sure and don't care, then she dive in dreamworld like a baby.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The regular workout must have boost up her metabolism and sleep pattern. She find it easy to sleep these day, and she wakes up even later than NuHwa, her younger twin brother. When she is rushing to bathroom, and realise it has been occupied., She knock lightly on the door.

"Morning, sis", yelled from Haski, inside the bathroom. "I just started shower, want to join me?". The door open, and Mise sneak in quickly without letting any heat to escape.

It is Haski alone in slight hot shower. "Where is NuHwa? I thought I heard his voice somewhere" Ask Mise.

"Oh, he is back to day-dreaming", Answered Haski.

Nowadays, the twin brothers and sister seldom shower together unlike in the old day. Back then, they used to take a long time to gloom and massage each other. Mise is the first girl in the family, when she was 5 years old and studying University, her parents decided to have children again as Mise could take care of herself soon. A year later, Haski and NuHwa came to this work. Mise remembers so triumph to welcome them back into the house. She really enjoy helping mom and dad to nurse them. Now, as each has different study and work schedule, they even seldom meet each other. They do talk a lot, via messaging. Haski offered to massage for his sister's shoulder.

"Everything alright? You seem tense up ?", Asked Haski.

“ Ya, a bit. Today is my new job. Boss is a woman and I called her sir when I met her yesterday. I hope I get along with her today." Mise still nervous of first day at job.

" You should be fine, if you can handle us, you should be doing fine in the outside world !". Haski joked lightheartedly. Haski easy going altitude blend nicely with his slow body movement. People sometimes kind of forgive him for being slow. Unlike NuHwa, he works in double speed, but tend to make more mistakes on the go.

" Well, thanks for the massage, time up and I have to get ready for work." Mise gives Haski a warm hug and kiss on the cheek. "How the trouser? Does it work on you?". Mise asks after feel guilty of being harsh on him yesterday.

"Oh, it is nice fitting, will clean it up and return to you." Although Haski seldom workout, but he still have a bulging physique, Mise hopes her pant won't torn under his thigh. Putting a robe around, she quickly dash back to her room. While deciding which outfit to wear, she realise she might want to cancel her swimming session in the evening. First day at job might require her to do overtime. And it is not right to leave office before her boss. Swiftly sending a request from her phone, and a soft voice spoken from mirror, " Mise, your suit is ready." Looks formal, but with lighter colour than yesterday. She tucks in the clothes, and let it to tighten around her hip. She got her bags and headed for breakfast.

Mom and dad are early today and busy engaging in a very technical discussion, something about neural network in plant. Dad works in aviation and mom work in botanic. Mise wanders how do they have in common topic of discussion.  She has a quick breakfast while order some essentials health care plants from her phone. She kisses both parents on cheek as farewell before heading to bus stop.

The bus stop seems unusually crowded. She hears someone mentioned something about breakdown. "Oh great, I am going to be late for my first day!". She groaned to herself. However few minutes later, she notices few smaller coaches approaching with the usual bus route number on them. It seems the bus company has managed to remedy the breakdown by sending replacement coaches to fetch passengers. They are old bus and require a physical driver, and she is slow in checking ticket. Mise manages to cram herself into the tiny bus after awaiting long in the queue. However, she couldn't find Johnson." He must have been picked by another coach." Frustrated by the unexpected bus breakdown, she hopes she won't be late for work. However, Mise is surprised she arrives at her new office 2 mins early than normal schedule. She shows her identification and the tower's security system patches her detail into her phone and vise versa.

"Good morning, Ms Karoyo, welcome to Lowe Genetics, Mr Lowe will be with you shortly." Greeted by HAVRYIL when Mise uses her new id to step into new office. Although it has a warm voice, yet still give a shock to her.

"Hi, I didn't realise you are early, how’s your breakfast.."  Oh dear another stupid question from Mise. Android don't consume food as humans do, nor do they need rest. However HAVRYIL just stood there smile and nod back, as if he is used to this type of reaction. He even offer a drink for Mise.

" Wow, he is an Android and he makes damn good coffee !" Mise sipping the freshly brewed coffee offered from HAVRYIL. He seems like the new model but his behavior detects him like a old Butler, the make him an interesting behaviour pattern. Mise also curious why he keeps on referring Ms Lowe as him.

She waited about 30 mins at the reception desk, wandering when is she to be shown of her new office cubicle. Then a soldier like man marches in. He seems to be in his mid 40, casual wear, but body language shows that he well trained in sports and martial arts. "Good morning, you must be Ms Mise, I am Johansfre. Could you please follow me to your new laboratory? Ms Lowe is occupied in board meeting. She would join you shortly." Swiftly, Mise takes up her bags and follow Johansfre. They walk into a cargo lift, and Johansfre whisper "lab 3". The lift does not move for a full 10 second, then it dives down quietly to incredible speed. During the silent, Johansfre speaks softly, "Since the security system knows you. You could just proceed to this cargo bay tomorrow and mention lab three. She would take you to your allocated workstation. Unless you are required by other facility, you would be asked to be taken there. However you could defer that order. Is it clear?" Mise is sort of listening relaxing the whole sentence until the last part. It punctuated with formal affirmation. That bring down the chill down the spine.

Once they arrive at underground laboratory, it looks more like big warehouse and partitioned with many transparent and opaque glass walls. Staff in lab coat, suit and casual wear walking in and out many glass rooms. The whole setup looks like a labyrinth to Mise, until she notice the signage and coloured pathway. Laboratory is marked with it yellow colour, test room are marked with red colour, so as other rooms with different functions. Once she located the yellow pathway, she just need to locate the lab number, which arranged in sequence. Lab 42 being the closer to the cargo life, and lab three , presumably far away from it. Along the walking, she see the familiar food plants such as bread, milk powder, the salmon fruit, and some other plant she is not familiar with. Some swivel, some float in mid air, some are fireproof and etc. But towards near lab three, other labs appeared to be empty or opaque, screened  from outside viewing. Finally, when she arrived at lab three, which is opaque, but with few clear screen at eye level. She is about to touch the security panel to open the double sealed glass door. It swing open real hard and fast ! Almost cut Mise finger in half!

An Asian looking , red hair young man stepping outside the door, looking surprising happy to see the door swung open and murmur, " she really still can do miracle !" He didn't realise Mise is there and almost got injured. She looks at him stunned, not sure to shout at him or congratulate him.

" Hi, I am Mise, good to see it works and congratulations for almost killing me!". Mise said in a rather loud, sacratism.

The young man turn around, is shocked to see her, and apologize furiously. But he also excitedly pull her inside and introduced to others. " Hey guys, our second female designer is finally here!".

“So, I am the third woman staff in this lab”, Mise thought, “perhaps the first female designer must have been squished to death by you guys.“

She casually glance around. Only three boys in labs. First, sitting by the Bunsen burner, think glass, short hair, but with short skirt to show off his tattoo on his thigh till ankle. Second one is holding some sort of green gel pack, thick frame glass too, but with all long dress, look like just  back from winter. And the last young boy, almost crushed her, dancing like a monkey, with a ever changing colour shirt and pants.

"Hi there !" Mise thought, what is done have been done. Might as be a ice breaker. " I am Mise, I am here to work in Lab Three."

The boy seems excited but seems blur too. They must have been fresh out of university. Graduates are green in work field, but extremely talent in fresh and wild ideas. It is an awkward 20 seconds silence. Then Mise speaks again, " where do I work?".

Finally the boys show some response, they all pointed to the desk nearby the slamming door, and by a weird looking plant that looks like white spiraling column. It is simple wooden desk with metallic trim, a few nice pine wood drawers and a big brown letter envelope. Once settle her bag and tablet on her office desk. She promptly open the brown envelope by tapping her finger on the black label. Silently the brown envelope open like a flower, and present a letter, and key ring. It is a usual letter of employment, scope of work, then follow by confidential of password access to her desktop and paper, some emergency protocol, rules and regulations, and facilities for staff. She has a quick look of scope of work.

“ Hm… designing brochures, web site and app identity layout, and other 2d concept design concern printed and online media.”  Well, she thought, this is what I have been trained for. The last line of scope of work however confused her, it said behaviour control for plant habit. “Hmmmm.. this is interesting “ she thought, this last line of work definitely is not what she been trained for. She definitely would ask the manager when she gets to see him, or her. Then she has a quick look at staff facilities, and almost cry out happily. The list of staff facilities not only include in-house cafeteria and library, but also include a few commercial cafeteria, and a few rare books library. There is a 24/7 gym, fitness class, sauna and spa, a few massage therapist and powered swimming pools. Well, either  this is a very kind corporation, or this would indicate unforeseen long work time as a compensation?

Just about she finish login to the desktop, she receives internal memo about designing few letterhead templates, logo, news media layout, a web layout. That would keep her busy for a while. That seems to be a certain filling protocol she has to follow. Since she used to work in different Corporation before, it just take a little adjustment to the protocol. Luckily the time frame given was adequate to do twice the works. However she can't complete job off office hour. Everything has to be done in office and lock in office. When she just about done reading the rules and regulations, " lunch time !" Yelled out the boys.

"Sorry about that. " Mike apologize.

" Sorry for what? " Ask Mise.

"About the door slamming accident this morning." Mike replies.

“Oh ya, about that”, she totally forgot about it as she is so immerse into her new tasks. " It is ok, accidents do happen, be careful next time. Where is the rest of your college?". She asks.

"Peter and Nuru? They went ahead first, they like to secure the best seat in the cafe. " Cafe is just upstair, can be reached by a ramp or staircase. Upon arriving the cafeteria, Mise realise it is quite a view of the cafeteria. The layout is simple, like a big C surrounding a really luxurious garden, which encircled a series of frameless full height aquarium. The sensation is like you are underwater if you sit at one side, or enjoy a tropical sunshine garden if you sit at another side. " I wander where is the Chinese garden or Japanese garden? "She joke heartily.

" Oh, it is upstair at the mezzanine floor, and it changes scenery every three days." Mike explains

“Serious? “ Mise has never seen a big scale of shape shifting garden fit underground. She and Johnson used to have fun with the shape-shifting garden up near the old port of Wellington. The garden would respond to different seasonal changes, temperature and humidity variation, and some exhibit early earthquake and tsunami warning. There are few plants would change to different colour and textures when Mise touches them, slam them or stroke them gently, from different directions.

Being the only, or may be third woman in the laboratory. She does turn a few heads. But all back to feed their hungry stomach. The cafeteria stretches on one side, while table is rectanglur shapr that can seats 8 people. There are around 40 tables but only half are full. She notices certain table tends to seated by group of similar fashion, such as long hair sitting together, short hairs sitting together in another group. And a few men wear full body silk dress, but revealing their well tone curvy body shape. Mise thought if one put in much effort in gym training, one deserve to show it off.

Lunch was great, Mise and new found college get to enjoy a delicious fruit and salad lunch. She even get to take away her favourite jasmine orange drink to her desk. A few minutes after small talk, they all back to work immensely, with occasionally things blow up from the boys' lab, or leaves fly over her workstation. Noise tends to be lessen around 5pm, it looks like people are ready to pack up and go home. She yawns, quite a tire day, but fruitful though. She got few technical glitches iron out, and plenty of time to complete her given tasks. " Hey, Mise, do you want to join us for swim, or sauna?". Ask Mike and friends.

She could use a good sauna though, but then Johnson might wait for her at other swimming pool. " It is ok, you boys go ahead. I got to meet up an old friend". Mise replies.

" Alright, next time then ! Chao ". Mise can't stop looking at Nuru leg. He got really nice ballet leg like a woman, but with all the weird tattoo like binary barcode or mathematics equation. Must be really nerdy, Mise thought. Once inside the lift, Mise whispers to the life, "take me home. " And the life arrive at lobby. She follow the crowd out of the building and goes to Sparkling public swimming pool, a few block away from the gym she visited yesterday.

The public swimming pool seems crowded in the evening and the air feel damp. Mise prefer damp air to swim into as she hates dry skin. After secure her stuff in locker, she collects a short towel and jump into the pool. Most crowd seems to be concentrate on other pool instead of the one she is swimming. After a few laps and didn't knock into anyone, she rest on the pool sides and look around for Johnson. She can't find any sign of Johnson except the crowd at the other pool, which wear swimming trunks. Mise though trunk is not required in the pool. (In some pool, bathing suit is forbidden as it might pollute the clean swimming pool water). A staff member walks by and sees her expression, explained that the group is regular here, but their have injured open wounds, so their doctor advised swimming with protective trunks and isolated pool with medication. Well, pool management is kind enough to cater to unusual client demand. Before the staff left, she asks where about is Johnson. " I think I saw him with couple of girls by the poolside. He left just before you arrived." The staff replies.

"Ok, thanks, nice hair cut though, I kinda miss your long curly blonde hair." Mise comments.

The staff laughs, " Good to have some changes occasionally, it will grow long and see which other style I can try on." Mise could see the crowd at the medicated pool really hates swimming trunks. The moment they step on pool side, they just pull it away.

Mise swims a few more laps and pull out for a hot shower. The shower side of the bathroom recently installed full height glass panel so the swimmer could have a good view of the internal courtyard, decorated with fantastic tropical garden. Swimmer who takes a bath or shower could have a nice view inside too. Mise think this really help people to forget the chill of winter approaches. Luckily they still boxed up the water closet, or else it would be too much of a privacy breach. Although she heard other pool actually have full height glass panel throughout the swimming complex, even the toilet !

The watch tickling reminds her to head home for dinner. She packs up at the exact moment and catch the bus just in front of her when she step out of the pool complex. It is 15 mins ride home, and she better keep awake as not to over pass her house. She arrives home just in time when mom freshly baked her favourite pizza, shiitake salmon and pineapple pizza. Dad used to tell her his great ancestor tried on real fish salmon before. Although shiitake salmon can be engineered to have taste variation from batch to batch, she wander what is the real taste of salmon fish.

There is only three of them dining, " Where are the twins?" Mise asks

"Haski is out for movie, and NuHwa back from practise, looks pretty exhausting." After cleaning  up the dishes, she kisses parents good night and head to her room.

She is clearing up her schedule and follow up with some freelancing job, when she heard a light knock. "Sis, can you help me out? “ Whisper NuHwa by the door.

" Sure, come in." Reply Mise.

"Can you do the magic finger acupuncture thing? " NuHwa close the door behind him and let off his robe. Mise saw her brother full body and almost shout it out, when her brother put a hand on her mouth.

" Please don't tell mom and dad about this, I will treat you a nice dinner!", NuHwa whisper quietly again.

“Nice dinner?" Mise said it sarcastically, "you can't even pay for your lunch! Are you playing rugby without protection? Again?" What make Muse exclaim the first place is the numerous bruise on her brother well tanned body. Few on buttuck, few on inner thigh, one on rib cage , one on upper breast.

" The sun was good enough for a uniform tan, " NuHwa protests, " Even coach didn’t complaint about us."

"Ya, your coach didn’t complain because he was not there to see you boys playing, or else you will be grounded. Now bite this, the pain will follow."

NuHwa obeys without objection and turn around, lying face down and review his full back to Mise. Mise did some pressure point acupuncture and basic healing back in school. This skill finally comes in handy when the twins keep on getting into physical self torture. She put  on the cleaning water to clean up possible wounds, let it air dry, then apply a thin coat of ginger and chilli gel. Then she works her way from his neck to his back, buttock then his feet. Under normal circumstances, he suppose to feel very relax. However, with bruise all over, he can hardly hold the pain. Luckily he is biting a towel, or else whole house can hear him yelling. "Don't be a wimp, you should expected this when you play extreme sport in nude.". After the back, she apply soothing cream to ease the pain. She then let him rest for a while, then ask him to turn face up. The front body wound tends to be more sensitive, so she work in very light tough, but to NuHwa, it is like touch of torture. After the treatment, she let him have good rest on bed.

" A few more inches up and down, you won't be able to breastfeed your future kids and you won't able to pee. See me next few days and your wound should recover well enough." Before Mise finish her sentences, NuHwa is snoring like a baby. He always looks so naive when sleeping like he was young. Since Mise has a double bed. She might as well share the bed with her brother and hopefully her brother don't kicked her out in the middle of night. She kiss him warmly on forehead and tuck themselves warmly in the blanket.