Chapter 2
Chapter 1: First Impressions
The lab was in complete chaos. One of the prosthetics in development started malfunctioning during a crucial test, and Ellen was on the verge of losing her patience. The monitor lights flickered while an automated voice announced:
"Critical error in the adjustment system. Forced reboot in 10 seconds."
"Of course you fail right now!" Ellen grumbled, lightly banging the keyboard with frustration.
Anya arrived at the lab just in time to hear her. She wore her white coat and a smile that was meant to be reassuring.
"Problems with the system?" she asked with her usual friendly tone.
Ellen barely looked at her, busy checking the cables. "No, everything’s perfect. I’m here to yell at machines because it's my favorite hobby."
Anya ignored the sarcasm and bent over to check the data on the screen. "I can help you check, if you want. Maybe the problem is with the connection to the biomedical reading module."
Ellen snorted. "You? This isn’t like prescribing medication or putting on a bandage. I doubt you’ll understand how this works."
Anya stopped, hurt by the comment, but instead of stepping back, she lifted her chin. "Maybe I’m not an engineer, but I work with patients who depend on this every day. I know what's at stake, Ellen. Why don’t we stop assuming and work together?"
Anya’s firm tone caught Ellen off guard, but it also sparked some respect. With a sigh, she stepped aside and made space for Anya to join the analysis.