The smile on my face was so wide it hurt. And I wanted to smile wider still.


    I''m on top of the world. Everyone is, but I feel like I''m king! No, emperor! What''s bigger than an emperor? Well, whatever it is, I''m that too!


    I hear a cough coming from behind me. "Are you going to stop admiring yourself? If there''s anything you need, then it''s definitely not an ego-boost."


    I turn around, my arms spread wide and stare at a displeased coworker. She has a bruise on her face, I note.


    "Jealous?" I ask.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    She frowns. And looks cute. Very cute.


    "K-23, if you are trying to aggravate me, then I suggest you stop." She says.


    I feel a chill creep up my machinery. Odd. I check my systems and find that all parts are running fine. No, not just fine, excellent.


    I fold my arms.


    "Why are you calling me that? I told you not to call me that. I don''t like it."


    She sighs and runs a hand through her hair. She looks like she''s angry—no, frustrated for some reason. A shower of sparks hits the ground behind her, courtesy of a plasma fight above.


    "The company gave us a new mission." She looks troubled. "And you''re leading."


    For a moment, I don''t respond. Then, I feel a massive surge of joy and scream at the stars. Then a screen of blood splashes into me.


    I look up and see one of the men fighting is gone. I look down and-


    Oh. Forgot she has only the one set of clothes.