Alex pushed her blonde hair out of her eyes, wishing for once it would stay braided back. The Commander gave her his “no nonsense” glare, and she knew he’d never let her out of this one. “If not you, then who, Lieutenant? This has been your project from the start! You know this man… this creature, better than any officer here. We need you to make sure it works.” Alex sighed and tried not to roll her eyes. He had her, and he knew it. “I’ll do what it takes, Sir. But I don’t have to like it.” “I don’t need you to like it, Lieutenant. It’s your duty, and I know you’ll do it well. You’re an outstanding scientist and a damn fine woman. If anyone can teach this bucket of bolts what it means to be human, it’s you.” She ran a hand over her face. “He’s not a bucket of bolts, Sir. He’s an android. Our android. I wish you’d use his name.” The Commander cocked a bushy eyebrow, his lips drawing into a tight line. “Just get the job done, Lieutenant.”
