Author's note: This story belongs to me - please do not reproduce without my permission or claim it as your own work. Constructive feedback is always appreciated. :D

Orion Guardians, Inc. Headquarters – 4010

The young scientist paced back and forth, his new shoes making squeaky noises as they lifted from the smooth tiled floor. He finally stopped in front of the woman who stood by the wall. “You know...you’re lucky,” he grumbled as he wiped his sweaty hands on his lab coat.

“Why is that, sir?” the woman said calmly, in an almost mechanical voice.

“You can’t feel anything. Otherwise you’d be nervous and sweating like me.” He wiped his hands again. “This could make or break my career.”

“You did not give me sweat glands, sir. To sweat I would require –“

“I know, I know! Would you just stop correcting me all the time?!” he nearly shouted as the door slip open behind him. He froze, blood leaving his face. He turned around slowly to face a bemused Gresian.

“Good morning, Professor Stowe. Is everything alright?” The Gresian said in that rough, gravelly voice normal to his species.

“Y-yes, Director Harkow, it’s…everything’s, um, that is…y-yes, it’s fine,” Stowe stammered out.

“No need to be nervous. It’s not like this is a firing squad, Professor,” Harkow said as he strode powerfully into the room. He walked over to the woman and looked her over curiously. “Is this the humanoid android you were speaking of earlier?”

“Yes, I believe you’ll find her suitable,” Stowe hurried to say. “She has already far exceeded her original programming and proved quite capable of interacting with the various Alliance species.”

“I’m sure she has, but is she suitable for this line of work?” Harkow said, looking at Stowe with his unblinking reptilian eyes.

Stowe gulped and nodded fervently. “Ask her yourself, sir.”

Harkow looked at the android and took in her silver skin, white hair, and icy blue eyes. He circled her once, finding himself slightly unnerved by her unblinking stare – and he was rarely unnerved by anything. “So, Historical Archivist Droid R531A…do you think you’re suited to a life of defending the Alliance against the Brekkens? Can your program handle all of the secrets you will have to conceal and carry?

“Yes. I am fully capable of the job as described to me by the briefing officer. I would be glad to offer my services in this manner. I suppose you would say it would give my existence greater meaning. And, please, Director, call me Tori. I have found that sentients are more comfortable with a simpler, familiar name. ”

Harkow was pleasantly surprised by her answer and his scaly face stretched in a grin before he turned to shake Professor Stowe’s hand. “She’ll do nicely. Thank you, Professor. If you would follow me outside, my secretary will reimburse you for the android. She will be taken to Secure Programming Section A3 for her upgrades.”

“Oh, thank you, Director Harkow! You won’t regret this. She’ll be perfect!” Stowe shouted as an agent entered the room and escorted him out. The door slid shut, muffling his effusive thanks.

“I look forward to working with this organization, Director,” Tori said, nodding her head a little.

Harkow smiled. “And we are very glad to have you, Tori. I have a feeling you’ll be a very valuable asset.”