"The Assistant Scientist's Potential"

When the Assistant Scientists heard this, they became excited and pumped up. Even if they still do not know what the reward would be, they wanted it, because it would come from Dr. Jaia Mullock, and they're sure it wouldn't be a petty prize.

Everyone properly sat at their respective seats, and the program started. Each presenter was given only 20 minutes to report their progress.

"I first thought of this experiment as an impossible challenge," Sanya played the video. "But a seed of hope started to bloom because of this footage. The vulture mutant accidentally hit the caretaker and saved her. From the previous hypothesis that he was a nonchalant and cold creature, this video alone can prove that he's not like that." She pressed another video to play, and she zoomed it in. "We can still extract data from him… through his caretaker."

On the other videos were some of Aesop and Lia's interactions. In some scenes, Aesop was seen loitering near the metal doors. When Lia got in, he approached her. It was obvious that he was always waiting for her.

"As days pass, we can see the intimate actions of the two. Most of the time, Aesop would help his caretaker on cleaning the room, by picking up his scattered feathers, and even by carrying her to the 3rd loft!" Sanya explained energetically. She showed more of the videos, explained their actions, and the Core Scientists seemed pleased with her presentation.

"Any questions?" she asked the panel.

Dr. Jaia raised her hand. "Ms. Mayheart, I can see how well you've observed the two, and I am pleased to see such a detailed report. What are your plans for your experiment?"

Sanya was nervous as she saw the guest scientist raise her hand. She listened to her question carefully, took a deep breath, and said with confidence, "I'm planning to discover his other abilities… outside the facility. If possible, I would like to see him fly from a high place to an open field. We can also arrange something like an obstacle course. That way, we can learn more about his strengths and weaknesses."

"I like your idea very much," Dr. Jaia said, smiling widely. She saw great potential for Sanya to become one of them. "Your plans are not possible in this country, but our research facility abroad can make it possible. Prepare a proposal and we'll talk about it with Dr. Logan, okay?"

Sanya was very happy to hear this. "Yes, thank you, ma'am!" she bowed her head as she ended her presentation.

When everyone had finished, Dr. Jaia stepped in front to announce the Assistant Scientist that she picked. "What I like about this young scientist, is the way she thinks outside the box," she explained. "Miss Sanya Mayheart, please step forward, come and join me here in front."

Everyone clapped their hands. They have always regarded Sanya as one of the best Assistant Scientists. She stepped forward beside Dr. Jaia and faced her.

"Miss Mayheart, this is your reward…" she faced her, "You will be joining me in the first week of March. We're going to be with Dr. Logan and some of the laboratory heads in a research conference abroad."

Sanya widened her eyes in amazement. She couldn't believe it! She felt that she's the luckiest woman in the world. "Thank you, ma'am! Thank you so much!" Tears of joy were touching her eyelids as she received a round of applause.

When the program ended, Sanya waited for Dr. Jaia in the lobby. "Dr. Mullock!" she ran enthusiastically towards her.

"My, my, it's Ms. Mayheart," Dr. Jaia said with a wide smile, "I'm as excited as you are, but I can't take you with me now." The guest scientist laughed, patting Sanya's shoulder.

"I just want to see you off, at least at the platform," Sanya replied with a pleading face.

"Sure," Dr. Jaia said. She, Sanya, Dr. Logan, and some Core Scientists started walking towards the e-train platform. When she saw Dr. Logan conversing with the Core Scientists, she told Sanya, "Ms. Mayheart, I can see your potential as a Core Scientist in D.M. Cadre."

Sanya was surprised to hear this from an experienced and outstanding researcher like Dr. Jaia. She remained silent, listening to her every word.

"When I was young, my research proposals were so idealistic and out-of-this-world that my seniors laughed at me," Dr. Jaia explained. "They always reject my new ideas, thinking that I'm crazy… but I know deep inside that I'm just too creative. That's why Ms. Mayheart, I know that you'll make it to the top, one day."

"Oh god… I'm so flattered, Dr. Mullock," Sanya couldn't hide her excitement for her future. If a notable scientist like Dr. Jaia saw her potential, then it might happen! She wanted time to move forward as soon as possible, and live as one of D.M. Cadre's Core Scientist. At that moment, all she wished for was a time machine.

"Just remember, do not give up on your dream… whatever negative things they tell you. Those people who look down on you do not know you, but you know yourself well," Dr. Jaia told Sanya. They reached the e-train, "Ms. Mayheart, you may call me Dr. Jaia, like some Core Scientists. Besides, you'll be one of them someday."

Sanya gave a wide smile. She was delighted to hear it from her. "Please call me Sanya, Dr. Jaia!" she said happily. From that moment, she viewed Dr. Jaia Mullock as her idol scientist. She looked up to her, and she wanted to reach the top of the scientific career ladder just like her.

Days had passed, and Valentine's day was just around the corner. Like some days, Sanno went home to Makylee City with Lia, and they talked about the special day while in the car.

"Sanno," Lia said. "What are you going to give to Ms. Mayheart on Valentine's Day?"

Sanno laughed and replied, "I'm going to give her a shoulder bag," He chuckled at the thought of what he really planned to give. Yes, he would give her an expensive shoulder bag, but he planned to put in a special kind of gadget. He then asked, "Why?"

"Well…" Lia uttered. She was not sure if it was a good idea to tell anyone about it, "I want to give my mutant something…"

He gave her a funny, suspicious look, "And why do you like to give him something?"

Her cheeks turned red at the thought of Aesop. "I… I just want to… Since he didn't receive anything these past years…" She looked down at her lap, squeezing her own hand. "Just a friend, okay?"

"Hmmm… I'm not sure I'd believe that…" Sanno said, pretending to be serious but his gestures said otherwise, "You know, Lia, you can tell me anything, why do you keep hiding it from me?"

"I… I'm not hiding anything from you!!!"

"Geez, why are you shouting?" Sanno laughed at Lia's suspicious reaction.

"I…! I'm sorry!" Lia got embarrassed and pouted.

"You're too defensive," he said, while turning his car to the right, "You can just tell me that you like your mutant… in a romantic way."

Lia's cheek went red, and she felt that her mind was about to explode because of the topic. "Sanno!!!" she shrieked.

"What? Why do you keep shouting?" Sanno continued laughing at her.

Lia mustered up her courage. It's alright, it's just Sanno - that's what she thought. When they reached the first avenue of Makylee, she suddenly shouted,

"Fine! I like Aesop, okay?!"