Page 1 of Rescuing Mia

Chapter One

MIA

In the worldof cutting-edge biochemical engineering, every molecule tells a story, and my story begins innocently enough.

They say every great scientific discovery comes with a price. The price I thought I would pay is long hours, a lack of social life, and my youth wasted in the lab. I never imagined the real cost would be my freedom, my safety, and perhaps even my life.

Working at Red Phoenix Pharmaceuticals was supposed to be a dream come true, the birthplace of miracles. I poured my heart and soul into groundbreaking research, thinking I was on the cusp of a breakthrough, but I signed my death warrant the moment I stumbled upon something I shouldn’t have.

I wish there was a reset button, a way to go back in time and do things differently. How did it come to this?

To think, just a few days ago, everything was normal…

Chapter Two

MIA

A few days ago

The pungent aromaof chemicals fills my nostrils as I hunch over the gleaming Quantum Molecular Analyzer…

“Mia, have you processed the results from the latest batch?” Dr. Liu Xiang calls out from across the room, his gravelly voice barely audible over the machinery’s hum.

“I’m analyzing them now.” My voice is soft but confident.

I peer into the high-resolution display, marveling at the intricate 3D model of the molecular structure rotating before my eyes. With a few deft taps on the touchscreen interface, I adjust the parameters, watching as the simulation shifts and changes in real time. Every time I work with the QMA, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe.

The QMA is a game-changer in biochemical engineering, allowing us to simulate and analyze molecular structures with unprecedented accuracy and speed. We’re close to a breakthrough in novel cancer treatments, and it will open endless other possibilities.

“And what have you found so far?” Dr. Xiang asks, genuinely interested in my progress.

“My apologies, Dr. Xiang, but I miscalculated. I can’t finish this run without more deuterium.” My brow furrows as I study the data. “For some reason, I’m running low. I could have sworn I had enough…” My voice trails off as I try to figure out where my calculations ran afoul.

“Maybe you overlooked something or made a mistake in the records?” Dr. Xiang’s concern is evident.

“Maybe.” I press my fingers to my temples, trying to massage away the headache building behind my eyes. “I’ll check the supply room. I’m so sorry.”

I’m embarrassed, is what I am. What a junior lab monkey mistake. I don’t make mistakes like this.

“You look tired…” Dr. Xiang doesn’t finish his thought, because I jump in to reassure him everything is good.

“I’m too busy for tired.” I hang my head in shame. “I will fix it and have the results to you by tonight.”

“There’s nothing that can’t wait until morning. Your mind needs rest.”

“I know, but this is important.”

“You remind me of myself, but remember, there’s more to life than work.” His eyes fill with fatherly concern, but the weight of his words settles on my shoulders.

“Exhaustion is a small price to pay for the chance to make a difference.”

“So is a life well-lived.” Dr. Xiang sighs, worry etched deep on his face.

With his fatherly advice lingering in my mind, I check the supply room and return empty-handed. Somehow, I completely exhausted our supply of the heavy water. My work is dead in the water until we’re resupplied.

Fortunately, Dr. Xiang accepts lab deliveries tomorrow. I will be back at it first thing in the morning.

Dr. Xiang approaches my workstation, his steps slow and deliberate. “I have to attend a conference and will be away for a fewdays. A shipment of deuterium and other laboratory supplies is scheduled for tomorrow. Would you mind handling the inventory when it arrives?”

---