A/N: The theme is science fiction (499 words).

/To thank you for your help, we give you a gift, that you may find useful./

She couldn't hear what the ambassador of D'Wyras had said, he was a telepath, after all, so she had to rely on subtitles. She paused the recording. She'd watched it a dozen times, hoping to find some clue.

Her gaze returned to the coppery orb sitting on her desk. They hadn't even managed to get a look at the gift, only its exterior. Guessing from where it came from, it would be advanced technology. D'Wyras wasn't called the automated planet for nothing.

She sighed.

It didn't open on command, it didn't have a keyhole, nor a button to press and no amount of blunt force could break it open. It sucked even more that it was a race against the clock: Jay, a coworker was doing the same thing. The one to finish first would go down in history.

When her phone rang, she answered swiftly.

Had she lost?

"Hello sweetheart! I hadn't heard from you in a while, so I thought I'd check on you. Have you been eating well?"

Mom.

"Yeah, mom." While it was sweet that mom worried about her, she was an adult. She could handle things fine.

However, her mother seemed intent on telling her all that she had missed.

Suddenly, she heard buzzing. She looked down at the orb, which was vibrating. 'Saved by the bell.'

"Hey mom, I got to go. Call you back later, okay?"
"Of course dear, I-" a click and her mother's voice was gone. She quickly put down her phone, turning her attention to the metallic sphere. It was still buzzing, though it had become softer. Finally the breakthrough she'd been waiting for.

She'd discover its secrets before Jay. Finally she could beat him.

She yawned. She blinked her heavy eyelids furiously. She couldn't fall asleep now! Despite herself, she soon lost consciousness.

#

Her eyes snapped open. She squinted in an attempt to block out some of the harsh light. She was in the lab, lying on the floor.

"What the f*** happened?" She groaned, still feeling somewhat dazed. She gasped when she saw the orb was now a bracelet around her wrist. She was also somewhat disappointed.

All it seemed for now was some fancy jewelry. Too bad she couldn't get it loose.

She decided to call Jay. She didn't like him, but he might know what to do.

She quickly grabbed her phone.

"Jay?"
"That's me."

"Scan completed."

She hung up when she heard the robotic voice. Maybe she still had a chance. He wouldn't be taking her place if she succeeded in this! She felt her heart race with excitement.

"Wearer shows signs of distress. Activating defense."

The bracelet expanded, climbing up her arm. When it was done, she was wearing strong but flexible armor.

Too bad she didn't have more time. A blue pulse emanated from the bracelet. When she looked outside, everything was slowed down.

"Neat."