Chapter 1

Tinas eyes pierced her screen as if she willed the error in the code to appear. She scrolled through module after module and now was getting frustrated that she could not find why the algorithm was wrong. Eventually when she was about to call it quits when it finally hit her.

Jess come here! Tina yelled in excitement. I think I found it, I think I found it!

Hey hey hey keep it down. Did you find the problem? Jessica said now looking over Tinas shoulder at her monitor.

Yeah, look at this. She points at the screen

Uh huh

And now look here

The formula is off

Right. So if I move this here and substitute this.

It works.

So what do you think?

I think that when we have that meeting with Emmett this morning we can bargain for a raise

Oh my gosh, I almost for got about that meeting. What time is it again?

9:30

Cool, I have some time still to play a little.

But dont play too much you know you get carried away and forget everything else around you.

I will be there dont worry.

Tina is a young, very talented and brilliant software engineer. She works for a company called GameTech Inc. At this company they design and sell electronic games. At the moment Tina is designing a combat game that would simulate as close to reality as possible combat situations where the player appears to be in real combat. If this game is successful, the protective services can also use this in combat training. Tina loved what she did. She lived and breathed programming; its her only other passion next to playing the games and her baby brother.

DING DONG

Tinas 9:25 reminder for the meeting disturbed her train of thought as it popped up on her screen.

Damn, that was quick. Tina was just finishing up and saving her work before heading out the cubicle to Emmetts office. She grabbed a coffee and bagel and sat talking with Jessica while they waited for Emmett to begin the meeting. A few moments after Emmett and another woman walked through the door. This woman was beautiful and it didnt go unnoticed by both Tina and Jessica.

You can have a seat here. Emmett said as he guided her to the seat next to Jessica. He then took his seat behind his desk. Good morning Tina, Jess. How are you all doing today?

Good they replied in unison.

Good, good. Firstly before we go any further I would like you all to meet our new Manager of Software Development. Miss Porter. I must say that we are very lucky to have her with us, and I hope you enjoy working with us here at GameTech. Uh she will be working very closely with you all on the combat simulation project. I trust. I know that you all will make Miss Porter feel part of the team. Miss Porter, this is Tina and Jess. The engineers behind the project.

Hi

Hi

Its nice to meet you both. It didnt take a psychic to read Tinas expression. It was clear as day that Tina was not pleased to meet her new boss and that made Bette a bit uncomfortable.

The meeting went fairly smooth. Jessica got the task of showing Bette around. At the end of the meeting Tina stayed back to have a word with Emmett.

Emmett, how could? You brought someone from outside? What about Jess? You know she has the qualifications to do the job?

Tina, come on, you know better than that. You know that Jess does not have the experience and you didnt want it.

Yes but.

But nothing. Miss Porter has everything for this job. And right now you know that we need her. We are lucky she even considered this offer. Handing Tina the file. Take a look at this

Whats this? Tina perused the file. But she has no technical experience.

Given, but she is an economist and thats what we need on this project. We have two techies and granted Jess has been the accountant so far on our other projects, I dont think she can do this one justice.

Ok. I see. She puts the file back on the table. And as she exited the room Well I will work with her but I dont have to like her.

Tina buried herself in her work for the rest of the day. (As if thats possible) She was still mad at Emmetts decision and by tomorrow she would be ok but for now she didnt mind being angry.

The day soon ended and she and Jess decided to have a drink before they headed for home. For the entire time at the bar all Jessica talked about was how great Bette was and that made Tina even angrier. Tina knew there was no reason to be angry with neither Bette, nor Emmetts decision to hire her, but Emmett made this decision without her and because of that she felt insulted.

Tina?

Yeah?

Can I ask you something?

Why do you hate her so much? I mean she really is a great person. And from what she showed me today, I think with her expertise, this game will be a breakthrough for games to come. I think you should give he a chance

Dont you feel the least slighted by this? I mean how many other projects have you managed in the past? And then he didnt even consult us. I mean if we are going to work with someone at least give us some insight first.

Tina you know I cant handle a project of this magnitude.

Tina sighed, I gotta go. Ill see you tomorrow?

Kiss the baby for me.

Yeah. Tina smiled as she left the bar.