Protests as Shaw Sciences attempts a buyout of Hideki Labs

While Zoe was busy swaying her hips with her hands behind her head, she was compelled to read the news story to you, at first with a smile, but eventually her smile faded.

"Protests today at Hideki Labs, as the CEO of Hideki Technology, Kazuhiro Nakamura, has agreed to a $790 million dollar purchase of the biotech branch by Shaw Sciences. Word of the deal broke overnight, as final details were settled in Tokyo at Hideki headquarters. Many at Hideki Labs are blindsided by the news of their largest competitor, often seen as the underdog to Hideki's broad portfolio, hadn't shown any public interest in the purchase, and that their parent company had not communicated the possibility of a buyout before it had been completed."

You tapped Zoe's stomach so she stopped dancing about your bedroom, as you both listened in shock to everything that Zoe read to you. She sat down next to you, a concerned look in her eyes. "Protesters have begun gathering outside since the news struck, to send a message of disapproval to their apparent new owner, Dr. Simon Shaw of Shaw Sciences. Dr. Shaw arrived at Hideki Labs early to begin preparations for the transition of the lab to his company. Shaw Sciences has often been accused of cutting corners and unfair treatment to their lab staff, and employees at Hideki Labs are concerned that they will be subject to the same conditions as other Shaw laboratories."

With a deep breath, Zoe stopped reading the news. She unfurled her back, so you could retrieve your phone.

"Zoe, I'm sorry that--" You tried to comfort her, but she stood up, grabbing some clothes from the closet.

Zoe turned to you, as she buttoned up a crimson blouse. "Will you drive? I can't believe that Dr. Brooks would sign off on this. Maybe him, Dr. Walker, and I can stop this before the lab changes hands. I'd rather resign than work for Dr. Shaw, he's... I have never felt comfortable near him, something about how he acts, how he talks... every time I've met him at a conference, he's had this ego the size of a small country despite having no notable breakthroughs in his laboratories. And the way he spoke to me, like I was something for him to own..." Zoe shivered.

You nodded, as you climbed out of bed to get dressed yourself. "Okay, no problem. We'll go in, get this fixed, and then when we get home tonight, I'll wear you and we'll make some pasta for dinner.

Zoe smiled at you. "Thanks, hon. That'll be a great way to unwind."

You drove Zoe to the labs, testing the speed limits as you did, to get her there as early as possible. You had to deviate away from the parking lot, as dozens of your coworkers with signs stood outside, with news crews filming the spectacle. Instead, you parked down one of the side alleys at the loading bays for trucks. Zoe knew plenty of entrances into the building that few were aware of, so you and her could enter without harassment by news crews. You and her jogged through the empty halls, as nobody else was present in the labs or offices at the moment. All you needed to do was follow behind Zoe as she tapped her badge to the wall sensors, security wasn't present to keep you from accompanying her.

You and Zoe rode the elevator up to the top floor in silence. Zoe squeezed your hand, tighter than usual. You could tell she was nervous about such a drastic change, that she couldn't actually make a difference, but she had to try. It was tough for Zoe to take initiative like this, being a bodysuit that so often was worn by others and letting them dictate the activities. But, this was definitely her fight, and she intended to be the one to fight it.

You stepped off the elevator with her at the top floor, trying your best to keep up with her. Zoe strode purposefully toward the director's office, occupied by Dr. Reginald Brooks, albeit likely not for long if Shaw had anything to say about it.

Zoe tapped her badge to the door again, and the director's office opened. She had that level of access? You were surprised. But, you followed her into the large, futuristic office filled with various pedestals displaying holograms of Hideki R&D projects. All of these had been shut off to avoid eyes from outside the company stealing ideas, leaving the office as just one big dull room.

Zoe stopped in her tracks, as she stared across the room at the desk. Dr. Brooks was not behind it, and she squinted in disgust when she saw who occupied his seat.

"Shaw."

"Ah, Dr. Hildebrand! What a lovely surprise." Simon Shaw was a heavyset, balding man, head covered in liver spots while his voice sounded like he'd smoked ten packs a day for most of his life. That his lab's most popular products were weight loss supplements and hair restoration pills was an irony not lost on you. He stood up, hurrying over to greet Zoe, although she didn't seem keen on the idea of shaking his hand as he approached. "And who's this? Your secretary, or manicurist?"

You twitched in frustration, realizing very quickly a dislike for Dr. Shaw.

Simon Shaw held out a hand, wearing some really bizarre jewelry, to Zoe. Reluctantly, Zoe takes Shaw's hand to shake.