Mirabe trailed behind Zane as they made their way back to his office. With a sigh, he set the folder on his desk, running his fingers along its edges before looking up. The worry lines on his face had softened.


    "I''m really sorry about today," Zane said, his voice tinged with regret. "I didn''t think that document would almost get you in trouble."


    Mirabe shrugged it off. "The truth alwayses out. No need to beat yourself up about it."


    Zane let out a bitter chuckle. "Yeah, but what if someone''s dead set on twisting the truth?"


    He knew Mr. Calvin was taking a jab at him over their recent spat about research funds. And dragging Mirabe into it? That had Meg written all over it. Meg had tried to trip Mirabe up during theirst experiment and ended up embarrassing herself instead. Jealousy was a powerful thing.


    Even though Wade had stepped in today, Zane worried things would only get worse. He kept his concerns to himself and simply said, "Don''t stress. We''ve got our mentors backing us up."


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow. "Mentor, we can''t afford to be too naive. It''s a quick way to get burned."


    Zane blinked, taken aback. It was the first time a student had told him not to be so trusting. He shook it off with a smile, feeling a bit lighter.


    He remembered the proposal Wade had handed him a few days ago. It was loaded withplex ideas, but if Mirabe could outsmart Meg, she could handle it. He decided to wait until the prep work was moreplete before bringing it up to her.


    Later, Mirabe returned to the study room designated for her department. Lisa had saved her a spot. As soon as Mirabe sat down, Lisa leaned in and whispered, "Why does the admin office keep calling you? Something up?"


    Mirabe tilted her head nonchntly. "Catching a thief."


    Lisa''s eyes went wide. "Catching a thief?"


    "Yep," Mirabe murmured, not offering more. She pulled out her notebook and started writing.


    Lisa, still puzzled, wanted to ask more but saw Mirabe was done talking. She nced at Mirabe''s notes, squinting at the unfamiliar symbols.


    "Martian script?" she muttered to herself.


    By five, Mirabe had packed up her papers, stretched her sore shoulders, and grabbed her backpack. Lisa, who had ns to visit home, decided to leave with her.


    Lisa''s ride was parked at the curb. "Mira, where do you live? Need a lift?" she asked, ncing at the car. But when she saw the driver, she hesitated, almost regretting her offer.


    Mirabe hadn''t noticed Lisa''s reaction. She adjusted her bag strap and looked up as a in ck sedan pulled up. "No worries, my ride''s here," she said, raising an eyebrow.


    Lisa, oddly relieved, followed Mirabe''s gaze. The windshield''s reflection made it hard to see the driver clearly. "Alright then, see you tomorrow."


    Mirabe waved and walked to the car. As it came to a stop, she opened the passenger door and climbed in.