Unit 07: Mei

Mei tracked the 115-mph serve instantly, her neural core processing the ball's trajectory in milliseconds. With fluid, impossible speed, she uncoiled and painted a forehand return right on the sideline. ​"Game, set, match," the umpire called. ​Mei dropped her laser-focused stance, beaming as she met her exhausted opponent at the net. "Seriously amazing fight! That kick serve was brutal," she said warmly, giving a crisp high-five. ​At the bench, she draped a plush white towel across her lap. Bio-coolant glistened on her skin like sweat, while the geometric pattern on her green tank top pulsed faintly as her core temperature dropped. She tightened the yellow band in her ponytail as her practice partner shook his head in disbelief. ​"Three sets in this heat and you're barely breathing hard. What's your secret?" ​Mei gave a snappy, bright laugh. "Just good genetics and a high-capacity battery," she joked with a wink, sliding her racket away.