“Unique, yes.” Gerri’s voice carried a musical quality that somehow managed to sound both warm and wickedly amused. “That’s definitely one word for it, Reginald.”
Tess’s analytical mind kicked into overdrive. The woman’s pantsuit was clearly expensive, her posture spoke of absolute confidence, and those eyes held a knowing gleam that made Tess’s skin prickle with unease.
Foreign researcher? Private sector? She doesn’t fit the academic profile. And I’ve certainly never heard of her before.
“Ms. Wilder has approached our department about a consulting position,” Dr. Matthews continued, his voice taking on that careful tone he used when discussing budget cuts or departmental politics. “She represents interests on Nova Aurora.”
Nova Aurora.
Tess had heard whispers about the otherworldly connection between Earth’s shifter populations and their alien counterparts, but it had always seemed like fringe science. The kind of research that happened in classified government facilities, not university labs.
Gerri leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. “Their bear shifter king in the Northern Dominion territory—King Voran—has been battling a mysterious illness for nearly a decade. And now, his condition is deteriorating and their medical resources are... limited.”
“Limited how?” Tess’s scientific curiosity overrode her confusion.
“They need someone with your particular expertise in both systemic failures and shifter cell adaptation.” Gerri’s smile widened, revealing perfect teeth. “Someone who can think outside conventional medical frameworks.”
Shifter cell adaptation.
Her secret obsession, the research she’d pursued in her spare time out of pure intellectual curiosity. She’d never mentioned her fascination with shifter physiology to anyone except?—
Elena. Elena must have mentioned it to someone.
“I don’t understand.” Tess’s voice came out smaller than she intended. “Surely there are researchers with more experience. What about Dr. Tanner? He’s been studying systemic failures for thirty years. Or Dr. Rebecca Chavez—she’s published extensively on cell adaptation.”
Gerri waved a dismissive hand, her gesture somehow managing to convey both elegance and complete disregard for conventional hierarchy. “Oh, darling, I’ve reviewed everyone’s credentials here. Trust me when I say you’re precisely what this situation requires.”
Precisely what this situation requires?
The phrasing felt loaded, heavy with implications Tess couldn’t quite grasp. Her pulse quickened as she processed the magnitude of what they were discussing. An alien planet. A dying king. A medical mystery that had stumped their healers.
Dr. Matthews leaned back in his chair, his expression carefully neutral. “I mentioned to Ms. Wilder that you’d shown interest in shifter physiology. Elena told me recently about your secret research endeavors to highlight your versatility to me. I think she was trying to help you land that senior research position here.”
Heat flooded Tess’s cheeks. Those late-night research sessions, diving into obscure medical journals about shifter biology, had been her guilty pleasure. Pure academic indulgence with no practical application. She’d never imagined it would become professionally relevant.
“Speaking of which, the consulting position comes with significant incentives,” Dr. Matthews continued, his tone shifting to something more deliberate. “If you accept this assignment and prove successful in determining the cause of King Voran’s illness, I can guarantee you the senior research position.”
The words hit her like electricity. Five years of relentless dedication and watching less qualified colleagues advance while she remained stuck in the same role. The financial security she’d been chasing since her mother’s medical bills had drained her savings. The professional recognition that would finally prove she was more than just another overworked scientist.
This is it. This is my chance.
Her throat felt tight as she processed the implications. “You’re offering me a promotion in exchange for consulting work on an alien planet?”
“I’m offering you the opportunity to solve a medical puzzle that could help us gain footing in our efforts to collaborate with the shifter world,” Dr. Matthews corrected. “The promotion would simply be recognition of your efforts.”
Gerri’s eyes flashed with something that looked almost golden. “The Northern Dominion territory is quite desperate, dear. They’ve exhausted their traditional healing methods, and King Voran’s condition continues to worsen. They need fresh perspective—someone who can approach the problem without preconceived notions.”
Tess’s mind raced through the possibilities. A completely alien ecosystem, unfamiliar pathogens, genetic and cell structures that operate on entirely different principles. The practical voice in her head—the one that had guided every major decision since she was sixteen—began calculating the benefits.
Stable employment. Professional advancement. Financial security. Everything you’ve worked hard for.
“Alright.” The word escaped before she could second-guess herself. “I’ll go to Nova Aurora and see what I can do.”
Gerri’s smile could have powered the entire building. “Perfect, dear! I knew you’d see the wisdom in it.” She stood with fluid grace, smoothing down her emerald jacket. “I’ll collect you tomorrow morning at your place—eight o’clock sharp.”
Tomorrow morning?
Reality crashed over Tess like ice water. She was agreeing to travel to an alien planet with a woman she’d met five minutes ago, to treat a patient she’d never examined, using medical knowledge she’d acquired as a hobby.
