Page 18 of Galaxy Between Us

As I stack beakers in their correct place after some new hires set them on the second shelf and not the third, glass shatters from somewhere across the lab.

“Omega!”

I roll my eyes before turning to face Alpha Minsley. What was the point of embroidering my name into each of my lab coats if they’re just going to address me as Omega?

“On it, Sir,” I mutter as I make my way to the broom closet. This is the third telescope lens he’s broken this week. Although he’d never admit it, it’s because he handles them improperly. I remember learning about that from an episode of Everything in Space. It’s telescope anatomy 101!

But I doubt I could teach him the correct method without making him furious. His typical demeanor is cranky, but I’m sure being corrected by an Omega would tip him over the edge.

By the time I have the floor and lab table void of broken glass, the rest of his team, a group of technicians and engineers, filter in from their lunch. One of them shoves me out of the way, making me stumble with the broom and dustpan. I bite my tongue, careful not to react in a way that will get me in trouble.

His name is Brock Jenson, and he’s hated me from day one. He may have nice, wavy hair down to his chin, and a chiseled jawline with stubble, but he’s still a Beta in a room full of Alphas. Also known as Mr. Minsley’s punching bag of the group, which he then takes out on me. Brock isn’t as powerful or strong as the Alphas, but he isn’t a force to be reckoned with for an Omega.

As they sink back into their studies and projects, I try my best to be a fly on the wall. Eavesdropping has become my secret profession next to cleaning. It can become frustrating at times, however, knowing that I can’t join in the conversation or provide any input.

Smart Omegas are indecent Omegas. At least, that’s what I was told at Omega boarding school when I asked if I could bring my telescope. It was a difficult departure. It took some time, but I eventually decided it was for the best. Learning to be hands-off was challenging, yet grounding since I knew I’d someday be here, working near them but not with them.

“Sometime today, Omega,” Brock calls out.

Although I was lost in my own world while sweeping up the dusty floor, it doesn’t take me long to notice what he wants. I scurry over to one of many counters and retrieve a roll of tape from one of the drawers. I placed my own small labels on each drawer and cabinet in the room. No one seemed to have noticed. Either that, or they just don’t care. I’ve learned that their silence is as close to a “good job” as I’ll get.

I rush over to Brock’s station, and he snatches the roll. He fidgets with it for a moment before tearing off a very uneven piece and thrusting the roll back at me. His hands are too large to fit it properly. If he wasn’t such a dick, I would feel sorry for the way he struggles to conceal the small, exposed wires sprouting from his latest project.

Eavesdropping has taught me that it’s a telescope attachment meant to produce a laser beam aligned with the lens. Part of me is glad they think I’m dumb enough to talk openly about their private work while I’m cleaning nearby. I watch him struggle a little longer before offering to help.

“May I, Mr. Jenson?”

I ask, maintaining my submissive demeanor as not to anger him. He watches as I tear off a neat strip of tape and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say his face blushes slightly when he looks up at me. This is the closest I’ve ever been to him and it’s quite intimidating.

He grunts and I take it as a “yes,” so I go ahead and fasten the tape in place and then step back to let him assess my work. I’m not expecting a thank you or any response for that matter. He grunts again, which is more than I thought I’d get.

In the quiet lab, a phone rings from Mr. Minsley’s desk. The Alpha does a comical double take when he checks the caller ID and clears his throat before answering.

“You’ve reached Alpha Minsley… yessir… of course, Sir…. We’ll have it ready by–…. I understand… Consider it done.”

He hangs up and then stands to address the rest of the team. It must’ve been one of the higher-ups calling. Mr. Minsley always turns into such a kiss-ass when it comes to executives from the top floor.

“Alright, listen up. We need to get the three-three-four telescope model completed by next Friday. They need a new development to present at an upcoming charity conference.”

The team looks concerned. They’ve been mulling over the same telescope for weeks. Today, it sits untouched in the corner.

“But, Sir,” someone says. “We’re not even close to any new improvements getting it to focus on Pluto.”

I perk up at that. That’s all they’re trying to do? Quickly remembering my place, I shut down my thoughts and focus on my cleaning tasks. It can’t possibly be as simple as I’m imagining. These people are way smarter than I am. Right?

“I don’t care,” Alpha Minsley replies. “You do whatever it takes to get it focused. I want the highest resolution of Pluto anyone’s ever seen or you’re all fired! Brock, find me some more research on the matter, there’s got to be something.”

“On it, Sir.”

With that, they hustle into action. Flipping through papers, typing away on laptops, and drawing out sketches on dry erase boards.

I look over at the telescope, sitting abandoned under a white tarp. I don’t like the plan that’s already forming in my head. I’d never get away with it…would I?

Ugh. Who am I kidding, I could get fired.

Unless it works. How could they fire me if I do something that helps them? Just like how I helped Brock.

Hours tick by and I still haven’t decided whether or not I should tamper with the telescope. I know I shouldn’t, but will I regret it if I don’t? I head to the cafeteria to hopefully make up my mind by the time I’m back.