Page 22 of Galaxy Between Us

“Why yes! We’re still working on some minor adjustments! It’s not quite– “

I remove the tarp as he rambles, revealing an impressive, sleek black telescope, polished and crafted perfectly.

“This is lovely work, Mr. Minsley.”

“Oh, well, thank you, Mr. Beckett. My team will have it completed just in time for– “

I adjust the eyepiece and peer through the scope as Mr. Minsley speaks. Though, I’m not sure what he’s so jittery and nervous about when I look up at the clear, evening sky. The telescope is positioned perfectly to spot the glowing dwarf planet billions of miles away. I’m absolutely stunned at the noticeable clarity. The images we process from this are bound to be astonishing.

Gone is the blurry ball of light, replaced with a shining circular figure. This is a breakthrough discovery! With this level of innovation, we’ll be able to develop more accurate measurements and discover more about Pluto's mysterious surface.

“This is…remarkable. You and your team have truly outdone yourselves, Minsley. How’d you do it?”

I look away from the telescope when he doesn’t respond. He’s pale as paper and looks as surprised as I am. Pushing his gray-streaked hair back, he looks into the scope himself when I step aside and he lets out a small gasp, muttering, “that’s most definitely Pluto.”

He springs upward, straightening his back.

“I mean clearer! It’s most definitely clearer than yesterday! Yes, one of my technicians must’ve made a recent adjustment. Don’t worry, we’ll include all necessary information in the presentation, Mr. Beckett.”

“Great. Looking forward to it.”

Chapter XI

There are two days before the three-three-four telescope model is being showcased at a huge charity conference. Brock and I walk together into the lab. He’s been on edge with the whole thing, and I can’t blame him. As far as the team is concerned, it’s still a major work in progress since it can’t focus as far as they’d like. Only I know that it can.

I was surprised when none of them bothered to get their hands on it themselves. They've been so focused on simply trying to figure out what needs to be tampered with. After all, one wrong move could damage the whole thing, rendering it useless.

Before I can step a few feet inside the lab, strong hands land on my shoulders, pinning me to the wall.

“What did you do to it?!” Mr. Minsley growls, bared teeth inches away from my face. “Tell me what you did!”

He snaps at me with bulging veins on his forehead and a snarl. I breathe rapidly with fear as his thumbs dig painfully into my shoulders where he holds me in place.

“You’re hurting me, Sir!”

“Minsley, put him down! What is this about?” Brock reaches for him, but he shoves him away, dropping me against the wall in the process. As I regain my balance, an accusing finger is thrust toward me.

“I checked the lab entrance history! He was the only one who was alone in the room other than me, which means he did something to the telescope!”

Brock looks between us, confused.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about,” I shake my head.

“Bullshit! This is what you wanted, huh, you little mongrel? To make me look like a fool in front of corporate?!” Minsley spits.

“Sir, what the hell is this about? Putting your hands on a cleaner like that is a serious offense, he could report us all if there’s a bruise.”

I wince at the fact that Brock is more concerned about how he would be affected if I got injured. He steps between me and Mr. Minsley, folding his arms across his chest while waiting for an explanation for the Alpha’s behavior.

“The head executive of our department decided to come down here yesterday to see the three-three-four. I told him it wasn’t ready yet, but he was quite persistent,” he explains through gritted teeth.

I had no idea anyone from corporate would ever venture down here. My heart sinks to my stomach at the mention. I’ve never met anyone higher up than Mr. Minsley and I’m content for it to stay that way. Those Alphas are probably twice as cut-throat.

“Shit,” Brock exclaims, taking in the severity of the predicament. “What did he say? Are we all fired or something?”

“That’s where this whole thing doesn’t make sense! He said it was a breakthrough discovery. He was amazed! I was shocked to say the least, but then I looked through the scope.”

“And?”