Page 23 of I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com (Cosmic Chaos #1)
INTERN
The neon lights flickered on to illuminate my path as I approached the sleek, modern office of the newly hired director of the Biodiversity Conservation Initiative. My hearts raced with anticipation. Dr. Camu Nalari was the most renowned conservation biologist this side of the galaxy, and I would be the first one to meet her!
Gently knocking at the door, I smoothed down my crest and tried to shake off the nervous jitters. “Enter,” called an airy voice from within.
I entered to find Dr. Camu poring over a holographic display, her bright yellow eyes focused unblinkingly on a recording of Subject 4 facing off against that pesky pink T. rex. “Dr. Camu,” I said, hoping the pathetic pounding of my hearts didn’t sabotage my attempts to play it cool before I had even had the chance to begin. “I’m here with the completed field report on Subject 4’s progress, as you requested.”
Dr. Camu didn’t look up from the recording but gestured for me to approach. “Excellent, Intern. Based on the video footage I’ve already seen, I’m excited to dive into your findings.” She extended her K feather and patiently waited for me to present mine as well. I returned the gesture and she immediately began downloading my findings.
As the information uploaded into her core, Dr. Camu’s beak fell open as she drew in a breath, and when the transfer was complete she smiled brightly, dark crimson feathers moving up in delight. “Oh, this is most excellent, Intern,” she cheered. “Your ability to adjust to Subject 4’s needs is commendable. I doubt most others with your experience would have been able to adapt so quickly.”
I felt a surge of pride well within me at her praise, and it took all the restraint I had not to puff up my feathers and shrill. “You honor me, Dr. Camu,” I said.
Dr. Camu returned her attention to her hologram and passed a wing over it. The hologram changed from the recording of Subject 4 with the T. rex to the live satellite we had watching her movements. She, her lion, and her two mates were well on their way to the female enclosure. The four of them were laughing together. Sol took something out of his pack and threw it at Lok, who only threw back his head and laughed even louder.
Their interactions seemed to please Dr. Camu. “Not only that; our first trio looks to be a resounding success,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “The morning report tells me that we’ll be able to introduce cacao plants to their habitat in as little as three weeks.”
“That is most gratifying to hear. Is it true they are already setting up a coffee station?”
“Yes, the ground team will finish digging the bed for the coffee river soon. We’ll need to account for a longer adjustment period, but the behavioral team thinks we can begin scanning the subjects for signs of pregnancy before the year is out.” She clapped her hands excitedly. “More importantly, that’s not what I called you in here for. I want to make sure we’re taking every possible step to ensure the successful coupling of the rest of our test subjects, and so if you are willing, I would like to offer you a promotion.”
There was no helping the poof once it started. I could feel my feathers practically vibrating with excitement. Dr. Camu covered her beak to stifle her laugh and gave me a moment to settle myself. “I won’t let you down, Dr. Camu,” I vowed.
Dr. Camu nodded, a pleased smile curving her beak. “See that you don’t, Agent. Your new position as a field agent is effective immediately. Report to the mechanic bay to pick up your new hover scooter.” She held up her K feather once more and transferred the file with all of the information I would need for my new position. At the top of the dossier was my new title accompanied by a code name.
Field Agent 527, Code Name: Cupid