4. Evelyn
Evelyn
The Department of Interstellar Affairs is located in a tall, obsidian tower that dominates the city’s skyline, smack dab in the middle of the bustling center.
It’s a place I try to avoid. This building has become the target of choice for many different protests groups since the discovery of Xavros shocked the world.
Everyone’s angry about it, but all for a different reason. Some want to colonize it, others want to preserve it. Most are just jealous they can’t afford to travel there.
I feel slightly guilty as I worm my way through a rowdy group protesters outside the entrance.
An armed guard stops me, his jaw tense.
“Name?” he barks.
“Evelyn Carter,” I say, having to shout to make myself heard over the noise. “I have a job interview.”
I did my research, and the job listing is legit. Interstellar Affairs is looking for geneticists to study the wildlife on Xavros, and I have the necessary credentials.
Not only is the pay extraordinary, but I’ll also get the chance to do some actual, ground-breaking, important research.
It’s my dream job.
I made the call, and scheduled an appointment for the very next day.
“You’re on the list,” the guard shouts. “Go in, hurry.”
As I walk in, I hear a lot of yelling, shouting, and abuse being thrown my way. When the glass doors close behind me the noise cuts off completely.
A sharp-dressed woman approaches me, her high heels clicking on the marble floor. Her dark hair is pulled back into a tight bun, and her outfit is absolutely flawless.
I feel instantly self-conscious about my outfit: A bulky coat covering my washed out jeans and my white t-shirt.
Why didn’t I think about dressing up?!
People in academia don’t care too much about appearances in my experience, but I feel very out of place here.
“Good morning,” she says. “How may I help you?”
“Hi! I’m Evelyn Carter, I have a job interview today.”
She glances down at her tablet. “Yes, that is correct. Please, follow me.”
Well, here goes nothing.
“And? And and and ?”
“For the tenth time, Madelyn — once I get the message, you’ll be first to know! Trust me! Now please stop following me around the apartment like a damn puppy!”
The job interview was…
Strange.
That’s the only way I can describe it. Strange.
I’m used to talking shop with professors. Old hippy-types, with colorful sweaters and sandals.
This job interview? I was seated in an all-white room across two nearly identical men in dark suits. They had a grand total of zero questions about my previous work as a geneticist.
Instead, they wanted to know all about my past relationships. Including my entire sexual history. Or lack thereof.
To make things even stranger, I had to undergo a full physical examination as well. And I mean full .
A bearded doctor looked at me from the inside .
Standard procedure for Off-World positions, they assured me. They want to be sure people are healthy before they slingshot them across the known universe.
I suppose that makes sense, but it all felt a bit invasive.
Still, if this is what it takes to land my dream job, their doctors can look inside my vagina every day for all I care!
I mean, I would strongly prefer they didn’t.
However, I just got another bill that I do not have the money to pay, and I am desperate . If that is what it takes, so be it.
It’s not like my coochie is seeing much action, anyways. Might as well show it off to some interested parties!
“Ugh, I just can’t believe you’re going to Xavros! That is so awesome!” Maddy says. She’s been jumping up and down our couch all day, barely able to contain her excitement. “I’m like, so jealous and so proud of you at the same time. It’s a lot to handle.”
“For the… how many times have we had this conversation now? I don’t know if I got in yet. If you hype yourself up so much, you’re only going to get disappointed later. It’s better to expect nothing and be pleasantly surprised.”
“Please,” Maddy scoffs. “You got in. Come on. Is there anything you can’t do, Eve? You’re a genius, and you’re hardworking, and you’re hot. You’re so in.”
“I don’t know,” I say as I check my phone for the hundredth time today. No new messages. “Maybe they weren’t intereste?—”
My phone buzzes.
My heart skips a beat.
And then another.
It can’t be.
It just…
“What?” Madelyn says. “Eve? Why are you so pale? What’s going on?!”
She snatches the phone from my hand.
Her eyes grow big instantly.
“YOU’RE GOING TO XAVROS!”