The Alien’s Mate

CHAPTER 1

THE INTERVIEW

~

It was just an interview, Lila knew as much—but it was at Howland she wasn’t stupid. She knew she would probably never find the cure to anything, but if she worked at a company like Howland when the opportunity arose for her to apply at Howland they wanted everything—school records, several letters of recommendation, and a personal letter; they wanted information about her parents, her medical records, and even her measurements; they wanted pictures of her, a voice recording, and several hand-written, predetermined phrases.

In a way, it felt strange sending them all that, but it was Howland that they had high security was even less so. Lila had to go through two security checks before she was even allowed into their offices. There, she was placed outside of Mr. West’s office, a wait that made her both nervous and excited.

Stephen West was one of the most successful businessmen in the country—impress him, and every door would open for her. Disappoint him, and she would never work with pharmaceuticals, anywhere.

A dainty woman approached after about half an hour. “Mr. West will see you now, Miss Vernon.”

Lila smiled and stood. The woman led her into the man’s office, and behind a large, glass desk, sat Stephen West. Even though his hair was thinning out, it was neatly combed. His face was hollow but alive, and his eyes glittered like a child’s.

He rose and stood above six feet tall, not a wrinkle upon his expensive suit. “Miss Vernon, welcome.” He extended his hand, waiting for Lila to shake it. “Congratulations on being selected.”

“Thank you, Mr. West,” Lila breathed while accepting the man’s hand. “I was very surprised—and happy, of course!—to be elected.”

Mr. West’s lips curled into a smug smile, and he fixed his tie before sitting down again. “Yes, the competition was fierce. Margery, bring us some coffee.”

“At once, Mr. West.” The woman hurried away from the room.

The man’s sparkling eyes quickly scrutinized Lila, and she suddenly felt shy; was she wearing the wrong clothes? Was she too plain? Too skimpy? She didn’t know.

“Your resumé is very impressive, Miss Vernon,” said Mr. West and weaved his fingers together. “Top of the class, excellent recommendations, and I must say that your personal letter touched me. It had me convinced that you truly do want to change the world for the better.”

Lila straightened. “I do.”

“You have outstanding pedigree, your medical records show you’re fit as a fiddle, and you have a most sympathetic countenance.”

Lila felt her cheeks heat and she looked down. “Thank you, Mr. West.”

“The downside is that you have not finished your education yet,” sighed the man. “Typically, we wouldn’t hire anyone with less than a PhD. Of course, that is years away for you.”

“I… I do have the ambition to advance,” nodded Lila. “I wasn’t sure I should even try to get this position without my PhD—I really don’t want to offend you! I just… it just felt right to apply.” She looked at him. “It’s my dream to come here, to help you and Dr. Howland save the world.”

Mr. West looked at her, narrowed his eyes, and nodded. “What we do here is cutting edge, Miss Vernon. Some things… might be too difficult for some to stomach.”

Lila swallowed and shifted in her seat.

Mr. West’s piercing eyes caught it, and his mouth turned into a thin line. “Are you sure you’re willing to do what it takes to, as you put it, save the world? You’re not even twenty-five years old yet.”

Lila felt her heart drop, her legs almost numbed, but she nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Mr. West narrowed his eyes even more before he nodded again. “Good.” The door opened and the dainty woman returned with a tray of coffee, and Mr. West smiled. “Let’s chat over some coffee, and then, I’ll take you to see the facilities we have here.”

The conversation they had was ordinary; they spoke of many different things, things that didn’t seem to hold any relevance to the job she was applying for.

She tried to find out more about it. What would she do as a laboratory assistant?

But Mr. West didn’t want to talk about work—he wanted to get to know her a bit better, to pick her brain.

They spend another thirty minutes inside his office before he took her on a tour.

The Howland did she come off as begging? Did that put him off?

Finally, the man leaned back in his chair and sighed. “I like you, Miss Vernon. Your lack of education is indeed a problem, but it’s not a massive problem for the role you’re applying for. No, for all intents and purposes, you’re…” He smiled. “The perfect candidate.”

Lila swallowed hard. She didn’t even dare to dream.

“If you’re interested,” said Mr. West, “I’d like to offer you the position.”

The floor disappeared from beneath her. She was floating in mid-air, floating in the heavens. Did he just offer her a job? At Howland if that is something you can live with, then you might start to evaluate whether or not to accept. Your salary will be no problem; we pay our employees generously. It’s the ethical problem that might be a deal-breaker, I’m afraid. ”

Lila nodded. “I understand.”

“Now,” sighed Mr. West, “I meant it when I said that you’re the perfect candidate for this project. I would love for you to join us while we make history, but it’s up to you. Why don’t you go home and think about it, and give me a call on Friday with your decision.” As he rose, so did Lila.

“Thank you so much, Mr. West. I promise to consider everything we’ve talked about today.”

“Good.” Mr. West nodded and pressed a button on his phone. Shortly after, Margery opened and gestured for Lila to exit. “I look forward to your call.”

As Lila left the office, her heart was pounding. This was everything she’d dreamed of. Everything.