Disclaimer:
I am in the process of editing. I am currently rewriting this book with the new version updated chapter by chapter. The old version is posted at the end of what is currently edited and will remain for those who still wish to read the old version.
Pomp and Circumstance plays monotonously in the background as numerous university students exit the stage. Lights from the flashes of various cameras sting the eyes of most students, Veronica Odair being one. She keeps her eyes aimed on the floor as she slowly descends the stairs, her footsteps steady despite the heels that adorn her feet.
Veronica can hardly believe she has finally completed her degree. Four years of early mornings, long lectures, and occasional all-nighters have led to the completion of the most important thing in her life: a bachelors degree in Forensic Science. Veronica does not have quite the same memories as most graduates. Their college lives consisted of loud parties with copious amounts of alcohol followed by hazy mornings and missed lectures.
She was different, however. Not in an interesting, noticeable way, but in a more monotonous and boring sense. Veronica never missed a single class, always turned in homework early, was never seen at parties, and was well liked by almost every single one of her professors. Her college life was simple and far from exiting or adventurous, but it was exactly the way she wanted it.
She finally makes it out of the large auditorium and into the packed green outside. She says her many goodbyes to the few students she actually spoke to before turning her attention elsewhere. Veronica weaves her way to the outer edge of the crowded area to wait on her family who no doubt are anxious to see her after the momentous ceremony.
She observes as overly excited students congratulate each other with tight hugs and many tears. In the very center of the crowd, a blond haired boy gets down on one knee in front of a slightly overweight brunette girl whose cheeks are already shiny with tears. The girl excitedly nods her head before he stands up and kisses her sweetly. Veronica supposes it could be considered romantic since they have both made a huge step in their lives, but at the same time, she feels like this is a moment that should be done in a more private atmosphere. To each their own.
The professors stand awkwardly to the side, much like herself. A few of them nod their heads at her and even make their way over for a short, departing chat.
Just then she sees her mother pushing her way through the throng of people. She holds her arms open and crushes Veronica in the tightest hug she can manage. Veronica pats her back gently as she sees her dad and sister, Morgan, arriving by her side.
She peels herself out of her mother's nearly asphyxiating embrace, gazing down at her puffy eyes and reddened cheeks.
"My baby girl. All grown up!" She manages to get out before breaking down into sobs once more.
Her mother seems to be taking the graduation particularly hard, considering it is one of the last. Veronica's younger sister is only a year behind her in school and will be graduating next spring. She and Morgan attended the same college and have shared an apartment throughout their time at university.
At first, Veronica had balked at the idea; the two tended to have fights when she lived at home, but the first year apart from each other helped the sisters to mature enough to tolerate sharing a home once more. They had a rule of no friends at the apartment which allowed a more private and less intrusive atmosphere for the two. Like Veronica, she never had many friends either, so that was never a problem. She went to school during the day and worked at night, Veronica worked during the day and went to school at night--a process that kept them out of each other's hair.
"Well, how does it feel to be graduated?" Her dad asks, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he stands awkwardly beside his crying wife.
"It feels good," Veronica smiles. She chuckles a little sourly. "I can finally get to work and make some money."
"Yes, and you can buy us real food," Morgan butts in with more enthusiasm.
"You just better hope I can find a job in the area so we can still live together," I say.
She slings an arm across Veronica's shoulders. "Nah, you could never be parted from me," she says cheekily. The older sister pushes her arm away in an annoyed fashion.
Just then, Veronica's most adored professor emerges from the crowd to welcome his favorite pupil. The aged man smiles kindly at her whilst wiping the smallest bit of sweat from his brow.
"Ms. Odair! I am glad I caught you before you left," he pants, pulling at the collar of his white button-down as he arrives by her side.
"Dr. Anderson, was there something you needed?" She asks concernedly, glancing warily over his out of breath state.
"Yes, uh, if I could speak with you in private for moment, that would be nice," he says, finally catching his breath.
"I will be back in a minute," she says to her family, who nod their acknowledgment.
Veronica follows Dr. Anderson's lanky frame to a somewhat quiet area away from the bustle of others and possible prying eyes. He sits down on a bench and gestures her to take a seat as well. She does so, and waits patiently for him to begin speaking.
"As you probably know, you are one of my highest scoring students," he says. It was no surprise that Veronica was top of her class, she put in more than enough hours to deserve the title. "Your work ethic and responsiveness to lectures proves to me that you are professional and take things seriously."
"Erm, thank you, Dr. Anderson. Your lectures were always rather interesting anyways, it was hard not to listen," she lies. His lectures were no more interesting than any of the others, but he needn't know that. She wonders where he might be going with this. She does not mind the praise, but he seems to have some other purpose in mind than simple accolades.
"Yes, yes, thank you. Now, as you well know, I work for B.E.A.R. Laboratories," he pauses, as though his next words would be momentous in some terrible way. He looks around at the passing people before turning his attention back to her. His next words are spoken slow and with the smallest hints of clandestine secrecy. "My team and I have just started a project that could use a forensic technician..." another pause. "...And I think you are the perfect person for the job."
Veronica's response is almost immediate as she nearly bursts with laughter at his offer. "But sir, wouldn't you want someone with more training and more experience than me? I am just out of college I--"
"Like I said earlier, your work ethic and professionalism have made an impression on me. I think some young blood would help as well," he says in all seriousness.
As his words and seriousness begin to sink in, Veronica's mouth steadily begins to gape. She working for B.E.A.R. Labs? It's all she can do to hold in her excitement. B.E.A.R. Laboratories is a mystery even to the people who work there. With classified experiments, top secret projects, and numerous cases of mysterious sightings surrounding the facility, it has more than earned its place as one of the most talked about government bases in the country.
"Well, what do you say?" Dr. Anderson asks in anticipation.
"I..." She realizes she may not ever receive another offer like this one again, but at the same time she can't help but feel the smallest bit or foreboding swirling in her belly. "...I honestly don't know what to say," she finally replies. "This is so unexpected I hardly know how to react."
Dr. Anderson smiles. "I can understand the feeling, Veronica, but I can assure you this is an offer you shouldn't turn down."
She swallows thickly. Something about his words unnerve her the smallest bit, and she has a hard time hiding her discomfort. "What will my duties entail?" She questions.
"I cannot reveal the exact nature of the project--" so it's a secret, then. "But we will need someone to do the data analysis of the experiments we perform."
She nods slowly. "And the pay?"
"Sufficient."
Veronica ponders the idea with much consideration. Having a job so soon after graduating is a one in a million chance, yet she can't ignore the gnawing apprehension eating away at her core. Something about the offer doesn't feel right; it is way too good to be true, but at the same time very real. The words are on the tip of her tongue, ready to be spoken. But her mouth refuses to open. It is too soon, the offer too shady and the job too unknown.
She opens her mouth to speak, I am sorry, but I must decline. Only, those aren't the words spoken.
"Very well. I accept," she says at last.