Sunlight filtered in through the windows, as another all nighter had come to pass, her genetic therapy research had kept her busy. Elara pushed the glasses on top of her head, moving her tawny brown hair out of her face, as she looked around the lab. She noticed that she was the only one who stayed all night. A deep ache lingered within her body from sitting all night, and the lack of sleep began to hit her full force once she stood up from the chair she had been sitting on. Then discovered her entire body felt like she had been run over by a dump truck, because she had been in some pain.
Another rough day was planned, but she could sleep when her dissertation was completed. How she planned to patch up her discomfort would begin with a few cups of coffee, and changing out of her wrinkled clothes before other students began to arrive. First, she grabbed her laptop that contained all of her research. Saving all of her notes from last night's session, closing it up, then putting it away inside her briefcase.
She then tidied up her station, placed all of the lab equipment in their proper place, then quickly grabbed her belongings. As she remembered to grab ahold of her identification tag, finding it clipped to her lab coat, she took one more look around the lab. Needing to make sure everything was as it should be. Her key card was used to exit the lab by swiping it across the lock panel.
The chilly morning air awakened her senses as she stepped out of the building. A slight shiver traveled down her spine on instinct. She clutched her coat, trying to protect herself from the chilling breeze, as she jogged to her vehicle. As she moved rather quickly to find some semblance of warmth. The keys in her pocket were instantly grabbed to unlock her silver sedan. Once she was fully seated inside, the heater was put on full blast, as she attempted to thaw herself. Elara wanted comfort before pulling out of the parking lot to head to her apartment.
Leaving the lab early helped her beat the morning traffic. Which made the drive home easier for her. After a few short minutes of driving in silence, she pulled up to her apartment building. It wasn’t fancy by any means, but she spent most of her time at the lab to really care. As she climbed the apartment staircase, walking towards her front door, as she resided on the second story. She unlocked the front door to her humble abode. Once she crossed the threshold, a huge sigh of relief had been released.
Home sweet home.
The weight of the world melted away. As her tan leather couch, placed against the cream colored living room walls, had come into view. She didn’t have much time to enjoy being home. Making it a quick trip, so that she would be able to make it to class in time. With the intention to freshen up for the new day, she moseyed on to her small bathroom, as it was attached to her bedroom. Turning the shower on, waiting for it to heat up, then she walked back out to her bedroom. As she needed to grab a new set of clothes. After she picked out an outfit, she instantly noticed the steam had begun to fill the bathroom. Quick to strip out of her clothes, she jumped underneath the stream of water, and enjoyed the warmth of the shower.
A few minutes later, she finished rinsing the conditioner out of her hair, as it was her last ritual before turning the shower off. She stepped out into the steam filled room, wrapped the white fluffy towel around her, and she began drying off. Next, she moved over to the sink to brush her teeth, then her daily skin care regiment. Taking a look in the mirror, she noticed her dark circles were more prominent, as the lack of sleep had become rather visible. The bags underneath her eyes had never bothered her before, but as she approached her 30th birthday, she began to notice her appearance more. Deciding to cover up her imperfections, she applied a small amount of makeup, as she made a mental note to catch up on some sleep this weekend — to take better care of herself.
She finished up her self care a moment later, and hurried to throw her clothes on. A pair of black slacks matched with a charcoal grey blouse she had chosen. With her hair still being damp, she was able to easily tame her curls by throwing it into a low bun. Elara took a quick glance in the mirror, and discovered that she was ready to begin the day. Quickly, she scrambled to the small kitchenette to brew a single cup of coffee. As she poured the hot liquid into a thermos, she mixed in some creamer with sugar. Grabbing her cup to go, she ran out the door, as she was headed back to the lab.
Feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the day, she drove back towards the place where her life’s work is located. She was barely listening to the radio this time around, as she was focused on weaving through the small amount of traffic, but she had heard the news station’s alert signal.. Something about the government was needing female volunteers. Not really paying much attention, she didn’t catch the majority of the words as they were being spoken over the radio, but she was able to catch a small portion of the alert. She had wondered what they needed females for.
After she successfully pushed the thought out of her mind, the large white and grey brick building her lab is located inside, came into view a moment later. She pulled into her usual parking spot, front and center, a few seconds later. Before exiting her vehicle, Elara took a few sips of her sugary caffeinated beverage. To mentally prepare herself for the day ahead, she had let out a huge sigh, as mental exhaustion took a toll more than anything. As she had always kept telling herself it would be worth it in the end.
Her groundbreaking research was well on the path to changing medicine in the future. Her innovative approach to treating diseases by using genetic material to correct the underlying issue would help many with their health. At least that was the plan. She thought about how her work could potentially save lives one day. Naturally, this thought placed a genuine smile upon her face. After a few minutes of sitting in peaceful silence, Elara exited her vehicle, beginning the trek up to the second level in the science building.
The stairs had become exceptionally easier since the first time she ever walked to the lab. It only took a few moments before she reached her destination, and she wasn't even out of breath. Elara considered that a huge improvement, because she wasn’t keen on any kind of physical activity. She crossed the threshold to the lab, and noticed right away that she was the last one to arrive.
She quickly scrambled to the open seat located in the back. Thankfully, she made it before the professor. Which meant she was on time, and she let out a huge sigh, as she felt relief from the thought of not being late. She attempted to quietly get settled at her station, so she could begin her work for the day. She pulled out her laptop, notepad, and a pencil to write notes down. The professor waltzed into the class a few moments later. Professor Grissom stood at the front of the class, lecturing everyone on the importance of presenting their work, as he wanted to see what everyone had accumulated during their dissertation by the end of the semester.
Elara listened to the shaggy silver haired male that stood at the front of the class instructing his students. He continued to ramble for a few more minutes before closing out his discussion, and he walked in between each workstation to check everyone’s progress. He eventually ended up standing in front of her desk. His hands were placed inside the pockets of his lab coat. He stared at her with intense curiosity, he curtly asked, “How are things looking Miss. Quinn?”
“If I can dissect this specific mutation that causes the disease then replace it with a new sequence of DNA then there should be a regeneration of healthy cells which will ultimately reverse the disease process,” Elara carefully explained.
“What disease are you working with?”
“Cystic Fibrosis.”
“Have you made any progress?” He curiously asked.
“I can’t say for sure, but things are looking positive so far,” tilting her head to the side, eyebrows scrunched together, her voice sounded apprehensive.
“I have high hopes for you,” he unapologetically praised. “I know you will figure it out and one day your work will save lives,” he gently smiled, reassuring his hard working student.
Elara looked at her professor, intending to show gratitude, and she began to speak up. Before she could get a word in, the door to the laboratory flew open. A few individuals had been wearing what looked to be military uniforms, and they all walked inside together. Their presence dominated the room instantaneously. After all of them made their way inside, a singular individual steps forward. An older silver-short haired man walks to the front of the class. His demeanor screamed that he was someone in charge. Probably due to his nose pointed in the air with a sense of superiority.
Everyone in the class had their eyes glued to the unknown individual that stood in front of the others. Elara couldn’t seem to look away from him. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the professor had a look of disdain plastered on his face. Like he wasn’t expecting them, and he hadn’t been happy to see them standing in his class. Professor Grissom straightened his posture, cleared his throat, as he attempted to gain the attention of the group. “I don’t appreciate you interrupting my class, and I hope this can wait til after,” his condescending tone directed at the front man.
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The short silver-haired leader of the group waltzed in front of the professor, and he dryly remarks, “This is a matter of national security, so no it cannot wait.”
“What is so important that you feel the need to interrupt?”
He looked over at Elara with a smug expression, and confidently quipped “Now, that is something that Miss. Elara Quinn can discuss with us in private.”
Eyes instantly widened from the sudden shock, she curiously asked, “What? Am I in trouble?”
He curtly instructed, “If you could come with us, Miss. Quinn. You will be informed of everything you need to know.”
Elara looked around the room, meeting everyone’s questioning gaze, and softly asked, “Go where?”
The intimidating male stood in front of her station, close to her professor, then instantly replied in an unbothered tone, “We are in a hurry, so please grab your belongings then come with us.”
She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat, and she nodded her head in agreement. Slightly fearing what reaction she would earn if she told them no. Why would the government want her to go with them? She hasn’t done anything illegal. Atleast, she doesn’t think she has. Quickly, she put away everything then cleaned her station. Once she had finished packing up, Elara looked up at the group of people that seemed to be waiting for her.
As she made haste following his direction, she noticed that her class members silently watched her follow the male as he turned to leave. Elara felt the blood rush to her ears, as they turned red, from being slightly embarrassed. She wasn’t particularly satisfied with being called out in such a fashion, in front of her classmates. She kept her head down as they ambled towards the entrance. As they exited the building, she noticed the few black government sport utility vehicles that were parked in the front of the building.
Blending in must not have been an option for her. Elara looked down at her outfit, silently judging herself, as she felt slightly out of place amongst the group. She stood out amongst them. Looking as if she were someone important. Atleast, she had decided to go home and freshen up before class.
Once everyone was seated and buckled, the journey to an undisclosed location had begun.
Elara sat in the back of the unmarked black SUV, her fingers gripping the seatbelt a little too tightly as the vehicle sped down an empty stretch of highway. She had stopped asking questions an hour ago when it became clear the two agents in the front weren’t going to answer them.
Outside, the landscape had shifted from familiar urban sprawl to barren desert. No signs, no landmarks, nothing to indicate where they were going. Just endless miles of sand and rock beneath a darkening sky.
She exhaled sharply. “You do realize how suspicious this looks, right?”
The driver didn’t respond. Neither did the agent in the passenger seat. They just kept driving, their posture rigid, their gazes fixed ahead.
Elara rolled her eyes, muttering, “Great conversation skills.”
Minutes passed. Then, finally, a structure appeared in the distance—a low, nondescript building nestled into the rocky terrain. It had the kind of architecture that screamed government facility—cold, industrial, and meant to blend in.
As they approached, the road sloped downward, leading to an underground entrance that looked more like the mouth of a bunker than anything else. The SUV rolled to a stop at a heavily secured checkpoint, where armed guards in black tactical gear stepped forward. A retinal scanner flashed, verifying identities. Then, with a mechanical hiss, a set of reinforced doors slid open.
The SUV pulled inside.
Elara’s stomach tightened as she took in her surroundings. Bright overhead lights illuminated a vast underground hangar, filled with military vehicles, computer stations, and personnel moving with precise efficiency. This was not just a lab. This was something bigger.
One of the agents finally turned to her. “End of the line, Dr. Quinn.”
Elara inhaled, steadying herself. She had known, the moment she said yes, that there was no turning back. Still, as she stepped out of the SUV and into the heart of the unknown, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was about to change forever.
After being escorted into a small conference room, Dr. Elara Quinn sat rigidly in the metal chair. Her fingers curled around the armrests as she stared across the table at the two government officials. The air in the dimly lit room felt heavy, almost suffocating, as if the walls themselves were closing in.
She glanced at the military officer standing by the door. He hadn’t said a word since she’d been escorted in. His presence alone told her this wasn’t just some top-secret research grant.
Elara’s stomach tightened. What the hell had she just walked into?
The man across from her—graying hair, sharp eyes, and a demeanor that screamed authority—folded his hands on the table. “Dr. Quinn, do you believe in extraterrestrial life?”
Elara blinked. That was not the question she had been expecting. She let out a short, humorless laugh. “That’s an interesting way to start a conversation.”
The woman beside him, with her tight bun and even tighter expression, didn’t react. “Please answer the question.”
Elara’s eyes flickered between them, her scientist’s brain already analyzing the situation. Their expressions were too calm. Too measured.
Her pulse quickened.
“…Scientifically speaking,” she said carefully, “the probability of intelligent extraterrestrial life is high. But if you’re asking whether I’ve personally seen any? No.”
The man nodded, as if expecting her answer. “You’re about to.”
Elara stared at him. “Excuse me?”
The woman tapped a tablet in front of her. The screen flickered to life, revealing an image that made Elara’s breath catch.
A humanoid figure stood against a backdrop of sleek, alien architecture. Its tall, elegant form was unlike anything she had ever seen—its skin metallic silver, almost liquid in appearance, with intricate darkened bioluminescent markings that pulsed faintly along its arms and chest. Its features were angular but refined, and its eyes—god, those eyes—were soot-black, strikingly intelligent.
Elara’s fingers tightened against the armrest.
“This is real?” she asked, her voice quieter than she intended.
The woman nodded. “Yes.”
Elara swallowed hard. Aliens.
This wasn’t a theory. This wasn’t speculation. This was fact.
And the government had been sitting on it.
Her mind whirled. If they were telling her this, it meant one of two things—either she was too valuable to be left out, or they had already decided she wouldn’t be leaving without being involved.
Her voice came out steadier than she felt. “Why am I here?”
The man leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable. “Because the Lumenari are dying. And we need you to help stop it.”
Elara frowned. “Dying how?”
The woman swiped to another image. This one was far more clinical—genetic data, strands of DNA highlighted in sections, abnormal mutations flagged in red.
“The Lumenari have been battling a genetic virus for generations. It’s corrupting their DNA, altering key biological functions, and significantly reducing their birth rate. If this continues, their species will not survive the next few centuries.”
Elara studied the genetic sequence. Even at a glance, she could see the degradation patterns, the instability in key markers. The problem was massive.
She exhaled sharply, shaking her head.
“This isn’t a quick fix. If their entire population is affected at a genetic level, it could take decades to undo the damage—if it’s even possible.”
The man nodded. “Which is why the Lumenari have requested human assistance. Specifically, your assistance.”
Elara’s brow furrowed. “Why me?”
“Your work in genetic adaptation is among the most advanced in the field,” the woman replied smoothly. “Your research on hereditary resistance markers and viral genome sequencing is groundbreaking. The Lumenari believe your approach to human genetic science could help where their methods have failed.”
Elara inhaled slowly, trying to process. This is insane.
She rubbed her temple, groaning as she asked, “Okay, let’s assume I agree to this. What’s the plan? I fly out to some lab and study samples?”
The woman’s lips pressed into a thin line, she murmured, “Not exactly.”
The man swiped to the next image.
Elara’s heart skipped a beat.
It was a ship. A massive, sleek spacecraft hovering just beyond Earth’s orbit. It wasn’t human—she could tell that immediately. The design was too organic, as if the structure had been shaped rather than built. Bioluminescent energy pulsed faintly along its surface, casting a soft glow in the darkness of space.
“This,” the man said, “is the Vey’Lun, the Lumenari’s primary diplomatic and scientific vessel. You will be transported aboard and remain there for the duration of your assignment.”
Elara’s fingers curled into fists. She blatantly asked, “And how long is that?”
“As long as it takes,” the woman said simply.
Elara let out a slow breath. Reiterating what she had just been told, “So, you want me to leave Earth, go aboard an alien ship, and fix an entire species’ genetics from the inside?” She let out a dry laugh. “No pressure.”
The man didn’t smile. “You would be making history, Dr. Quinn. Your work could save an entire species.”
She hesitated. Her scientist brain was screaming to say yes. This was an opportunity beyond anything she had ever imagined. It wasn’t just research—it was discovery. A chance to explore genetic frontiers no human had ever seen.
But another part of her, the deeply rational, self-preserving part, whispered: You don’t know what you’re walking into.
Elara met their eyes. “And if I say no?”
The room fell into silence.
The man’s expression didn’t change, but the atmosphere in the room shifted. The military officer near the door stiffened slightly, though he remained silent.
The woman’s voice was calm, she casually remarked, “Then we find someone else.”
Elara’s gut twisted. Bullshit. They hadn’t just pulled her here for an offer. They needed her. The Lumenari had specifically asked for her.
She glanced at the image of the Vey’Lun again.
If she said no, would they really let her walk away?
Elara took a deep breath, forcing her mind to steady. “I need time to think.”
The man nodded. “You have twenty-four hours.”
She had a feeling it wouldn’t matter. The decision had already been made.
One way or another, Elara Quinn was leaving Earth.