THE MOMENT
Dr. Powell's confusion was evident in his furrowed brow as he looked from the black and white splotched bovine to the woman who'd brought him there. She was an attractive blonde with bright blue eyes and a star-patterned dress, who promised him an amazing opportunity. He started with a skeptical mindset that got worn down as she they traveled. The appointment was set, and they met 15 minutes ago. The blonde took him to a sprawling university campus that he was unfamiliar with, and took him into a lab that seemed to get more futuristic as they walked through, to finally stop at the cow. She simply nodded with encouragement. This was what he was here for. It was an odd place for an interview, but she confirmed it'd started already.
"Well...," Dr. Powell nodded after gathering his thoughts. "...My 10th birthday party was the first time it happened. I dissolved the second-story floor, everything and everyone dropped down with a hard landing. I ended up with my arms and a leg behind my back, then spent six weeks in the hospital. All I could do was feel guilty and watch the doctors be amazing. Superpowers are common enough, but not one of them treated me like I was dangerous. They said they've seen all kinds of awakenings, and mine was one of the tamer ones. No one even accused me of doing it intentionally."
"I see," Starla replied. "That answers where you got inspired to join the medical field. What about this unique opportunity? What brings you here?"
"Technology, mostly," Dr. Powell replied. "I'm doing what I can to help, with what I have. But, then I was approached," he smiled at the blonde again. Everyone knew the specifics, but this was a formal interview, and he had to answer the questions. "Nano-tech, and alternate realitities were proven to exist, and I had to know more. The more I know, the more people I can help."
"You know there are other ways to help, even within Chroma Corp.," Starla replied. "We have quite a large Super division, with numerous teams across thousands of Earths."
"I was given a full briefing on the company," Dr. Powell nodded. "I'm aware of my other options. And, I was also told that changing my mind was allowed, should I find something I prefer doing instead."
"Then, you're sure you wouldn't rather work at one of our hospitals?" Starla asked. "Why my lab?" Dr. Powell looked around at the spacious room. It was at least the size of a barn, if not larger, with computers lining one wall, and several other tables decorated with tubes, Bunsen burners, and vials. In one corner was a doorway leading to the 'Animal Enclosures', according to the arrow.
"It's quiet...," Dr. Powell nodded. "I want to help people... I don't want to deal with people," he sighed. "There were too many kids at my party... I was trying really hard to find some excuse for it to be over. Then, I accidentally did it on purpose. It really was the first time," he chuckled. "I chose biomed research to avoid the patients."
"You don't like people?" Starla asked with a small laugh.
"Not really," Dr. Powell shook his head.
"You've practiced more with your abilities after that moment, I'm assuming. You can control it?" she continued the questions.
"I have," he nodded, and Starla laughed again.
"So you have the power to destroy anything," she stated.
"Yep," Dr. Powell grinned too. Starla's voice sounded positive and almost enthusiastic. And the blonde was all smiles.
"And you became a doctor?" she asked.
"Yes," Dr. Powell nodded.
"And, you're being interviewed by a cow," Starla said. She made her decision as soon as he took the interview seriously. She'd learned that not many people could handle the idea of working for a talking cow, and began relying on outside help for hiring.
"You're looking to hire a human," Dr. Powell shrugged. "Who am I to judge?"
"That's a useful attitude here, I'm willing to bring you aboard for a probationary period," Starla nodded, then she looked at the blonde. She'd been a complete professional, staying quiet the whole time.
"Great job, Andie. If you and Ozone can find me a few more like him, Chroma Corp. will be happy to cover the same fee."
"That's a deal, Ms. Starla," Andie smiled, then waved at Dr. Powell. "Congratulations Mr. Doctor Powell, good luck."