Chapter 30: The research department
Kellen followed Casper and Gunther to the research department with a clear mind. He had pushed all the worries about the Saturn Guild having plans for him since he left the front lines to the back of his mind, and was planning to forget about it. It was in the past, like Kellen's time on the front lines.
Casper didn't hesitate at the door to the research department, knocking before he entered. This was the floor he had been nervous about Kellen asking questions, before he had a better understanding of Kellen's character. From the last time Kellen had been in here the tone had changed drastically. Before, the civilians and the Espers had been reserved, quiet and busy with their work. Now, when they saw the two Guides with their Esper shadow, they offered awkward smiles. Some even offered Kellen a handshake while one of them called towards an office that had been dark before, but now was lit up from the bright lights inside.
"Boss, the new Field Guide is here!" Lots of shuffling and loud noises could be heard from the inside the office before the door opened. The shadow filling the doorway was quite intimidating until they stepped into the light. She had to be around 6'5 with huge shoulders, huge thighs and long, vibrant red hair. She had deep blue eyes and a splattering of freckles across her cheeks. In any other context, Kellen would have assumed she was some kind of professional athlete. But she wore a cross between civilian clothing and Esper clothing, all of which was covered with a white lab coat.
"Ah, the Captain's little Guide. Kellen Woods, correct?" She offered her hand and Kellen took it, giving it a firm shake. Her eyes watched him intently, probing the Guide for his true intentions. He smiled. He liked researchers for this exact reason.
"You're Dr. Maeve Lyons, correct? I've read several of your papers on flora and fauna that grow around stabilized gates. Very interesting stuff." He told her with a smile and she blinked, her face a picture of shock.
"You...know my work?" She seemed surprised and Kellen nodded.
"Of course! Anyone worth their salt keeps up to date on all the new theories, especially if it can save lives. I've even put some of your theories into practice. In fact, your theory on the strangler vine and how its excreted fluid could be used in healing capacities has helped me when I was stranded on a scout mission and trying to extract venom from a wound." I told her, enthusiastic, until she didn't say anything for a moment. Kellen felt dread fill his guts. Had he overstepped? Was that the wrong thing to say? She blinked again, before a smile broke across her face.
"How much did you need to use before you countered the venom?" She asked and relief flooded Kellen's body. He took a moment to think back to the moment.
"I think it was about a tablespoon, but I can't remember clearly. The venom impaired me, of course, but it did prove to be useful. I meant to send in my findings, but then I was accepted into Guiding Center B and it must have slipped my mind. I would love to look into whether it's just an antivenom of it it has other healing properties to it the way you suggested." Kellen froze, realising that he was speaking quite fast and the room had grown quiet. He glanced behind him to see Gunther's shoulders shaking as he turned his face away to cover his laughter, and Casper was also fighting a smile. Dr. Lyons was still staring at Kellen before she pulled him in for a hug.