Her Internal Affairs

The afternoon bus hissed to a stop at the edge of Palo, its electric motors humming as the doors slid open. Mina’s small slip-on shoes made soft scuffing sounds against the wet cobblestone as she stepped out of the bus. The air smelled of damp pine and recent rain.

Unfamiliar, white-painted houses with red clay roofs dotted the streets. Their front yards had garden boxes and planters, most likely a combination of flowers and vegetables. Solar panels lined the roofs.

It was lovely, but Sam Thorn and the Palo Research Center were nowhere in sight. Mina’s Firefox, Tiny, fluttered anxiously around her head, his fur flashing with orange embers.

“I guess this is Palo.” She looked at the quaint town. It was smaller than she expected for a city known for having the most prestigious Beast research center in the region. It seemed to have a lot of houses, and it looked like it might have a business area or town square.

Mina’s voice was quiet, almost lost in the gentle patter of a light drizzle that had started again. The main cobblestone street ran straight through the center of Palo, lined with neat white picket fences. To her left, a signpost indicated a market square was a block away.

She wiped her brow as rainwater rolled into her eyes and then shivered. She was tired from the travel, more than her normal tired. With a sigh, she started walking down the street.

Mina walked carefully because the cobblestone was slick under her shoes. Her small frame felt even more slight against the backdrop of the sturdy, picturesque homes and the pressure of being in a totally new town alone. A few people passed by, some on foot, others riding strange, docile-looking Beasts. They gave her curious glances, their eyes lingering on her stark white hair before moving on.

She hung her head, feeling the pressure of being the new oddity. “Come on, Tiny,” she muttered.

Tiny chirped softly, a comforting sound, and settled onto her shoulder, his small warm body pressing against her neck. The fox’s fur flickered with gentle, heatless flames, a tiny beacon against the gray afternoon. Ahead, the road opened into a small square with a central fountain. A few market stalls were closing up for the day, their owners packing away vegetables and fish. On the far side, Mina could see a large, yellow brick building with expansive glass windows.

Before she could say anything, she heard someone scream “Look out!” It barely registered as she turned, catching the motion of a large green Beast charging.

A massive, emerald-green, giant frog-like creature, low to the ground with powerful, thundering legs, was barreling straight down the street toward the square, its head down and a panicked, guttural bellow echoing off the buildings. People scattered, diving out of the way.

Tiny let out a sharp, alarmed bark, his wings flaring. Mina managed to move, only to slip on the wet cobblestone as she stepped back. Her body crashed to the ground with a painful jarring impact.

The air left her lungs in a painful rush. Her vision swam, the charging green blur filling her sight. Tiny launched from her shoulder with a furious shriek. A sudden, intense flare of fire erupted from his small form, creating a bright, crackling barrier of heat between Mina and the charging Beast. The frog creature skidded to a halt, letting out a terrified croak.

She groaned, spots popping across her vision. Her heart was pounding too hard, too fast, to the point it hurt. Rain rolled into her eyes, blurring her vision further.

From behind the fiery shield created by Tiny, a man’s voice called out, firm but calm. “Easy now, Froture! Easy!” A tall, lean figure in a dark green raincoat stepped into view, moving carefully around the dissipating flames. He held up a hand toward the giant frog, which was now huffing and puffing, its sides heaving. The man glanced down at Mina, his expression shifting from focused concern to immediate alarm.

He knelt beside her. “Are you hurt? Can you breathe?” His voice was softer now, but urgent. He looked over at Tiny, who was hovering protectively, embers still dancing along their fur. “Your Firefox... that was quick thinking.” He turned his attention back to the Froture, which had calmed considerably but was still shifting its weight anxiously.

A boy, barely a teenager came running. “Froture! Come back! I’m sorry.”

She heard words, but didn’t fully put them together as she clutched her chest. Her breathing was shallow and rapid, each gasp feeling like a knife in her ribs.

“Your heart?” the man in the raincoat asked quickly.

She managed a nod.

“Would be too far,” he muttered. “Evans is…” He looked up at the approaching boy. “Danny, get Mayor Kern. Now! Tell her Sam needs help at the square!”

The boy nodded frantically and took off running.

Sam... That was a name she knew. The scientist she was going to intern with was named Sam.

“Alright, just try to slow your breathing,” said Sam. “Look at me.” He kept his voice low and steady. “In... and out. Slowly.” He glanced at Tiny, who had landed beside Mina’s head, nuzzling her cheek with a soft, worried whine. The Froture had settled down completely now, its large head drooping in what looked like shame.

She forced her breathing to slow a little, but her side stung and now her whole chest ached. She groaned, lowering her head lower towards the ground.

The sound of hurried footsteps approached. A woman with long brown hair tied back in a braid, wearing a pink blouse, knelt beside Sam. “Sam, what happened? Danny said there was an incident.” She looked down at Mina, her brown eyes softening. “Oh, dear.”

“Froture got spooked by a delivery truck backfiring,” Sam said quickly. “She slipped trying to get out of the way. I think it’s just a panic episode exacerbated by the fall, but I want to check for any other injuries. Can you help me get her back to the Center so Dr. Evans can take a look at her?”

Mayor Kern placed a gentle hand on Mina’s shoulder. “Let’s get you out of the rain and lying down properly. Can you sit up with help?”

“Slowly. We’ll support you.” Sam slid an arm carefully behind Mina’s back.

Together, he and the woman she assumed was Mayor Kern helped her into a sitting position. The world tilted for a moment, but the dizziness passed. Tiny fluttered anxiously nearby. She blinked, becoming a little more alert. This wasn’t her first episode like this. “I’m... okay, Tiny,” she said, her voice cracking.

“You’re not okay,” Sam said firmly, but his voice was kind. “Your heart is racing and you’ve had a nasty shock. Tiny did a fantastic job protecting you.” He looked at the Firefox with genuine admiration. “I’ve never seen one act so instinctively with a human partner. It’s remarkable.”

Mayor Kern nudged Sam with her elbow before turning her attention back to Mina. “You’re new in town? Do you have family here? Someone we can contact?”

She shook her head. “I’m Mina… Taylor… I had…”

“Mina?” said Sam, cutting her off.

“You know her?” asked Mayor Kern.

Sam gave a half shrug half nod. “She’s my new intern. I was supposed to meet her, but I was running late.”

Mayor Kern glared at him as she stood and brushed off her skirt. “Sam, let’s get her to the Research Center Clinic. Dr. Evans has the equipment there to monitor her properly.”

Sam nodded in agreement. Sam and Mayor Kern helped Mina to her feet. She was unsteady, her legs feeling like jelly, and she clutched at the strap of her bag slung cross body like it could help support her. She hung her head, her steps uneven because every few steps another throb would move through her chest.

The walk to the yellow brick building was short but felt endless. Tiny flew just ahead, leading the way as if he knew where they were going. The large glass doors of the Palo Research Center slid open automatically as they approached, revealing the high-ceilinged main room. The air inside was warm and smelled faintly of copper and coffee. Pale gray stone floors stretched out under industrial hanging lights.

The brightness of the lights made her flinch, but the warm dry air was a needed relief.

Sam guided her towards a green couch in the staff room off to the west side of the main hall. It was a cozy space with a kitchenette, a pinball machine, and another couch.

“Here, lie down,” he said, helping her settle onto the cushions. He grabbed a folded blanket from a shelf and draped it over her.

Mayor Kern bustled over to the kitchenette. “I’ll put some tea on. Something calming.” She filled a kettle and set it on a small induction burner.

Sam pulled up a stool and sat beside the couch, his earlier urgency settling into a focused, professional demeanor. He took out a scanner and held it out towards her. His expression was one of concern fading to frustration. He slapped it a couple of times before setting it down. “Well, your heart rate is coming down, slowly. That’s good.”

Tiny curled up on the couch beside Mina’s head, his warm body a comforting presence. his flames had subsided to a gentle, pulsing glow.

“Does this happen often?” Sam asked gently, his blue eyes studying her face. “The rapid heartbeat?”

She hesitated. She needed this internship and if he knew her condition he may no longer accept her. “No,” she lied.

Sam’s gaze held hers for a moment longer than was comfortable. He didn’t call her out on the lie, but the slight tightening around his eyes suggested he didn’t believe her. “Alright,” he said simply.

The whistle of the kettle sounded, and Mayor Kern brought over a steaming mug of herbal tea.

Tiny yet out a squeak and nuzzled at her head like it was upset with her answer.

Mayor Kern handed Mina the mug. “Here, dear. Chamomile and lavender. It should help.” Her smile was warm, but her eyes held the same knowing concern as Sam’s.

Sam stood up, his hands finding their way into the pockets of his raincoat, which he still hadn’t removed. He began to pace slowly in front of the couche, his mind clearly working. “Your Firefox... its reaction was incredibly precise. It didn’t just create a massive inferno; it created a controlled thermal barrier. That level of tactical intelligence in a wild-caught Beast is... well, it’s unprecedented.”

She tried sitting up more, despite Tiny’s squeak of protest. Her head instantly spun, but she tried to hide it. “Tiny is my best friend. And... well, Tiny isn’t caught.”

Sam stopped pacing abruptly, turning to face her fully. His eyebrows shot up. “Not caught? You mean it’s not registered to a Bestiary? It’s a wild Beast that’s just... chosen to stay with you?” His voice was a mix of astonishment and intense scientific fascination. “Since when?”

Mayor Kern, who had been quietly observing, gave a soft, knowing hum. “That explains a great deal. A bond like that... it’s rare. Almost mythical.”

“Since we were kids.” She reached out and scratched Tiny on the head. “I was very little when we met.”

Sam slowly sank back onto the stool, his earlier professional detachment gone, replaced by pure, unadulterated wonder. “A lifelong bond with a Firefox. Do you have any idea how significant that is? The data we could gather...” He trailed off, catching himself. “But that’s not important right now. Your health is the priority.” He rubbed his temples, the creases by his eyes deepening. “When you’re feeling better, I’d very much like to run some non-invasive scans on Tiny. With your permission, of course.”

“I don’t know. That’s up to Tiny.”

As if understanding, Tiny lifted his head from Mina’s hand and looked directly at Sam. He gave a soft, considering chirp, his fiery tail swishing slowly. He didn’t seem hostile, but there was a clear intelligence in his gaze, as if it was assessing him.

Sam held his breath for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Of course. The subject’s consent is paramount.” He sounded like he was reciting a rule he deeply believed in.

Tiny gave a more aggressive yip, jumping onto the back of the couch behind her head.

“He doesn’t like you calling him subject. His name is Tiny.”

A faint, genuine smile touched Sam’s lips for the first time since she’d met him. “My apologies, Tiny.” He addressed the Firefox directly, his tone respectful. “Force of habit. The scientific community tends to be... detached.” He looked back at Mina, his expression sobering. “You should rest here for a while. We can get you to the clinic to be looked at by our doctor when you have a bit more strength in you. But first, we need to talk about your internship.”

She flinched, already prepared to hear the worst. She needed this internship, but she made a fool of herself on the first day. There was no way a prestigious scientist would want her around.

Sam quickly shook his head, his hands coming up in a placating gesture. “No, no, it’s not that. Your application and credentials are impeccable. Top of your class. That’s why you were accepted.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “But what just happened... it demonstrates a significant risk. Not just to you, but to the research. If you have an undiagnosed cardiac condition, and you’re working in a high-stress environment with volatile nanite technology...”

She looked down at the tea in her hand and clutched the cup tighter for a moment. Maybe it would be better to get this out of the way now. That way I don’t get established just to lose this internship. But this is my last chance at a career and not just a job. She looked at Tiny for guidance. If this failed then they would be homeless indefinitely.

Tiny nuzzled her cheek again, a soft, reassuring purr rumbling in his small chest. He offered no answers, only solidarity.

She gave Tiny a final look, silently asking if he was sure.

Tiny gave a decisive nod of his head, a very human-like gesture, then settled his chin on her shoulder, his warm weight a steady anchor. He was telling her to trust.

She pressed her lips together briefly. “I have Griscelli syndrome,” she admitted. She looked back down at her tea.

Sam’s reaction was immediate. His eyes widened, and he leaned forward, his earlier professional demeanor replaced by something closer to awe. “Griscelli Syndrome? Type 1? With the neurological component?” He was clearly familiar with the condition.

Mayor Kern, who had been quietly listening, looked between them, her expression one of gentle concern but not medical understanding.

“Type two,” said Mina. “It’s... not bad.”

Sam ran a hand through his white hair, making it stand on end. “Type two. Pigment dilution, silver hair, susceptibility to infection, and...” He looked at her intently. “Cardiac involvement. Tachycardia, arrhythmias. It’s not ‘not bad,’ Mina. It’s a serious condition that requires management, especially in a high-stress environment.”

He stood up again, pacing a few steps before turning back.

“I...” She finally set the untouched tea on the coffee table near her. “Thank you,” she said, standing. She gave a respectful quick bow. She didn’t want to face the rejection directly she was sure was coming. “I don’t think I’m suited for this internship.” She nodded for Tiny to come with her.

“Wait.” Sam stepped forward, blocking her path to the door not aggressively, but purposefully. “I didn’t say you weren’t suited. I said it was a risk. One that needs to be managed.” He looked from her to Tiny, then back to her face, his expression earnest. “Your academic record is stellar. And your bond with Tiny... it’s not just a curiosity. It could be a key piece of data in understanding human-Beast symbiosis. That’s exactly the kind of research we’re doing here.”

A spark of hope rekindled in her eyes. “I can manage it,” she said quickly. “It won’t be a problem. Tiny and I will work hard at furthering the research here.”

Sam held up a hand. “I believe you will work hard. But ‘managing it’ isn’t something you should do alone. Not here.” He glanced at Mayor Kern, who gave a small, approving nod. “As part of your internship, I would require you to undergo a full medical evaluation at our on-site clinic. We’d establish baseline vitals, develop a stress-response protocol, and have emergency measures in place. For your safety, and for the integrity of the work.”

She hesitated for a moment. Something about a whole medical evaluation made her chest tight. She didn’t know what a stress response protocol would be. She also was afraid she’d fail the medical tests. “Oh,” she finally said, her arms going a little limper at her side as her gaze went towards the floor again. She was giving up too early, she knew it. But to deal with this brick wall her whole life, and then to hit it again here, was crushing.

Sam’s voice softened. “It wouldn’t be something you’d lose your internship over, Mina. It would be a tool to keep you safe. This isn’t about your capability; it’s about my responsibility as your supervisor.” He paused, then added, “And frankly, I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t insist on it.”

Mayor Kern spoke up gently from the kitchenette. “Sam’s right, dear. He has his own... health considerations from the early days of the Bestiary research. He knows what it’s like to push too hard.”

Her eyes flashed up to him. His hair that looked like it was grayed too early. The creases around his eyes that made him look too old. There was something in that, just the idea that someone could understand that she could have this syndrome and still work brought a level of hope she hadn’t felt before. “We’ll do it,” she said, automatically including Tiny out of habit.

A genuine, relieved smile broke across Sam’s face, softening the lines of stress. “Good. That’s very good.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “The clinic will be closed for the day now. We can schedule the evaluation for tomorrow morning. For tonight, do you have a room in town or are you staying with someone?”

“Uh...” She had planned on camping, because she didn’t know anyone and couldn’t afford a room. “I have arrangements. I can meet you back here in the morning.”

Sam and Mayor Kern exchanged a look. It was a look that said they both knew exactly what “arrangements” meant for a young intern arriving with no local connections and very little money. The mayor’s expression was one of deep sympathy.

Sam cleared his throat. “The Research Center has the small guest room I mentioned,” he said carefully. “It’s not much, but it’s clean and has its own bathroom. It’s meant for visiting scientists, but it’s empty right now. You’re welcome to stay there tonight. It would save you the walk back in the morning, especially after... today.”

Her head lifted quickly. A warm dry bed was something she wasn’t expecting for tonight. Tiny gave an overjoyed chirp at the prospect of a warm dry bed. “That would be greatly appreciated,” she said, trying to hide the desperate excitement in her voice.

“Consider it part of the internship package,” Sam said with a small, tired smile. “Let me show you to it. It’s just down this hall.” He gestured towards a door at the back of the staff room. “Mayor Kern, thank you for your help.”

The mayor nodded, gathering her things. “Of course, Sam. Mina, welcome to Palo. Get some rest. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” She gave a final warm smile and let herself out the main glass doors.

She and Tiny followed Sam. It was awkward, and absolutely not how she wanted to start this internship.

Sam led her through the door at the back of the staff room, down a short hallway with a few other doors labeled “Storage” and “Server Room.” Towards the end was a plain wooden door. He opened it to reveal a small, simple room. It contained a single bed with a blue quilt, a wooden desk and chair, a narrow wardrobe, and a door leading to a private bathroom. A small window looked out onto a fenced field where beasts roamed.

“This is very nice,” she said.

“It’s functional,” Sam said with a shrug, but he seemed pleased she liked it. “The bathroom is through there. Towels are in the cupboard.” He hesitated in the doorway. “Is there anything else you need? Something to eat? I’m afraid I’m not much of a host. I usually forget to eat myself.”

Tiny, meanwhile, had already claimed the bed, curling up in the center of the quilt with a contented sigh.

Her smile widened, becoming real for a moment. “No. I’m okay. Thank you and... I’m sorry about today. This wasn’t the impression I wanted to make. The stone was slick and the fall knocked the wind from me. I won’t let it happen again.” She spoke as she bowed her head.

Sam’s expression softened. “You don’t need to apologize. Palo’s cobblestones are notoriously slick in the rain. I’ve slipped on them more times than I care to admit.” He paused, his blue eyes holding hers for a moment. “The impression you made was of someone dedicated enough to travel here for an opportunity, and who has a bond with a creature that defies conventional understanding. That’s a good impression. Get some rest, Mina. I’ll see you in the morning. The main lab opens at eight.”

“Okay. I’ll be there.”

Sam gave a final nod. “Goodnight, Mina. Goodnight, Tiny.” He closed the door gently behind him, leaving her alone in the quiet room.

The silence was broken only by the soft patter of rain against the window and Tiny’s gentle, even breathing. The adrenaline of the day finally began to drain away, replaced by a profound exhaustion that seeped into her bones. She sank onto the edge of the bed, her hand finding Tiny’s warm, soft fur.

“That was too much.” After a long weary sigh, she fished around in her bag. She basically owned nothing, but she had a small lunch container with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She took one half for herself and then laid the container down by Tiny so he could have the other half.

Tiny perked up at the scent of peanut butter, his little nose twitching. He carefully nibbled at the sandwich half, making soft, happy noises. The simple, shared meal in the quiet, safe room felt like a small victory after the chaos of the day.