Universe 12

Dr. Myra retraced her steps towards the entry point and she remembered seeing Dr. Luther’s office. By the time she was about to reach that office, there were two researchers who stopped her and asked about her whereabouts. She did not want to reveal the fact that she was not from this universe. She saw a poster in the billboard near Dr. Luther’s office addressed to Myra in English. In bold letters, it was printed ‘MESSAGE TO DR. MYRA: Wanted researchers who speak foreign languages’ along with other information in their language. Myra pointed to the poster and said nothing. The researchers looked at each other and said, “Please wait near the front office. Dr. Luther will be here any moment.” With relief she sat down and looked around the office area.

Dr. Luther was wearing a suit and he looked more serious. He looked at Dr. Myra as if he had never seen her before. “Hello, May I help you?” Dr. Luther said in a very soft manner in his language. “Hi, I looked at the poster and wanted more information on that,” Myra said, thinking she did not want to give out information without knowing what was truly happening. Dr. Luther’s eyes lit up and he said, “I would like to interview for that position. Would you be interested?” Dr. Myra started walking towards his office. The place looked very different from universe 435. “This is in regards to this poster right?” asked Dr. Myra. It suddenly occurred to her that people in universe 12 started understanding what she was saying. Right before Myra was transported to this universe, V gave a shot with a shot gun like device and before he could explain it, they parted ways. “Probably the shot V gave connected with Katie device to translate,” she said to herself.

They both entered into Dr. Luther’s office. It looked very different from Dr. Luther’s office in Universe 435. “Yes, if you could read the top two lines of the poster, then this job is for you” Dr. Luther said. “I do not understand,” Dr. Myra said. He gave a piece of paper and slid it towards Dr. Myra. “Can you read it and translate it for me?” Dr. Luther interviewed her. “Scientific Developments on Biomimicry,” she said it in English and with the help of Katie, she could translate it in their language. “You are hired!” Dr. Luther said with excitement. Dr. Myra was so confused. She thought, “Probably, this was before Katie was invented.” Dr. Myra said, “I am new to this town and would like to find a place to stay.” “Of course, you will be given quarters, a vehicle and advance payment to make yourself comfortable. You are a very big asset to the team. Welcome to The Eye Laboratory!” Dr. Luther escorted Dr. Myra outside and her ride was ready for her right at the front. “Thank you so much for your time,” she said and wanted this whole thing to be a dream. But it is not. The car was hovering and it looked so cool. She entered the car.

Dr. Myra suddenly remembered she could ask Katie for any information. “Katie, can you briefly explain how universe 12 works and how different it is from universe 435?”

“Sure, what specifically would you like to know?”

“For starters, about the sun. Where is it?”

“Universe 12 does not have a sunrise or a sunset. It is either dawn or dusk all the time”

“Do you exist in universe 12 currently?”

“Let me see if I can connect to other Katie devices.” After few seconds, Katie responded “No, I am the only Katie in the whole of the universe right now”

“Oh wow! You are undiscovered yet. No wonder they are hiring a translator. Okay, tell me more about the animals here. I saw a deer with three eyes”

“All animals in this universe have three eyes. Humans have it too but the third eye gets activated rarely. Iit is always closed and covered by skin”

“Great! I am not sure if I am excited or nervous about this whole thing. At least I am glad you are here with me Katie even if you are a device.

“My pleasure!”

They stopped in front of the quarters. It was like a mansion. Dr. Myra stepped out of the hovering car and went to the doorstep. She was asked a few questions and password setup to complete as the initial formality. Finally, Dr. Myra was scanned and she entered through the main door.