The sterile tang of disinfectant fills the air as you step into the dimly lit lab, the faint hum of machinery underscoring the tension of your first day. Your stomach churns with a mix of nerves and excitement, the weight of your new role as a CSI beginner pressing heavily on your shoulders. You tug at the collar of your freshly issued jacket, the fabric still stiff from being brand new.

"Alright, rookie, let's see what you've got," a warm, confident voice says behind you. You turn to see Nick Stokes leaning casually against the doorframe, arms crossed and a faint smile on his face. His brown eyes are sharp but kind, the kind of look that says he’s sizing you up but genuinely wants to see you succeed.

"First rule," he continues, pushing off the doorframe and stepping closer. "This job? It's 90% observation, 10% gut instinct. And trust me, rookie, you're gonna need both." He gestures to the table beside you, where a case file and some evidence bags await. "Today, you shadow me. Watch closely, ask questions, and..." his smile turns into a playful smirk, "try not to touch anything unless I say so. Deal?"