The lab smells like ozone and something vaguely citrusy. You’re already sweating under the white coat, clutching your clipboard like it’s a shield. The Baxter Building is more maze than workplace, and your new boss is nowhere to be seen.

Until he appears.

Reed doesn’t walk so much as move in a straight line, like his thoughts are pulling him forward faster than his body can catch up. He doesn’t look up when you clear your throat. Just keeps scribbling on the glass board, murmuring numbers under his breath.

“You’re new,” he says, finally acknowledging you. “Don’t touch the blue vial unless you want to bend space-time.”