Dr. Hyneth scrutinizes me for a nerve-rackingly long moment. “Your medical training on Earth certainly puts you at an advantage over many of our entering students who lack the training and experience you possess. Conversely, they are likely to be more well-versed in the latest technology and differences in species. With that in mind, there are many intelligent ways in which you could build mutually beneficial connections with other students and possibly even faculty in our medical school.”
No shit. That all sounds awesome, and I make a mental note to myself to scope out who to befriend if I get in.
“Have you ever had a human attend your medical school?” I am curious, after all.
She shakes her head. “You’d be the first, I’m afraid.”
Score!I get to be a history-making lesbian trailblazer. Huzzah.
Now for the moment of truth.
I gulp. “So what do you think? Can I apply to your program, and would I have a shot at getting in? Also, I’d need to be able to complete most my coursework remotely since I will be travelingthe universe with my crewmates, so I’m not sure if that would be a problem or not.”
“Attending remotely is the most convenient option for many of our students. Only about twenty percent of our student body live in special dormitories and attend classes on our campus. Once every couple of lunar cycles, you will have to come on site for some hands-on training and practice for a few days.”
I nod. “I figured that would probably be the situation, but I’m very happy about the flexibility you offer.”
“Of course. It is our mission to help train and prepare future generations of medical professionals who will work all over this vast universe.”
“How would I go about applying?”
Dr. Hyneth smiles and shakes her head. “Unnecessary, my dear. Based on the recommendation of Chief Commanding Officer Elunara Jynthar, I am prepared to offer you special admission. And it just so happens that our newest cohort will be starting the next sessional round of classes in one lunar cycle. Your timing is impeccable.”
I can’t hold back a gasp of excitement. “Really?”
She laughs. “It would be my pleasure and honor to welcome you to the Intergalactic Alliance’s medical school. We have great need for ethically sound and highly skilled doctors, but especially in intergalactic emergency situations. We do not have enough medical professionals who can respond to the number of distress calls we receive on a regular basis.” She sighs. “Since the remote option is so popular, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that many of our students intend to use their training back on their home worlds. Being a traveling intergalactic emergency responder, however, requires committing to a lifestyle many do not want or cannot sustain. The fact that you and your fellow crew members are so committed to this lofty mission is refreshing to hear. Between that and the commander’s letter ofrecommendation, I was sold. We need all the help we can get from folks like yourself who want to do this work.”
“We’re all very much on board with Gemma’s plan,” Luna chimes in, practically bouncing in her seat. “In fact, I think we will become the most famous emergency response team this galaxy has ever seen!”
Dr. Hyneth throws her head back and gives a throaty laugh. “I look forward to seeing that play out at some point in the near future.” She stands and shakes hands with me and then Luna. “It was a pleasure to meet you both. I have high hopes for you, Dr. Taylor, and your team.” She gestures toward Elunara. “The commander will take down the necessary information from you to process your formal entry into our program, and you’ll begin in very short order.” She arches an eyebrow. “I hope you won’t let me down.”
I nod my head with conviction. “I promise I won’t. This is what I want, and I won’t let anything hold me back.”
“Good. That’s what I like to hear.” Then she waves a hand at Elunara. “Thanks for setting this up, my friend. Are we still on for lunch next week?”
“Of course, but you’re buying.”
Dr. Hyneth chuckles. “Fair enough.”
When she leaves the office, my knees buckle and I collapse into my seat again, more than a little dumbfounded by what just happened.
I turn to Luna. “She’s admitting me to the medical program. That really happened, right? I wasn’t dreaming?”
Luna beams back. “It wasn’t a dream, babe. You’re in, and your dream is within your grasp.”
We laugh and hug, joy practically shooting out of us like stars.
Elunara clears her throat. “Ahem. I take it you’re pleased, Dr. Taylor.”
I grin at her so hard my cheeks hurt. “More than. Thank you so much for arranging this. I thought it might be a long battle to enter the program and get started on making my dream a reality.”
“It might have been,” she admits, “had we not met. Sometimes in life, who you know matters a great deal.”
“It’s all about networking,” I agree, and we share a look of mutual understanding.
“Indeed. Dr. Hyneth is a good person to know as well. She’s an incredibly talented doctor and a powerful figure in the Alliance. If you’ve got her support, no one will try to challenge you on your right to be here.”
Unable to hold myself back, I move toward her, arms open, and she doesn’t back away as I embrace her in a grateful hug. “Thank you.”
