The first thing I noticed when I stepped off the plane was the scent. I’ve never been sure if that’s an omega thing or a me thing, but scents are always the first thing that catch my attention.
The air here is fresh and crisp due to the cold. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, I catch hints of salt from the Aurefirth Sea. But that’s not where I’m headed. My reason for being here lies in the other direction, the Fossfell Mountains surrounding this valley. The scent rolling off the peaks is sharp, deep winter already setting in at the higher elevation.
Those few whiffs have been my only encounter with the mountains. Since leaving the airport, I’ve remained in Arcandale Valley.
Down here in Starsfalls, it’s a pleasant winter with fluffy snow on the ground, and the sidewalks are neatly shoveled and salted. Colorful lights fill the streets and stores and restaurants, evergreen garlands are strung around light poles, and Yule trees dot the town. Holiday music drifts in seemingly from everywhere, bright andcheerful. No need for rescuer services here, unless someone happens to slip on an icy patch of snow.
While I’ve enjoyed the cozy small-town atmosphere over the past few days, I’m ready to jump into work. If I weren’t so anxious to get started, I wouldn’t mind spending more time wandering around, eating and shopping. I’m so used to always being busy with studying or training that taking rest days has been a difficult change of pace.
The company schedules this time for trainees to acclimate to our new home. It gives us a chance to find supplies, register our license, and do all those administrative things that come with moving.
Except I did all of that on day one.
Since then, I’ve been wandering around trying different restaurants and window shopping. I don’t have many belongings, but I don’t need more. There wasn’t much room at the academy dorms, and in this career, there’s no point in collecting too many things if you might have to move every few years.
I did at least meet some of the other rescuer teams assigned to the mountains. They were nice enough to show me around when I arrived. Everyone was kind and helpful, no double takes at seeing I’m an omega. My designation wouldn’t be a surprise, HR sent my file to every team here so we’re familiar with each other. I was given information about them too.
I pored over the files, memorizing everything. It’s important to know who has more experience treating wounds or who would be the best at digging someone out of an avalanche. Not that we aren’t all trained to do those things, but if we ever need to delegate tasks, I’ll know where I fit in.
I spent the most time looking at theinformation on my teammates, reading their files over and over. That’s what I do every night when I go back to the inn.
As much as I love research, the reason for my exhaustive rereading is that I haven’t met any of them yet. Normally my team would’ve been here to welcome me, but they had something to take care of and couldn’t make it. HR said they would pick me up when it’s time for me to start work though.
I didn’t think it would bother me if my teammates weren’t here to greet me, but since I arrived in Starsfalls, it’s been like an itch under my skin wondering where they are, what they’re like.
I’ve always had trouble being patient when there’s work to do, but this is a new feeling. Maybe it’s because I’ll be living with them for two years that I’m anxious to see how they handle working with an omega,especiallybecause they’re a pack.
I was surprised they assigned me to a team made up of packmates, four alphas and a beta. You’d think their omega wouldn’t like me living with their mates for the weeks that we’re on call.
No other stations here are run by packs. The other teams in the valley are a mix of alphas and betas, and only a few of them are in relationships. I don’t think it’s common for a station to be run solely by packmates.
I was afraid of getting put in a group of all alphas, worried their instincts would push them to protect me and cause problems with our work. I hoped for a mostly beta team, since they’re more levelheaded when it comes to omegas. At least there’s one beta on my team.
I hope my teammates won’t treat me any differently. I don’t want the Rescuers to think omegas aren’tfit for this line of work just because some alphas can’t handle themselves.
I’ve never let my instincts negatively affect my conduct. If anything, they’ve been helpful since omegas are more sensitive to emotions. It comes naturally to me to empathize with patients, which helps me calm them while I render aid.
Alphas won’t be a distraction for me, and not just because of the medley of medication I’m taking. Romance has never factored into my goals. My dream has always been to become a rescuer, and I’ve never been tempted to deviate from that plan.
Maybe someday I’ll find a pack to settle down with, but they’ll have to be okay with me being away for weeks at a time. There probably aren’t many who would be okay with that, especially protective alphas, but that’s not something I’m worried about right now.
At least there’s only one more day until I meet my teammates. I just have to distract myself until then.
I’ve been camped out in the local bookstore today, Pen and Tellem, reading everything they have on the history and geography of the Fossfell Mountains. I want to learn it all before I get out there in person.
A shadow falls over the book in my lap, and I quickly put my hand on the stack of books next to me in case they bump into it as they pass by.
“Are you finding everything alright?” a friendly voice asks, cutting through the cheerful background music about knotting around the Yule tree.
The question surprises me and I startle, knocking over the books piled around me despite my best efforts.
I recognize the white-and-pink-haired woman standingover me from the front desk. I always remember a fellow pink-haired person.
“Yes, yep, I’m fine. Sorry, am I not allowed to read the books before I buy them? I’m going to buy these. Some of these. Well, most of these. Sorry,” I say, getting on my knees and gathering the books scattered over the floor.
I thought I saw other people reading in here, but I’m never really sure if you’re allowed to read the books before you buy them.
“Don’t worry about it, you’re welcome to read whatever you want,” the woman says, joining me as I try to re-stack my book fortress. “I don’t think I introduced myself, I’m Alice. It looks like you’ve found plenty of books already, but do you need help finding anything else? I haven’t seen you here before, are you visiting Starsfalls?”
