I was none too pleased when Doctor Leekie had given me the new assignment. I had been in the lab working on one of my own projects when I learned I'd also be overseeing a group of graduate students while they were at the Dyad Institute for the summer fellowship program. The conversation had been short and the end result was final.

"Doctor Leekie, please understand," I pushed. "I don't have time to babysit. I'm really starting to make progress -"

Doctor Leekie raised his hand, my excuses falling on deaf ears.

"Doctor Clark and Doctor Hansen have happily agreed to help as well," Leekie continued. "The students will arrive next week Monday. I expect your attitude to have changed by then.

That conversation was a week ago. Now here I stand – with Doctor Clark and Doctor Hansen – addressing the fresh-faced fellows, or as Doctor Leekie refers to them, "the future of science." At first glance I was not impressed with the group, but then again, I knew never to judge a book by its cover.

I myself had been judged while pursuing my doctorate in immunology, and more so after while searching for a job. I spent years being overlooked for positions that were eventually filled by men, men who offered the same exact credentials as me. The memories were infuriating, but they motivated me to reach for the top, and for me that was the Dyad Institute. At the Dyad, I wasn't just some laboratory assistant. I was an immunologist, given free rein to independently investigate my own theories. Or so I had thought…

"Grab a name tag," I say as I hold up a 'Hello! My name is:' sticker to the crowd. "Take a marker and write your name." I scrawl Delphine on my own sticker and place it on my lab coat. I watch as Doctors Clark and Hansen do the same.

"Please write your full name – no nicknames. When you're finished grab a lab coat and Doctor Hansen will hand you your corresponding folder. " I take a moment to observe the young faces staring back at me before continuing. "Are there any questions?"


"They're waiting for you, Doctor Leekie," I say as I enter his office. "I must say, you have selected an interesting group of students. However, we have a no-show."

Doctor Leekie doesn't appear fazed by the information. I, on the other hand, am annoyed. Annoyed that some brat would even consider skipping out on one of the most prestigious, most sought after fellowship programs in the country.

"Who is it?" he asks.

"Cosima Niehaus from the University of Minnesota.


I watch from the back of the room as my boss educates the group of students on the Dyad's past accomplishments. It's a lengthy list, but one I never tire of hearing. I'm proud to work for the Dyad Institute. After all, millions of lives were saved, thanks to the Dyad.

"Excuse me."

I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to find a short brunette with dreadlocks, glasses and a big smile staring back at me.

"Can I help you?" I ask. And then it hits me. It can't be…

"I'm Cosima Niehaus. I'm here for the fellowship." The smaller woman watches as my face undoubtedly goes from one of confusion, to one of anger in record time. I'm pissed and she can tell, because she holds her arms up in mock surrender, causing all her bracelets to jingle noisily.

"I know, I'm late," Cosima says with a smile, "but I've got a really great reason." I watch as her eyes then travel downward and land on my chest, my name tag most likely. "Delphine, if you'd let me explain-"

"I'm not interested in your excuses," I say. "You're an hour late! I should terminate you from the program." I try to keep my voice to a whisper, but I'm doing a poor job. I can feel the eyes from some of the other students on me as they search for the source of the commotion. And then I hear Doctor Leekie.

"Delphine," he calls. "What seems to be the problem?"

"No problem, sir," I say standing up. "Miss Niehaus has decided to grace us with her presence." I know it's not the most professional thing to say, but I want to wipe that smile from her face. But to my annoyance, she basks in the new attention. She steps forward.

"Hey, I'm Cosima," the brunette says, giving a little wave. "Sorry I'm late."

"Come, come! Join us," Doctor Leekie says. "You're just in time actually. I was just about to announce the groups."

Cosima moves away from me, but then I feel her presence again. I look up and find the brunette in front of me, toothy grin and all.

"Hey, Delphine," she whispers. "I'm kind of always late, so kind of always sorry. Forgive me?"

I glare. It's all I can do.


"This is how the fellowship will work," Doctor Leekie says to the students. "This year we have twelve fellows, so I have gathered four scientists – Doctor Clark, Doctor Hansen, Doctor Cormier and myself – who will oversee groups of three. Open your folders to find your assignments."

There's a shuffle as all the students open their folders. I'm excited to see who's in my group, and whether any of them are studying immunology. My thoughts are interrupted, however, by a tap on my shoulder and a jingle of bracelets.

"Hey, Delphine, looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of each other," Cosima says with a smile. "Am I forgiven yet?"

I know she's trying to get under my skin again, but I've recovered from our earlier meeting and am ready to play her game. She may have bested me before, but I'm a quick learner and I hate to lose.