Page 2 of Stout Bear

Two

Laney Collins steppedthrough the wide glass doors into the main building of the Bright Institute for Shifters, a huge campus structure built on the slopes of Fate Mountain. Sunlight poured through tall windows, illuminating the airy lobby. A reception desk stood near a series of displays celebrating shifter culture. They included photographs of various animal forms, artifacts from shifter history, and educational materials.

The receptionist looked up from her computer with a smile. “Good morning. How can I help you?”

“Morning,” Laney said, gripping the strap of her messenger bag. She pushed down the wave of uneasiness that threatened to surface. Her partial fox genetics set her apart in ways no one could see. “I’m Laney Collins. I’m starting today in the environmental sciences department.”

The receptionist tapped a few keys on her keyboard. “Welcome to the institute. We’ve been expecting you.” The receptionist reached into a drawer and slid an ID badge across the desk. “Keep this on you. Our labs and doors scan it for entry.” Laney picked up the badge and tucked it into her pocket.

“Ethan will show you around before taking you to your department.” The receptionist gestured toward a young man who approached from a side hallway.

“Ready for a quick campus tour?” Ethan asked.

Laney nodded. She then followed Ethan through a bright, open hallway. Natural light streamed in through large windows, giving the entire place a sense of possibility.

“The main building houses our administrative offices, classrooms, and communal spaces,” Ethan explained as they walked. “Paths branch off toward specialized workshops, dormitories, and high-tech labs.”

Students and researchers moved between buildings. Some carried textbooks or tablets, others transported materials for projects. Everyone seemed engaged and purposeful, greeting each other with nods or quick waves.

“We emphasize hands-on learning, so you’ll see everything from woodworking shops to cutting-edge biology labs,” Ethan continued.

Laney noted the spirit of collaboration evident in every interaction she observed. “The institute fosters both vocational training and academic research,” Ethan said. “Corey Bright founded it with the belief that shifters should embrace both heritage and innovation.”

They passed through a covered walkway connecting to another wing of the building. Signs overhead indicated different departments: Technology, Design, Woodworking, Business Development, and Environmental Sciences. Each area featured large windows that displayed the activities within.

“Here we are,” Ethan said, stopping at the entrance to a glass-walled section labeled “Environmental Sciences.” The hallway leading to it featured images of Fate Mountain’s wildlife, bears, foxes, eagles, and other species in their natural habitats.

“Thanks for showing me around,” she said.

“It was my pleasure. Welcome to the institute.”

Laney squared her shoulders and pushed open the door. No matter what happened, she would give this opportunity everything she had. A woman looked up from a computer near the back of the lab. She rose and walked toward Laney with a confident stride. “You must be Laney Collins. I’m Dr. Ivy Bright.”

Laney recognized the name immediately. Ivy Bright, daughter of the institute’s founder, Corey Bright. She expected someone intimidating, but Ivy’s warm smile put her at ease.

“That’s me,” she said, accepting Ivy’s firm handshake.

“Come into my office,” Ivy said, gesturing toward an open door at the side of the laboratory.

Shelves lined the walls of Ivy’s office, holding field notebooks, eco-survey data, and business development materials for local shifters. A large topographical map of Fate Mountain occupied one wall, marked with colored pins indicating research sites. Ivy’s framed diplomas occupied another.

Ivy took a seat behind her desk and motioned for Laney to sit opposite her. Dr. Bright opened a drawer and pulled out a folder, sliding it across the desk. “This contains reference materials on Fate Mountain’s waterways. You’ll be joining our water quality monitoring program.”

Laney opened the folder, finding maps, test records, and notes on water quality. The thoroughness impressed her. The institute took its environmental mission seriously.

“You’ll track water quality,” Ivy explained. “Your background makes you ideal for this role.”

Her experience with water testing was the reason she’d been interested in the position. She’d originally hesitated to apply, not being a full shifter. But after reading the institute’s mission and acceptance of humans, she’d filled out the application. Laney had been overjoyed and surprised when she’d gotten the job.

“We’ll start you with routine testing of samples from established sites,” Ivy continued. “Once you’re familiar with our protocols, you’ll cover more of the mountain.”

Laney nodded, absorbing the information. The work sounded meaningful and important, exactly what she’d hoped for when applying. Yet beneath her professional interest lurked her familiar insecurities.

“Any questions so far?” Ivy asked.

“Not yet,” Laney said. She glanced toward the window, which offered a view of the campus courtyard. “It’s impressive how many disciplines blend together here.” Laney watched a group of students carry what appeared to be a newly constructed wooden bench toward one of the buildings.

“Integration is central to our philosophy,” Ivy replied. “Shifters bring unique perspectives to every field.”

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