BRAINSTORM

Chapter Six - The Center for Interactive Research and Applied Solutions (CIRAS)

The Center for Interactive Research and Applied Solutions, or CIRAS, shone in the sunlight so intensely it almost blinded Dr. Jack Kerwin. He brought a hand to his brow to block the glare. His pale blue eyes traced the places where expanses of glass and metal entwined. The design was both formidable and seductive. He took in a deep breath to balance his nerves.

Jack pushed his fingers through his sandy-blond hair–a nervous habit–as he walked in a semi-trance state toward CIRAS's façade. He stopped in front of its huge glass doors and frowned. As far as he could tell, there was no obvious way to enter. Standing motionless, he contemplated his options. Before he had time to decide what to do next, blue lasers emitted from two smooth, triangular posts flanking the entrance. The beams passed over Jack's athletic six-foot-three body. He had the uneasy feeling he was being scanned from the inside out.

Snorting, Jack realized he was probably right. He'd be sure to encounter lots of high-tech security during his stay at CIRAS. It was the most technologically advanced research facility in the world. Still, he didn't like being scrutinized.

The gargantuan doors glided open, and Jack stepped into CIRAS's vast foyer. Well, he said to himself with his typical good humor, guess they realize I'm me.

The cavernous internal space, also composed of glass and metal, was a less shiny echo of its exterior. The combination of materials made it seem as if a subtle light emanated from all exposed surfaces in a creepy-cool sort of way. The floor was fabricated from a material similar to solid quartz but more exotic looking. It was beautiful but cold. Jack wasn't sure he liked it, but he found himself intrigued.

Despite his scientific interest, Jack didn't want to be left alone here with his unnerving sci-fi influenced thoughts. He stood tall, trying not to squirm, the lines on his brow turning into crevasses as he looked around. Running his hand through his hair again, he wondered where everyone was. Maybe he should try to call the director of the facility, Dr. Scott Maxwell, and find out where he should go?

In almost direct response to his thoughts, a panel slid open in the seemingly solid wall to his right. His eyes widened. Like it was a scene straight out of Hollywood, a stunningly beautiful woman walked toward him. She wore a three-quarter-sleeve, ivory sheath dress that blended seamlessly with the creamy skin of her slim neck, arms, and legs. The monotone palette was a pleasing contrast to her lustrous red hair and green eyes. She was about five foot eight, but her heels were so high that she stood only a few inches shorter than Jack. An inevitable frisson of sexual attraction played down his body, which he tried hard to ignore in the interest of professionalism.

The woman spoke. Though Jack tried to focus on her words instead of her appearance, it was nearly impossible. She was the finest-looking woman he had ever seen. Virtually perfect. He swallowed and smiled, hoping he didn't look like a love-struck or even worse–horny, teenager.

"Dr. Kerwin, welcome." She reached a hand out and shook Jack's. "Ellen Standis. So pleased to meet you. Was your trip here okay?"

Jack nodded. He was afraid that if he spoke, something inappropriate might come out of his mouth. He didn't have much practice dealing with this sort of distraction at work. The probability of finding a gorgeous woman at a research facility was very low. And considering how much he had to focus on his work, that was a good thing.

"Excellent." Her full lips curved into a sexy smile.

Jack drew in a breath and blinked away his improper thought.

"Your bags have already arrived and been brought to your rooms. Later today there will be a residents' meeting you'll need to attend. For now, I'll show you to your apartment so you can get settled in."