Everything seemed normal. But Barry's instincts still tingled with uncertainty. Not quite suspicion. More like heightened awareness that something important was happening.
"This is Dr. Caitlin Snow," Wells continued, gesturing to the woman beside him. "Our lead bioengineer. And Cisco Ramon, who handles mechanical engineering and has opinions about everything."
"Mostly correct opinions," Cisco interjected, shaking Barry's hand enthusiastically.
"Dude, seriously, your battery optimization patent? I tried to figure out how you achieved those efficiency gains and couldn't crack it. What's your secret?"
"Lots of trial and error," Barry said, which was technically true even if he'd used a Thinking Cap to accelerate the process.
"And some unconventional approaches to energy distribution."
Caitlin's handshake was cooler, more professional. "Your background is in forensic science, correct? The transition to tech development is unusual."
"I got interested in how technology could improve evidence processing," Barry said smoothly. "That led to broader research into optimization systems. One thing led to another."
"Natural evolution of interests," Wells said, nodding approvingly. "That's exactly the kind of adaptive thinking we value at STAR Labs. Too many researchers get locked into narrow specializations. The best innovations happen at the intersections of disciplines."
They talked for twenty minutes. Wells asked intelligent questions about Barry's patents. Cisco geeked out about technical implementation details.
Caitlin remained more reserved but clearly assessed Barry's credibility with every response he gave.
Barry played it perfectly. Smart but not too smart. Knowledgeable but still learning. The kind of young inventor who showed promise but wasn't threatening to established figures.
His enhanced emotional intelligence let him read the room flawlessly.
Wells was genuinely impressed. Cisco was excited to meet someone near his own age doing cool work. Caitlin was skeptical but warming up as Barry demonstrated actual understanding of the science.
"We're always looking for brilliant minds," Wells said eventually. "STAR Labs is building something unprecedented here in Central City. A particle accelerator that will revolutionize our understanding of physics and energy production. The kind of project that requires the best people."
Barry's heart rate increased slightly. There it was. The recruitment pitch. The invitation to join STAR Labs years before the explosion.
"That sounds incredible," Barry said carefully. "What's the timeline?"
"Construction begins next year," Wells explained. "Completion estimated in three to four years. We're assembling the team now. Getting the right people in place before the heavy work begins."
Three to four years. That matched what Barry remembered from the show. The particle accelerator would launch around 2016 or 2017. He had time.
"I'm focused on my independent research right now," Barry said. "But I'd be interested in learning more. Maybe consulting on specific projects?"
Wells's eyes sharpened slightly. "Consulting could work. We have several initiatives where your neural interface expertise would be valuable. And it would give you a chance to see how we operate before making any long-term commitments."
Perfect. A foot in the door without full commitment. Exactly what Barry wanted.
"I'd like that," Barry said. "How do we proceed?"
"Caitlin can set up an initial consultation," Wells said, gesturing to her. "Maybe next week? Tour the facility. Meet the rest of the team. See if there's a good fit."
Caitlin pulled out a tablet and started scheduling. "Tuesday works for me. 2:00 PM?"
"That works," Barry confirmed.
They exchanged contact information. Business cards and email addresses. Professional connections being established.
As they talked, Barry's mind raced beneath the surface. He was doing it. Establishing himself with a possible future Team Flash. Positioning perfectly for the particle accelerator explosion.
Creating relationships that would matter when everything changed.
But something still nagged at him. A feeling he couldn't quite identify. Not suspicion exactly. More like awareness that he was standing at a critical junction point where multiple futures branched off depending on choices he hadn't made yet.
Wells seemed genuine. Seemed real. But Barry had meta-knowledge of a timeline where Eobard Thawne had worn Wells's face for years without anyone suspecting. How could he be certain this wasn't happening again?
"You seem troubled," Wells observed, his sharp eyes missing nothing. "Second thoughts about consulting?"
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