High above the bustling surface of Montreal Prime, the serene expanse of space enveloped the McGill Educational Centre Orbital Campus. It was a beacon of knowledge, orbiting quietly, its corridors filled with the hum of academic pursuit. However, tranquility was shattered when a chilling incident unfolded within its storied walls.
The campus administrator, Laurel Mercier, her voice tinged with unmistakable distress, contacted Ed Alvis
Biographical Information Also Known As: Captain Ed Alvis, Dr. Ed AlvisProfessions: Scientist, Musician, AdventurerAlma Mater: University of MarylandNotable Achievements: Ph.D. in Physics, Expertise in Structural Engineering Overview Ed Alvis is a renowned figure in both the scientific and musical communities, celebrated for his dual expertise as a physicist and a musician. His remarkable journey spans academic achievements, a profound musical... directly. Ed, having had previous, albeit discreet, “dalliances” with Laurel, sensed the urgency in her tone immediately. “Ed, I need your help,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s Professor Thomas Calder. He’s been found dead in the campus library.”
Ed’s brow furrowed as he listened. “Dead? Laurel, what happened?” he asked, his mind racing with possibilities.
“He was… it’s gruesome, Ed. He was found bound to a table in the rare books collection, and the way he looked… it’s as if he died from fright,” Laurel explained, her words faltering.
Ed processed the information, his concern deepening. “Was anyone else there? What about the library’s security systems?”
“The android librarian was offline, and no one heard a thing. It was Dr. Jean-Philip Désemparés
Early Life and Education Born and raised in Quebec, Canada, Dr. Jean-Philip Désemparés exhibited an early fascination with the mysteries of the universe. His journey into the realm of theoretical physics was fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for discovery. At the University of Montreal, Désemparés's dedication and intellect quickly earned him recognition, culminating in his graduation with..., our new Head of Physics, who found him,” she replied, her voice still shaking.
Ed paused, the name sparking a connection. “Désemparés? Isn’t he an old acquaintance of Dr. Cornelius
Dr. Cornelius is a distinguished figure in the realm of theoretical physics and a luminary within the scientific community. Known for his intellectual prowess and enduring partnerships, Dr. Cornelius's career has been marked by significant achievements and collaborations that have left a lasting impact on the field of science. Early Career and Formative Collaborations Dr. Cornelius's academic journey began in...? I remember something about a scandal involving them and a Mrs. Evilyn Price
Early Life Evilyn Price grew up in Potomac, Maryland, surrounded by wealth. Her family was rich, and she always had everything she wanted, giving her a sense of entitlement. Education In her younger years, Evilyn went to an all-girls Catholic university. She initially thought about becoming a nun, but a rebellious phase changed her path dramatically, leading her into a... back in the 21st century.”
“Yes, exactly,” Laurel confirmed. “Evilyn had her own share of troubles, caught up in corruption and an affair with Jean-Philip. He even tried to get rid of her when she double-crossed him, confronting her about her ties to John Aikin
Early Life and Background Born in Washington D.C., John Aikin Sr. was raised amidst a complex and secretive family history. His father, Johanus Haakon, originally from Norway, changed their family name to Aikin. Johanus Haakon, a physician with dubious ethics, collaborated with the Nazis during World War II, conducting unethical experiments on prisoners of war. Rise to Power John Aikin.... But, believe it or not, they resolved their differences and got married. They’ve been together ever since.”
“And where is Mrs. Price now?” Ed inquired, his detective instincts kicking in.
“At home, taking care of their twin boys. They just had two children,” Laurel added.
Ed’s thoughts briefly wandered to the complexities of human relationships, then snapped back to the pressing issue. “What did Désemparés say about his connection to Calder?”
“He claims he hardly knew him. Apparently, he was just going to the rare books collection to do some research for an upcoming lecture when he stumbled upon the scene,” Laurel explained.
Ed relayed the disturbing news to Spacedawg, who was already on-site. The captain’s experience told him there was more to this than a simple heart attack or academic rivalry gone wrong. “We need to investigate this, Ed. It sounds like something sinister, and it’s up to us to unravel it.”
With the Mandoleer’s Folly already docked at the orbital campus, Spacedawg gathered his crew, prepared to delve into the mystery. As they walked the quiet halls of the academic haven, they knew that in the world of academia, knowledge could be both a shield and a weapon—and in this case, perhaps a motive for murder.
