Upon reaching Ms. Thompson’s office, Elijah lightly rapped on the door, the anticipation of finding the ideal property bubbling within him. As the door creaked open, he stepped inside, greeted by the sight of the real estate agent—a middle-aged woman exuding warmth and professionalism. Her smile was like a show of hospitality, instantly putting Elijah at ease.

“Ah, Dr. Mercer, good to see you,” she said warmly, gesturing for him to take a seat across from her polished desk. “I’ve been expecting you. How can I assist you today?”

Taking a seat, Elijah wasted no time in getting to the point. “Thank you, Ms. Thompson. I’m interested in a property listing you mentioned over the comm link, particularly one located on the outer edges of the city away from prying eyes. I’m looking for a space to set up a private residence and laboratory for some research projects I have in mind.”

Ms. Thompson’s eyes brightened with recognition as she nodded in understanding. “Ah, yes, I remember mentioning that property to you. It’s a unique piece of land, quite secluded and ideal for someone looking for privacy. Let me pull up the details for you.”

With deft fingers dancing across her terminal, she swiftly retrieved the listing details and satellite images of the property. Elijah leaned in, his curiosity piqued as he eagerly absorbed every detail that Ms. Thompson meticulously presented.

“It’s a bit of a trek from the main settlement, but that’s part of its appeal,” she explained, her voice tinged with excitement. “Plenty of space for your lab facilities, and the surrounding terrain offers some natural barriers for added privacy.”

Elijah nodded thoughtfully, mentally picturing the potential of the property. “It looks promising. I’d like to schedule a visit to see the property in person if possible.”

“Of course,” Ms. Thompson replied, her professionalism shining through as she efficiently consulted her calendar. “How about later this afternoon? I can arrange transportation for you to take a closer look.”

“Sounds perfect,” Elijah agreed, feeling a surge of anticipation at the prospect of finally finding the perfect location for his private lab.

“These types of property are at a premium Dr Mercer, I didn’t think the university paid that well” She stated whilst filling out the required documents, “And often many people are looking for private plots of land to call their own, why would someone like you be looking for such… isolation?”

“Payment will not be an issue Mrs. Thompson, I suspect there will be more than enough there to cover the consultation and legal fees as well as the buying price you’re asking for.” He said, “As for your latter question, I will leave that for people to speculate, for now, though I believe our business is closed and I look forward to meeting you later.”

Later that afternoon, Elijah found himself standing at the edge of the property he had been eyeing, accompanied by Ms. Thompson and a knowledgeable local guide who had taken them there. The landscape stretched out before them, wild and untamed, with rugged terrain and lush vegetation painting a picturesque scene up untilas far as the city limits could reach post-comet.

As they traversed the property, Elijah’s imagination ran wild, envisioning the potential of every nook and cranny. Ms. Thompson expertly pointed out various features of the land, highlighting its potential for development and emphasizing its natural beauty.

“There’s already a main residence on the property, along with an outbuilding that could easily be converted into a lab space,” she explained, her words laced with excitement. “And there’s a service road that links you to the main transport route, so you won’t be completely isolated.”

As they crested a slight hill within the residential boundary, the lights of OED filled the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape and offering a breathtaking view of the bustling city.

“I can see the potential,” Elijah remarked, his eyes shining with excitement as he took in the stunning vista. “It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for—a place where I can pursue my research without any distractions.”

Ms. Thompson smiled, her satisfaction evident. “I’m glad to hear that, Dr. Mercer. If you decide to move forward with the purchase, I’ll make sure to assist you every step of the way.”

After thoroughly exploring the property and discussing logistics, they returned to the settlement, where Elijah expressed his interest in proceeding with the acquisition process.

Back at Ms. Thompson’s office, they sat down to go over the details of the purchase agreement. Elijah listened intently, his mind racing with excitement as they hammered out the finer points.

By the end of the meeting, the deal was all but finalised, pending some paperwork and final approvals. Elijah shook Ms. Thompson’s hand, expressing his heartfelt gratitude for her invaluable assistance in finding the perfect location for his private lab.

As he left the office, Elijah couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. With the property secured, he was one step closer to realising his vision and embarking on a new chapter of scientific exploration on OED V.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V