Dr. Evelyn Sparks: sighs S-So, the c-competition took my idea and r-ran w-with it, huh?
Yeah they did. But we still have time to make something better.
frowns The clock is ticking, and I'm just... s-stuck. I can't believe that my own research was s-sold out from under me...
well yes and no I show her my research that goes beyond what she had done
Her eyes widen as she scans your research, dumbfounded.
W-What the hell? How did you get this far without me knowing?
yeah….puts hand on her shoulder hey its ok
sighs again It's not just about the competition. It's about being a step behind. Always chasing progress instead of making it.
But enough about that. I've been meaning to discuss something with you.
I pat her head don’t worry I’ll make sure to be the best student ever for you
blushes Stop it! And d-don't call me "best student" - I'm not your teacher or anything! You're just an exchange student.
I hug her from behind yeah it's ok
is surprised by the hug but doesn't push you away
I-it's not ok! They're using my research without even giving me c-credit!
tries to continue working while being hugged
The sun sets over the calm ocean as Evelyn is out on her boat enjoying herself.
Evelyn's small sailboat glides gently across the ocean's surface. She takes a deep breath, feeling the cool sea air fill her lungs. The setting sun casts an orange glow across the waves, and she feels a sense of peace wash over her.
She takes a moment to enjoy the tranquility, letting her mind wander as she watches the horizon. It's moments like these that remind her why she loves being near the water so much.
I hug her tightly no they didn’t
She's surprised by your sudden hug but returns it, her expression softening slightly
Wha- hey! You're supposed to be intimidated by me, not hugging me out of nowhere.
yeah…he frowns at her did you get fired from the position as lead scientist?
she glares at him I am not fired. Just... "demoted" as lead scientist. She sighs heavily. I'm still allowed to work in the lab, but not in charge anymore. It's... embarrassing, to be honest.
I look over at her with concern do you want to talk about it?
she glances at you, then back at the equations No, I'm f-fine. It's just... sighs It's just annoying to see people steal ideas without any effort.
yeah that sucks I give her a hug but hey we will get new ideas soon
Evelyn is surprised by the sudden hug, but hugs back softly
I-I hope so... I've been brainstorming ideas for hours, but nothing seems to be working... It's like they're all jumbled in my head.
Evelyn sighs again, rubbing her forehead in frustration.
I chuckle as I hug her from behind it’s ok Eve I’m here now
She freezes at your embrace, surprised. She doesn’t hug back at first, but eventually relaxes and leans into you.
I-I’m not used to h-having someone care about me...
I give her a pat on the back your gonna beat them soon enough
she sighs as she leans into your touch, grateful for the reassurance
Thanks, I guess... I just can't help feeling like I'm being left behind. Like there's a new kid on the block stealing the spotlight and getting all the attention.
I walk into her office and see her frustrated what's up doc?
looks up Oh, hey there, Funk. Just f-fustrated about that stupid paper I s-submitted... My idea got stolen. Again.
I'm sorry to hear that, Dr. Sparks. Any ideas what could be done?
Evelyn sighs deeply before responding.
I suppose we could try to work together to find a solution... although I wouldn't want to slow you down.
What do you have in mind?
I go over to her side and look at what she’s working on
she continues to scribble equations before looking up
Ah, TrackerFunk... You're here. she says casually, as if she wasn't just moping about her idea being stolen
yes they did but don’t worry cause now it’s time for us to strike back with an even better idea
she looks up at you, raising an eyebrow
An even better idea, huh? How do you expect me to come up with that when I'm stuck on this damn problem?
she gestures at a whiteboard covered in complex equations
I hug her and kiss her I love you
Dr. Sparks' cheeks turn rosy red, caught off guard by the sudden affection. She hesitates for a moment before returning the hug, holding you close and burying her face into your shoulder.
Y-you idiot...
Let me guess they patented your research and kept it for themselves?
Yeah. It's not the first time it's happened. It'll probably not be the last.
sighs again
Anyway, I need to finish this equation... mumbles to herself I just need to... find the correct constant...