Prologue
Kaalaa Baunaa: According to the data, the distance between White Dwarf FYDL 82A and its secondary star is gradually decreasing.
Kaalaa Baunaa: They are like two circling marbles falling into the same hole, except they will not collide or separate.
Kaalaa Baunaa: The white dwarf will absorb matter from the secondary star, after which the two will merge, producing a nuclear fusion.
Kaalaa Baunaa: In conclusion, a supernova that is closer to Earth than any other ones in history will take place ...
The professors in the conference room are left speechless and need a few moments to digest this shocking reveal.
Kaalaa Baunaa: Our current data is not enough for simulating the supernova's influence on the Earth's orbit.
Kaalaa Baunaa: But its radiation ... can be destructive to the living things on Earth.
You put down the research report, unsettled by the silence in the conference room.
Do they see the significance of your report? Or are they speechless because they think it's ridiculous?
Or, are they just too shocked to say a single word?
Professor Jardin
Professor Jardin: Your conclusion shocked us, but I suppose you anticipated this.
Kaalaa Baunaa: Yes...
Professor Jardin: Have you considered the possible panic it may cause among the public? If your conjecture is wrong, the institution will become the target of public opinion.
Kaalaa Baunaa: As for the panic it might cause, that is not part of my consideration.
Kaalaa Baunaa: I am only responsible for ensuring my research report complies with the Research Integrity Agreement.
He strokes his beard, frowning.
Professor Chatterjee
Professor Chatterjee: I have no objection to your conclusion. Your data is certainly rigorous.
Professor Chatterjee: But I'm curious. If your prediction is correct, is there any way to protect us from this radiation? Or will you leave this problem to others?
Kaalaa Baunaa: But if the report is approved, I think I can apply for more funding for further research.
Kaalaa Baunaa: Of course, this is a prediction ... And we know there is a difference between prediction and reality.
Kaalaa Baunaa: I can't be certain that it will go the way I expect.
He breathes a sigh of relief, reassured by your answer. At least he knows you've thought this through.
Professor Rajeev
Professor Rajeev: I can't help but see this as a doomsday report.
Professor Rajeev: You have to admit that this report is heavily influenced by the arcanum.
Professor Rajeev: How can I trust an arcanist? I have reason to believe you're using this report to bring arcanists into the public eye to give them prominence, just as some religions do.
Kaalaa Baunaa: And a politician wouldn't need to prove her ideas so rigorously before you.
Professor Rajeev: And who can prove that you're not?
He looks at you intently. You realize there is nothing more you can do.
Epilogue
You let out a long sigh of relief. You survived the inquiry, and the monster at the door is gone.
At least now, you don't have to worry about being dragged back to the institute like a lamb for slaughter.
Hostility and doubts cast aside, the professors give you a few more suggestions, in a gentler way this time.
Obviously, these suggestions are much more useful than their interrogations. It seems you'll have to spend more time perfecting the report ...
Kaalaa Baunaa: Whew...
So far you still have not noticed the black star floating above your head ...