Scene 1

6:50 PM, Oxford Road, Manchester

The streets of Manchester glistened under the persistent drizzle. The glow of streetlights reflected off the wet pavement as a single cab weaved through the gloom. Inside, Genesis sat in the backseat, her face partially obscured by an oversized hat.

Genesis: Are we there yet, sir?

Cab Driver: Just a couple more blocks, miss.

Genesis: Thanks!

Cab Driver: You've got quite a bit of luggage there. It's pouring—are you sure you don't need help getting out?

Genesis: I'll manage, sir. Just drop me off at the curb.

The cab slowed to a stop. Genesis struggled slightly, maneuvering her large suitcase out of the vehicle. The clinking sound of fragile items inside added tension. She stepped out carefully, opened her parasol with a flick, and waved to the driver.

Genesis: Thank you!

The cab drove off, leaving Genesis standing in front of the towering university building ahead. Raindrops bounced off her parasol.

Genesis (muttering): Manchester University, here I come. Too bad I'll be soaked before I even make it inside. (checks her phone) Twenty-five minutes until the event starts. Plenty of time... if I hurry.

She picked up her pace, weaving through the throng of students milling about the campus. Their excitement was palpable. The camera zoomed in on a large banner suspended above the university entrance: "Bi-Annual International Sleuthing Symposium."

Scene 2

John Owens Building, Manchester University Campus

Nathan and Chase walked briskly down the hallway, their expressions tense. The two were locked in a heated discussion, their footsteps echoing in the corridor.

Chase: Nate, the prototype isn't ready! I've only done two test runs with my fingerprint scanner serum, and it's nowhere near perfect!

Nathan: Why am I supposed to care? You've been distracted since last week's trip. I should've never let you take over that project so close to the Symposium. Talk about a time crunch!

Chase: Run that by me again? (He fiddled with the serum, smoke puffing out, making him cough and frown.)

Nathan: (sighs) Never mind. Just present what you've got.

Before Chase could respond, the PA system crackled to life.

PA System: Attention, participants of the Bi-Annual International Sleuthing Symposium. Please make your way to Rutherford Theater. The event will begin in ten minutes. I repeat, ten minutes.

Chase: Shit, we're late! Nate, help me with this stuff already!

Nathan: Fine.

Reluctantly, Nathan grabbed a corner of Chase's cart, and together they maneuvered their presentation materials down the hall.

Scene 3

Rutherford Theater, 7:20 PM

The theater buzzed with excitement. Genesis, still lugging her suitcase, pushed her way through the crowded hall.

Genesis: Excuse me! Sorry! Pardon me... (she nearly slipped but caught herself.) Heh, sorry!

Across the room, Nathan and Chase hurriedly wheeled their cart through the throng, barely in control.

Nathan: Move it, people! Coming through!

The two collided with Genesis in a chaotic crash. Glass flasks shattered, serum splattered everywhere, and fragile items from both parties spilled onto the floor.

Genesis: Ahh! My coat!

Chase: No! My serum!

The three stood amidst the wreckage, covered in spilled chemicals.

Chase: You pillock! Do you have any idea how long it took me to make that serum? How much of a klutz are you?!

Genesis: Me?! You're the ones who weren't paying attention! And I'm the klutz? Watch your mouth, or I'll shove my heel in it!

Nathan: Enough! Both of you, pipe down! (He grabbed Chase by the collar, gritting his teeth.) The whole theater's staring at us!

Sure enough, a crowd of sleuths and scientists was watching the scene unfold. Nathan quickly forced a nervous laugh and raised his hands apologetically.

Nathan: Don't worry, folks! We'll clean this up.

He offered a hand to Genesis.

Nathan: Miss...?

Genesis: (accepting the hand) Genesis Sinclair. Archaeologist, former museum curator at the Louvre. Specializes in Egyptian, French, Levantine, and Mediterranean histories.

Nathan: (chuckles) Nathaniel Turner. Detective, Greater Manchester Police Department. Sorry about my grumpy partner here. (whispers) He's not great with people.

Chase: (grudgingly) Callahan Morgan. Forensic scientist and tech specialist at Smithsonian Biotech.

Genesis: Impressive. I've heard about Smithsonian Biotech. Your tech was invaluable during our Cleopatra expedition last summer.

Chase: (blushing) Well, thanks... I guess.

Nathan: So, Ms. Sinclair, what brings you to a sleuthing symposium?

Genesis: Honestly? I'm not sure. An invitation showed up in my mailbox, complete with a free round-trip ticket. Hard to say no to that. (She pulled the invitation from her pocket.)

Chase: Hmph. Doesn't impress me.

Genesis: What's your problem?

Chase: You're my problem!

Nathan: Enough! Let's find our seats. The Symposium's about to start.

The trio reluctantly made their way to a nearby table.

Scene 4

Rutherford Theater, 8:00 PM

The stage lights dimmed as the presenter stepped up to the podium.

Presenter: Sleuths, scientists, and distinguished guests, welcome to the Bi-Annual Sleuthing Symposium! This year, we celebrate innovation with a competition for a £20,000 grant, courtesy of the University of Manchester and RX-Tech, the world's leader in crime-solving technology!

The crowd erupted in applause.

Presenter: Let the presentations begin!

A montage followed, showcasing various scientists and sleuths unveiling their inventions: portable infrared dating scanners, high-tech glasses, and more. The crowd alternated between awe and disappointment as the presentations unfolded.

Scene 5

Rutherford Theater, 8:45 PM

Nathan and Chase stood on stage, their invention concealed beneath a cloth. Chase stepped forward to address the crowd.

Chase: Good evening, guests, fellow scientists, and sleuths. Tonight, you will witness one of my finest inventions—something that has been in development for a long time. I believe the world is ready to see it.

Nathan pulled the cloth away, revealing a sleek device with a digital interface.

Chase: This is the CLN Data Scanner, enhanced with a special serum that improves radiocarbon dating. It allows users to search for human and artifact records on the internet, automatically updating archives with new data. It's efficient, accurate, and a game-changer in forensic science. Nathan, the demonstration, please.

Nathan: Gladly.

He poured the serum onto an ancient fossilized artifact and activated the scanner. The device emitted a soft hum.

Scanner: Scanning... Scanning... Nautilus shell. Fossil dated to the Cretaceous Period, approximately 120 million years ago. Specimen originated in an era populated by Ammonites and Nautiluses. (The scanner beeped, and the audience burst into applause.)

Nathan: Any volunteers?

Genesis rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

Genesis (muttering): Show-off.

Nathan (grinning): Looks like we have a volunteer. Ms. Sinclair, care to assist?

The crowd clapped encouragingly as Genesis hesitated, frowning.

Genesis: Do I have to?

Nathan (whispering): Consider it payback for earlier. You'll be fine.

Reluctantly, Genesis approached the stage.

Genesis: I don't have anything ancient with me, but... (she held up her designer handbag) will this work?

Nathan: It'll do. Place it on the scanner.

Genesis set her bag on the pedestal. Nathan repeated the scanning process.

Scanner: Scanning... Scanning... Christian Dior Diorama Calfskin Bag. Spring 2015 collection. Value: approximately £2,846. (The crowd chuckled.)

Genesis (chuckling): An artifact, indeed.

Nathan: Thank you for your participation, Ms. Sinclair. You may return to your seat.

Genesis grabbed her bag and returned to the audience, her face slightly flushed.

Scene 6

9:50 PM, Rutherford Theater

The presenter returned to the stage, his tone excited.

Presenter: Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached the climax of tonight's event. Please welcome the CEO of RX-Tech, Mr. Rex Maximus!

The crowd applauded as Rex, a confident middle-aged man in a sharp suit, strode onto the stage.

Rex: Good evening, everyone. It's an honor to stand before such brilliant minds. For over 35 years, RX-Tech has been at the forefront of innovation, aiding law enforcement and scientists worldwide. Tonight, I'm here to announce an extraordinary challenge.

The lights dimmed as a screen behind him displayed an image of a large emerald necklace.

Rex: This is the Rumored Lost Emerald of Queen Victoria. For centuries, it has eluded historians and archaeologists. But my sources suggest it's hidden somewhere in this city.

The audience gasped.

Rex: I'm calling on you to form teams and find this legendary artifact. The first team to locate it will receive £20,000 and a year-long sponsorship from RX-Tech. The race begins now. Good luck, and good night!

The theater buzzed with excitement as attendees began forming groups.

Chase (panicked): Two weeks?! How are we supposed to compete against all these people?

Nathan (calmly): Relax. We'll manage. Trust me.

Nathan's gaze drifted toward Genesis, who was chatting with a group of scientists.

Chase (noticing): No. Don't even think about it.

Nathan (grinning): We could use her expertise.

Chase: She's a klutz! Absolutely not.

Nathan: We'll see.

Scene 7

10:15 PM, Oxford Road, Manchester

Genesis stood on the sidewalk, nervously tapping her foot. The street was eerily quiet.

Genesis (muttering): Come on, cab. Where are you?

A cab finally pulled up, but before she could load her luggage, a black van screeched to a halt nearby. Masked men jumped out, guns drawn.

Unnamed Man 1: Hands up! Don't move!

Genesis froze, clutching her bag.

Unnamed Man 2: Nice bag. Toss it here, sweetheart.

Thinking quickly, Genesis swung her heavy bag, knocking one of the men off balance. The other raised his gun, but before he could fire, a familiar voice shouted.

Nathan: Leave her alone!

Nathan and Chase appeared from the shadows, Nathan aiming his gun at the attackers.

Unnamed Man 1: Back off, or she's dead!

Genesis seized the opportunity to stomp on the man's foot and elbow him in the ribs. He dropped his weapon, and she scrambled away as police sirens blared in the distance. The attackers fled, but not before one was tackled by Nathan.

Genesis (panting): Thanks... I owe you.

Chase (grinning): Still a klutz, though.

Genesis (glaring): Hey!

Nathan chuckled as they escorted her to safety.

Scene 8

Morgan-Turner Manor, Midnight

Genesis stared in awe at the sprawling estate as Nathan pushed open the heavy front door. A butler greeted them.

Nathan: Alistair, prepare a room for our guest.

Genesis: This place is incredible. Do you live here?

Nathan: Not much. Chase and I are usually too busy.

Alistair returned with a first-aid kit and began tending to Genesis's injuries.

Alistair: Miss, you're lucky to have survived such an ordeal. Rest assured, you're safe now.

Genesis: Thank you. Really. Ow! Ow! that stings!

Genesis, Nathan and Alistair sat on the guest bedroom to further help Genesis with her belongings.

Alistair: Pardon me miss, but have we met before? You seem familiar to me.

Genesis: Oh, no, no, I'm just a visiting professor of Archaeology from the United States. These two brought me back after I got almost killed by a thief who attempted to steal my stuff. Good thing I carry this trusty bricked Dior bag with me, (holds the bag with both hands) haha.

Nathan: Yup, and Genesis you shouldn't do that again, Jesus. You scared the life out of me there. Anyway, Alistair, can you give us a moment? I want to have a word, privately.

Alistair: Of course, and miss, you know who to call!

Genesis: Aww, thank you! (Alistair leaves) Your butler's pretty nice!

Nathan: No, I think he likes you. He barely even talks to anyone!

Genesis: WHAT? (Nathan laughs)

Nathan: I'm just messing around. So, the actual reason why we brought you back here besides keeping you safe, is that we actually need your help. That emerald... it's connected to something bigger. Are you in?

Genesis raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Genesis: Let's talk.