Professor Remy Crane was born in Alchester to a family of modest means, where his father worked as a humble clockmaker, and his mother was a schoolteacher. From an early age, Remy displayed an insatiable curiosity and a knack for understanding the mechanics of the world around him. He would spend hours dismantling his father’s clockwork creations, only to reassemble them with newfound insights. This inquisitive nature did not go unnoticed; his mother nurtured his love for learning, often bringing home books filled with scientific theories and inventions from her school.
Driven to explore the boundaries of knowledge, Remy pursued formal education at the local academy, where he excelled in mathematics and the sciences. His unyielding passion eventually earned him a scholarship to study at a prestigious institution, where he delved into various fields, from physics to engineering. With each passing year, Remy became more entrenched in innovation and discovery, sparking a desire to contribute meaningfully to society. After completing his education, Professor Crane returned to Alchester, where he joined the Society for the Progression of Science and Technology. He quickly rose through the ranks because of his groundbreaking research and inventive prowess.
Amid his professional success, Remy’s personal life flourished as well. He married a fellow scientist, a brilliant mind whose passion for discovery matched his own. They shared an unbreakable bond fueled by their love for science and exploration. Their union brought forth a daughter, whom they named Ruby, and Remy and his wife ensured she grew up in an environment rich with learning and creativity. Tragically, his wife passed away unexpectedly when Ruby was just a child, leaving Remy to raise her alone. Though burdened by grief, he poured himself into his work and sought to instill in Ruby the same love for science that had shaped his life.
“Hmm?” the Professor Crane said, lifting his goggles to his forehead. He took us in with a glance. Like his daughter, his face lit up when he saw me and Liz. Ruby nodded at him when his expectant gaze shot to her. “Excellent!” He stood, almost knocking his stool over, then hurried to a table that already had a space cleared. “Let’s have it then! Please place the scroll here, and may I see the key?”
Samuel did as instructed, unfurling the scroll at the designated location and using small, nearby metal parts to hold it down. Then he placed the sheaf key or spring caliper into the professor’s waiting hand. The professor scrutinized the caliper, shrugged, then moved it closer to the parchment. He stopped before he’d quite touched it to the scroll.
“Where is Mr. Drake?” he asked, looking about with such interest it must have only now occurred to him that Atticus hadn’t arrived with us.
Samuel cleared his throat. “He is . . . otherwise detained.”
- THE ASSASSIN’S CUNNING
As Ruby grew, her father was delighted to discover she possessed her own budding talents for scientific inquiry. He nurtured her ambitions and involved her in his research, building a partnership that would ultimately thrive within the Society. Together, they became known for their remarkable inventions and theoretical breakthroughs, each project further solidifying their reputation in the scientific community. Remy cherished their time in the lab, relishing the unique bond they forged through shared pursuits. He found comfort in knowing their work honored the woman he had lost and continued her legacy.
Professor Crane has dedicated his life to advancing knowledge and technology for the betterment of society, adopting a methodology that balances practicality with ethical considerations. While his professional ambitions push him to challenge existing paradigms, he is aware of the implications of scientific discovery. He often advocates for responsible innovation, emphasizing the importance of using knowledge for the greater good rather than self-serving interests.
As a high-ranking scientist in Alchester, Professor Crane is respected and admired, yet he often grapples with the lingering grief of his wife’s absence. His dedication to his daughter is a guiding light amid the complexity of academia and its fierce competition. Remy strives not only to achieve greatness in his field but also to ensure that Ruby can explore her own identity as a scientist, paving the way for future generations who will continue the legacy of inquiry and progress they both cherish.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Remy first appears in The Assassin's Cunning (Assassin Without a Name Book Two).
