Being part of a major five part epic is no mean feat, but Dr Paul Eldridge took time out adventuring in The First Chronicle to discuss his role in the book.
Name: Dr Paul Eldridge. I have a PhD in Quantum Physics, hence the Dr prefix.
D.O.B/Star sign: 21st February 1921. I’m not a great believer in astrology but my star sign is Pisces, identical to my favourite scientist, Albert Einstein.
Celebrity/person lookalike: Some people say I resemble the contemporary a
ctor, Michael Fassbender.
Profession: I’m both a physicist and a university lecturer, although the latter I’ve only been so for a few years. I’ve been a researcher in residence working for Max Richardson at The Establishment and The Institute although now I’m managing my own ground-breaking project.
Qualities: As a child prodigy, I’m not exaggerating if I describe myself as intelligent. My students always looked up to me so I would say I have a degree of charisma and good leadership qualities. I value investigation and breaking boundaries, I’m not afraid to be bold. It’s been pointed out I’m somewhat impetuous; maybe, I’m enthusiastic and driven although I don’t see myself as reckless. However, it’s difficult to be objective when describing yourself.
Likes: Albert Einstein, physics, science, the cosmos, space exploration… you get the gist. Spiritual matters draw my interest too. I also enjoy the outdoors, horse riding and the occasional pint of fine ale.
Dislikes: Narrow-mindedness, negativity, people who treat others with disrespect, not being able to follow my dreams.
What is your mission, or your dreams/ambitions in the book? My overall dream is to become an important and ground-breaking scientist, so when Max Richardson presented me with an opportunity to research at his facility, it seemed too good to be true. I began searching for evidence of the human soul but life has a way of dictating one’s destiny at times and I soon became involved in some research with military applications. However, a down phase in my life and a few enlightening moments later, I was able to pursue a project more to my liking, one I could direct. It truly opened my eyes and changed my concept of reality forever.
Which is your favourite scene in the book and why? I would have to say the latter scenes in the book, because the worlds that I saw and the entities I encountered changed my life. It was such a surreal yet visually beautiful experience that touched me in a very profound way.
Which did you find the most challenging scene and why? Definitely the last scenes in the book! But I don’t want to supply a spoiler. I do get the distinct feeling that I’m going to get a rough ride in the Second Chronicle though. Apart from the end, I found my time researching at The Establishment very challenging, in that although I derived a great deal of academic satisfaction from it, the experience encouraged a much darker side of my personality. In retrospect, that decade of my life was like a fairground ride, in that you jumped onboard in the knowledge that it was going to be exciting, yet you didn’t really know what lay in store. Along the way were highs and lows, exhilaration and apprehension, but you’d never want to get off until the ride drew to a halt.
Can you tell us about the relationships between yourself and the two other main characters of your time, Max and Tahra? You find in life there are people you really like yet don’t respect; the opposite is true with Max. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for him due to the opportunities he gave to me, but as a person… he’s not truly likeable or a great friend, and his morals are questionable but he’s fascinating. He has a way of drawing you into his world and making you a part of it whether you like it or not. I never really knew him though, he gives so little away and is intensely private in many ways.
Tahra, however, has a great personality, plus she’s extraordinarily talented. I’m indebted to her for the experiences she brought into my life, my project owes everything to her. She’s intelligent and gifted, courageous, supportive and kind, what more can I say?
Many thanks, Paul for dropping by.
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