This article is a follow-up to "DS&T Officials, Including Director, Charged in Murder of Multiple Officials" and "Mysterious Sightings of the Late Chancellor Lin Surface Across Tonderay," both of which are available on BK.
In light of the reappearance of former Chancellor Alex Lin yesterday, the BK takes a look back at the events surround her supposed death several years ago.
Investigators at the Tonderay Police Service had stood alongside other Bureau of Policing units and agents from the Bureau of Intelligence’ SI1 20 years ago as they announced the initial results of their investigation into the late Chancellor Lin's death:
While the release of significant quantities of carbon monoxide was initially detected and reported on, the family's wish that Alex's body be returned to their custody immediately put paid to any potential plans for postmortem procedure. We consequently cannot conclusively conclude the cause of syncope. However, our forensic experts have studied the distribution of the gas and it is clear that she suffered a fatal exposure to the gas. We therefore conclude with complete certainty that Chancellor Lin's death was caused by carbon monoxide exposure.
Further, the source of the gas is yet unknown, having ceased to emit the gas before investigators arrived on-scene. Several potential sources have been identified, but we cannot conclusively rule out accidental or intentional exposure. As all evidence from the scene has been gathered, the crime scene has been released to the family, and further analysis will be handled by forensic experts and analysts at both our agencies. The initial phase of the investigation has closed, and we would like to thank the family and public for their continuing support as we investigate the third death of a Republic Cabinet member in recent times.
A Mysterious Face?
No comments were made regarding the reported sightings of Ms. Lin throughout Tonderay at that time, nor the many reports of sightings in rural Ziva.
With the release of this initial information, the conspiracy theory scene in Sabmadi saw a flurry of activity, with members positing theories ranging from a transparent assassination by the "scientific funding grant mafia" to the late Chancellor faking her own death to escape her power and fame. The Tonderay Police Service (TPS) had repeatedly denied the claims, and continued to do so until today, though adherents to the theory insist it only served to cover up their theory, whatever disparate group of theorists they happen to be.
Although several reports from the time placed the late Ms. Lin in rural areas of Nalini Prefecture with her family, courtesy visits by officers of the TPS and a reporter from the Biashara Karatasi did not yield any evidence of the late Chancellor. Sofia Martinez-Lin refused to comment on her late partner, though she did wish for us to note that "reporters should stick their noses where they belong. Such as a non-fiction publication, for once.”
Showing us the famed Lin courtesy, Ms. Martinez-Lin offered us the most delightful chocolate brownies, and had us sit down for a cup of tea. We are informed that the recipe was originally adapted from many different recipes by Alex Lin alongside her sister, Marina Lin. Although she declined to share the recipe, she did hint at potential production alongside major hospitality chains across the nation.
Picture (Left) of the famous Lin brownies, taken by associate reporter Alix Fielding, who was denied the specifics of the recipe.
A Shocking Return
Following our interview with Ms. Martinez-Lin, Director Lily Merrick of the Republic’s Department of Health and Education (DHE) announced in a surprise speech yesterday that she was retiring, effective immediately, citing health concerns, and appearing significantly more frail than when she assumed the post.
She announced that last year, she had been diagnosed with a late-stage and metastatic cancer, and that she would be stepping down from her post due to her significant ill-health for a short retirement. She is quoted as saying, “If I’m going to die within the next few weeks, I might as well let some medical students and junior doctors learn something out of it.”
In a shocking twist, she announced that Alex Lin, long thought to be deceased, was very much alive and would succeed her as Acting Director of the DHE until the new wave of appointments following the upcoming General Election. Upon completing her announcement, Alex Lin stepped forward to gasps from the crowd.
Discussing why she had returned, she cited factors beyond her control as the reason for staging her death, resolving to return to government service. Alex Lin also chose to run in the upcoming General Election, appearing to throw herself back into politics with a passion.
The investigation into her death has grounded to an odd halt, given that the subject of the investigation has now revealed herself to be alive. Tonderay Police Service declined to comment on this latest development, but a spokesperson from SI1 released a statement on her return:
Alex Lin’s initial staged death was prompted by high-level intelligence originating from the Republic’s government about an imminent and credible threat on her life, with suspected elements of involvement from within the Sabmadi government, making typical means of protection unviable. The group had successfully killed multiple top officials through unknown means, using methods that were mistaken for natural deaths. The information of the impending assassination attempt was obtained before the individuals involved in the plot could be identified.
Given all these factors, SI1 and the wider Bureau of Intelligence is satisfied, in its recent review, that the actions taken at the time were necessary and proportionate to prevent the very real death of our nation’s highest elected official.
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