Professor, my apologies for addressing you so informally, especially given that we have not spoken previously, but I have recently come to learn that you are a scientist. I do not like to call upon favors, but rumor of your prowess has forced me to come to the understanding... that none within Purgatorium compare to you in this field. There is something that I must do, and I believe that scientific expertise would be of value in accomplishing the task.
If we could meet and perhaps discuss matters, it would be appreciated.
Of course, I do not expect something for nothing.