Nikolay Lebedev

Nikolay Lebedev (58) is one of the crew members in The Long Journey Home.

He can scrap technical devices to create new modules for the ship and the lander.

Description
Few have contributed more to our century than Professor Lebedev, though his name remains unknown outside of the top-secret labs and halls of government where he has spent his career. As lead researcher on the Daedalus jump-drive, he is finally in a position to get his due. Despite his advancing years, he has requested a place on the mission in event of trouble requiring a firm-hand, or the lifetime of experience leading to its success.

Background
Nikolay Lebedev was born in Russia and is the lead researcher on the KNOSSOS project that created the Daedalus’ jump drive. While largely unknown to the outside world, Professor Lebedev’s name is spoken in scientific circles with the same reverence as any Einstein, Curie or Crick. Now IASA’s chief engine researcher, he shares co-credit for the creation of the space-folder device, and plans to be there to ensure it goes well.

Professor Lebedev had his basic idea for the KNOSSOS drive 40 years ago and spent his entire life on building his dream. Since neither the US nor Russia were willing to provide the resources he needed, he regularily moved between government projects. He had to rely on a world-wide push, only becoming possible with an organisation such as IASA, to finish his space-folder. He lives for his science and does not care about fame.

He has a minor dispute with Alessandra Iacovelli about whether the Deadalus drive is ready for the final launch. The Daedalus drive uses the gravitational wells of stars to navigate and can therefore as easily jump to Alpa Centauri as to the distant side of the galaxy. He doesn't believe, that a structure exists that might actually emit gravitational waves, which are strong enough to cause issues to the jump drive's targeting system. He is convinced that the mission will safey reach Alpha Centauri and stakes his reputation and career on it.

Lebedev is a smart scientist, who can use computers in ruins and wrecks to salvage more loot than others. On the ship his presence is indicated by his researcher's diary and plenty of empty bottles. "Humanity's next small step is about to become our next giant leap. I will make sure of it."

Abilities

 * Expedition Report: Investigate to get the Gate Repair Instruction during Operation: Rescue
 * Gate Circuit: He leaves the last gate open
 * Glowing Device: Jury-rig it to get an Exotic Matter Tank
 * Naked Singularity: Study to create a Wormhole Device (risk of failure)
 * Ticking Device: Extract a Trapped Wisp
 * Totem of Pestilence: Extract Critter Repellent

Item

 * Critter Repellent: Can be used to fight spiders in wrecks, loot some ruins, or to anger Xaquindis.