Ursula Aldebaran

Native of Lumiir, Iythara

Age: 55 cycles

</aside>

As young, bright researchers, Thaddeus Murtaak and Ursula Aldebaran pioneered Iythara’s space travel industry by creating speedy transit throughout the local solar system (ISTS). That technology impressed the royal family enough to gain government funding with minimal oversight, which they used to create the MurAlde Foundation.

More than a decade went by with no major developments (at least none announced publicly), and Lumiir’s people largely forgot about them. Meanwhile, Murtaak and Aldebaran had set their sights on further destinations. If they could create a way to teleport across the universe, they could open doors to infinite opportunities with Lumiir at the center. They originally believed they were working for the greater good, even if the greater good occasionally required sacrifices.

After an experiment led to Murtaak’s death, Aldebaran decided she needed exclusive control over universal travel to ensure everything went according to her plan. Driven by grief and without the level-headed Murtaak to balance her, she’ll do anything to keep MurAlde’s shady history–and even shadier future plans–a secret.

Aldebaran and the Safe Haven Project

After Iythara was completely, unexpectedly, and without any possible warning… ahem… first attacked by the Soundless, the royal family turned to government-funded organizations for help. Each organization, including MurAlde, was required to propose a solution that would keep the young Ascendant safe from the monsters that were quickly decimating the family.

Although MurAlde was still very early in development of UST, Aldebaran claimed it was a surefire way to ensure Aer’s spirit would remain unharmed. This mostly untested technology was a huge risk, but Aldebaran’s pitch was convincing. They devised the Safe Haven Project, sending Aer’s spirit to Earth (and securing guaranteed government funding for MurAlde until her return).

Aldebaran sees the royal family and all their guards as an annoying necessity. She’ll play along for the time being until she’s ready to make her next move.

<aside>

Appearance and Mannerisms

While Aldebaran used to appear quite pleasant, lately her smile has taken on a more sickening quality. Most people are so taken back by the demanding presence of her tall, sharp frame that they fail to notice the dark circles under her eyes. Her voice is charismatic and authoritative. She exclusively moves with purpose and efficiency, often unnerving others around her.

Associated Location

MurAlde Foundation Headquarters

Atrocity Memorial (Site of former MurAlde Headquarters)

Goals

Strategically seize power over travel within the universe by perfecting teleportation technology before anyone else.
Further UST technology and control by establishing secret bases on other planets.
Don’t let anyone know about all the terrible things done to make it happen.

Strengths

Aldebaran is an experienced and knowledgeable scientist, capable of many great things. Unfortunately, she’s not really interested in that anymore.
She is unabashedly brutal in her hunt for power. She’s not distracted by silly things like empathy.
She has full, unbridled control of MurAlde and has filled the organization with supporters hoping to join her as she seizes control.

Secrets

Most people fear the Soundless because of their sudden, violent attacks. She fears them because their natural ability to teleport gives them a leg up in the universal space race. If she managed to catch one, could she harness that ability?

The Atrocity might not have been completely unexpected…

</aside>