((Below will be my central character list for my nation. My true primaries are Sharon, Thomas, and Miguel, and all the others are new and in development. I’ll keep this as updated as I can, and of course this is WIP and feedback is appreciated!))
The Executive Committee
Dr. Sharon Rosenberg
Executive Director
Species: Human
Code Name: “The Boss”
Specialty: Molecular biology
From: Austin, Texas, USA
Inspiration: Ellen Ripley (Alien), Maria Hill (The Avengers)
Theme Song: Nightwish Amaranth lyrics - YouTube
Bio: Originally from Dallas, Texas, Sharon Rosenberg had a remarkably unremarkable life for most of her youth. She was a good student, had friends, and made her parents proud when she got into the National University to peruse a PhD in Biology and Organic Chemistry. She had been leading a team in Brazil to track climate change when the Curupiri made first contact. Within days, she found she was one of the few who could hear the ‘Voice’ or collective unconscious of the Curupiri. This gave her incredible influence with the dryads, and she was quickly put in charge of a much larger operation to study them. Now she finds herself as “the voice of the Voice,” with the dryads trusting her to assist them in growing and adapting in this new world.
Other Info: It’s well-known that Dr. Rosenberg is primarily a researcher and is in charge purely due to her connection with the Curupiri. However, she has the respect of her team and they do their best to insulate her from leadership politics. Her romantic history with Dr. Thomas Brannigan is an open secret among the staff.
Dr. Thomas Brannigan
Associate Director
Species: Feline humanoid
Code Name: “The Tree-Hugger”
Specialty: Dryad Sociology and Psychology
From: Berkley, California, USA
Inspiration: Hoban “Wash” Washburne (Firefly)
Theme song: Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces - YouTube
Bio: Thomas Brannigan was not a scientist when the Curupiri emerged. He had been a conservationist and environmental activist in California for years, but found himself fascinated with the possibility of a plant-based society and quickly moved to apply his specialities to the new dryad discovery. His theories on Curupiri sociology and enthusiasm caught the attention of the international selection board and he was sent to Brazil to work for Dr. Rosenberg. His positive attitude and genuine curiosity quickly made him one of the most popular researchers in the lab, and the Executive team added him to counterbalance the pragmatic and conservative Dr. Baruch and Dr. Hameed. His lack of scientific pedigree isn’t forgotten, however, and the conservative factions within the lab have little respect for him.
Other info: Often called ‘the face’ or ‘the walking mouth,’ Dr. Brannigan is possibly the best speaker of the group and is often asked to represent the lab in Dr. Rosenberg’s place. Despite his on-and-off romance with the boss, it’s well known that they are both workaholics and would rather do their research than even pursue a relationship.
Dr. Arturo Ruiz
Associate Director
Species: Human
Code Name: “The Rabbi”
Specialty: Climatology
From: Mexico City
Inspiration: Shephard Book (Firefly),
Theme Song: Matisyahu Motivate (Lyrics) - YouTube
Bio: Dr. Ruiz was one of the first appointments Sharon brought into the lab, and set the standard for what would be her unorthodox leadership practices. An expert on global weather patterns, Sharon believed that the Curupiri’s emergence might be connected to climate change and asked him to build a weather station in Brazil. This was done against the advice of the international selection board, but has already proven to be hugely beneficial to understanding Curupiri ecology and their effect on the rainforest. Somewhat out of his element, he primarily advises the committee but has a few theories of his own.
Other info: While not an ordained rabbi or clergy of any sort, Dr. Ruiz grew up in a religious Jewish home in Mexico and his religious beliefs are a major part of his life. He’s become the informal chaplain as well as spiritual advisor to the lab, helping bridge the cultural differences in the diverse international staff.
Dr. Hanifa Hameed
Associate Director
Species: Human
Code Name: “The Powerhouse”
Specialty: Chemistry and Genetics
From: Nairobi, Kenya
Inspirations: Dr. Perry Cox (Scrubs),
Theme Song:
Bio: Dr. Hanifa Hameed is a battleship Captain stuck in a scientist’s body. She is all business, no-nonsense, and incredibly sharp. While there were grumbles of her appointment being motivated by diversity interests, she quickly silenced her critics with the discovery of ‘DNA-like’ compounds in the Curupiri and set the groundwork for the new field of “genetic botany.” Discussions in her office often end up as heated shouting matches, though those who have learned to communicate with her say it’s just part of how she communicates.
Other info: A hard-line pragmatist, verging on amoral with her ‘ends justify means’ approach. She’s often at odds with Dr. Brannigan and sees herself as the voice or reason in a room of over-sensitive moralists.
Dr. Levi Baruch
Associate Director
Code Name: “The Skeptic”
Specialty: Ecology and Geology
From: Tel Aviv, Israel
Theme Song: Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones
Other Staff:
Mr. Michael Selah
Operations Director
Code Name: “The Warrior”
Speciality: Staff services and logistics
From: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Theme Song:
Ms. Priya Kumar
Finance Director
Code Name: “The Calculator”
Specialty: Finance and Accounting
From: Bristol, England
Miguel
Head of Security
Code Name: “The Contra”
Specialty: Jungle Combat, Surveillance and infiltration
From: Unknown
Bio: The keeper of the keys, Miguel was assigned to the lab by the Brazilian government, though more accurately he was asked since he is an independent contractor. He’s terse, professional, and has taken to the job with as much enthusiasm as he can muster. His incredible effectiveness at protecting the lab as well as keeping order has led few to question his motivations, but there is very little known about him either officially or unofficially.
Other info: He lives a very Spartan life, and lives very simply like a soldier on constant deployment. While he’s almost completely stoic in his dealing with people, he seems to have a strange affinity for the Curupiri cause.
Inspiration: Teyrn Loghain (Dragon Age: Origins), Hank Quinlan (Touch of Evil)
Theme Song: Victory - Puff Daddy and Notorious B.I.G.
Other Info: Not actual name. Very little known about history or motivations. Suspected to have been a member of several leftist revolutionary terror groups in South America prior to joining Dr. Rosenberg.