Alpha Centuri

Hermaphrodite, multi-limbed, monoculared ambassador from Alpha Centauri, sent to Peladon initially as one of the committee who would judge whether the planet was suitable for admission to the Galactic Federation.

Easily frightened and ill-equipped for danger, Centauri was nevertheless the pragmatist of the committee, always keen to state and follow rules and regulations. His basic cowardice was a natural defence but despite this, when Peladon was accepted, Centauri remained on the planet as a diplomatic attache.

When the Federation went to war with Galaxy Five, Centauri was one of three Federation representatives based on Peladon while the Pel miners dug for trisilicate, needed for the war effort. The others were Vega Nexos, a miner, and the traitor Eckersley, a human engineer. Even when in danger of being found out, Eckersley found himself incapable of killing Centauri, a major error as the ambassador was able to help expose him later. After Galaxy Five sued for peace, it appeared that Centauri would remain on Peladon.