Dr. Vellini is the most mysterious member of the Scientific Team, a galactic Rasputin of sorts. His research and experiments dealing with intellect have yet to indicate the bounds of human stupidity. Convinced that any alien life form encountering us, even if at first friendly, would no doubt eventually turn hostile, he practices and encourages the use and development of disguises. He is also an adherent of the wasabi diet, eating up to two cups a day of a freshly prepared secret family recipe.

* Many fellow scientists repudiate his research because of the presumed taint of much of his work due to his long captivity in Tibet.