Tasmr Tellek

Overview

Tasmr Ulirmod Tellek [ˈtʰas̠.mr ˈu.lir.mɔd ˈtʰɛl.lɛk] (April 9, 2947 — July 10, 3075) was a Terran polymath primarily known for his work in theoretical physics, astronomy, and mathematics. He is most well known for being the inventor of the first faster-than-light (FTL) travel drive, which would later be named after him.

Early Life

Tellek was born on April 9, 2947 in Basel, Switzerland, United Nations of Greater Earth (UNGE). Growing up, Tellek expressed interest in science and mathematics at an early age. He also demonstrated a much higher intelligence than his peers, a feature which was noted by his family and teachers. Tellek graduated from secondary school at just 12 years old, and soon after enrolled at the prestigious Geneva Academy of the Sciences where he majored in physics and minored in mathematics. He would go on to attain a Ph.D. in physics and a master's degree in mathematics. He would begin his career working at a nearby research university.

Plus Ultra Initiative

In 2972, the UNGE's Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology began a nation-wide collaborative research project called the Plus Ultra Initiative (PIU) in order to research new insights into physics with the goal of finding a way to achieve FTL travel and communication. Upon hearing of it, Tellek immediately sent in an application to become part of the project. After being accepted, he was granted leadership of a small team that would work as part of a larger network of teams. For the next 26 years, he and his team would develop numerous failed prototypes.

However, in 2995, Tellek's team reached a breakthrough in their research of space-folding methods which led to them developing a new prototype that was ready to test by 2998. A test flight was approved to occur between Earth and the Alpha Centauri System. Tellek volunteered to be a member of the crew, though he was there solely for observational purposes. On June 22, 2998, the test flight occured and achieved success with the ship reaching the neighboring star system after just 4 months. Upon returning to Earth on March 1, 2999, Tellek and his crew were welcomed as heroes.

In the aftermath of the operation, Tellek was the subject of numerous interviews, documentaries, movies, and TV shows. While he always emphasized that the discovery of FTL was a team effort, the media was far more interested in him than anyone else involved in the PIU.

Later Life

Tellek retired from his career and moved to rural North America in 3013 in an attempt to return to private life. Unfortunately for him, the media was relentless. It was only after he threatened the paparazzi that he was finally left alone. After that, Tellek rarely made any public appearances. Interviews were rare, and many speculated on if he had died or not.

Towards the end of the 31st century, Tellek began to unexpectedly open up to the outside world again. A number of famous interviews were conducted, including one by famous documentarian Konstantis Seyklo.

Tellek passed away from natural causes on July 10, 3075 at the age of 128.

Legacy

Tellek is remembered most fondly as the inventor of FTL travel and communication. Numerous statues, museums, buildings, space habitats, and other things have been dedicated to his him and his name. He is widely considered one of the most influential scientists in history.