Dr. Theopolis
Dr. Theopolis is a television computer character that features in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
Contents |
Biography
Dr. Theopolis was an ambuquad that was a sentient computer and artificial intelligence system built by other machines by the 25th century. This was done so for humanity to avoid the mistakes in their past and under the guidance of these machine intellects they were able to reclaim the devastated Earth that had suffered a catastrophe in the past that nearly caused mankind's extinction. Following his construction, he was placed as a member of the Earth Defense Directorate Computer Council that was the primary administrative body on the planet. Under their guidance, Earth's surviving cities were kept self-sufficient and the environment in those settlements were efficiently managed with such systems being under the administration of Dr. Theopolis. In that era, United States of America Airforce Captain William 'Buck' Rogers was discovered after his vessel was cryogenically frozen in space after a freak accident. After being arrested, Dr. Theopolis was assigned to interview Captain Rogers where he revealed that he was displaced five hundred years into his future. He later gave his findings to Dr. Huer and Colonel Wilma Deering with the latter believing Rogers to be a spy though Dr. Theopolis vouched for him. Afterwards, Captain Rogers departed the Inner City to find answers about the past as few records survived to the 25th century about the events preceding the Great Holocaust. Twiki with Dr. Theopolis accompanied him as they went into the ruins of old Chicago where they were pursued by mutants that intended to kill them with the intention of using the ambuquads for sale. They were only saved by Directorate forces under Colonel Deering who had pursued Rogers after he left without permission. Captain Rogers was placed under arrest and an investigation led to the finding of an active micro-transmitter on his shuttles navigation system that had sent a signal on the entry corridor of Earth's defense shield. As a result, it was believed he was a spy with Dr. Huer ordering him detained though Dr. Theopolis believed he was innocent. Captain Rogers stated that prior to coming to Earth he had been found by the Draconians and let loose with him stating that they were involved with a plan to conquer Earth. Though he was not believed, Dr. Theopolis held that his descriptions of his captors was too precise to be a lie. He was taken before the Computer Council in order to be presented on charges of espionage with Dr. Theopolis serving as his defense.
Despite his urgings to the Council, the prosecution managed to convince his compatriots that Captain Rogers as guilty and he was held for execution. Rogers was only saved from execution when he helped stave off a seeming pirate raid on the flagship Draconia of the Draconian Realm that was carrying Princess Ardala who was trade representative of her father King Draco to Earth. She stated she wanted to thank the man that saved her leading to the stay on his execution even though he held that the Draconians planned to conquer Earth with the trade mission being a lie. During the Earth festivities held for Princess Ardala, Dr. Theopolis was asked by Buck Rogers for a relaxant and a rose as he seemingly began to flirt with the Draconian Princess. Captain Rogers was seemingly enchanted with the Princess and took her offer to accompany her back on her stellar fortress vessel. Secretly, Dr. Theopolis and Twiki were tasked with following Rogers where they snuck onto the Draconian ship where they remained undetected. However, they lost sight of Rogers and were forced to find him where they discovered him wearing the uniform of a Draconian soldier in the hanger bay of the vessel. This led Dr. Theopolis to believe that Captain Rogers was indeed a spy and had Twiki confiscate his gun with the intention of killing him. However, Captain Rogers pleaded his defense stating that he tricked Princess Ardala in order to sabotage the ship from within as he was placing Draconian warheads in their fighters engines. Furthermore, he showcased the Draconian Marauders that were masquerading as the pirate ships that had been preying upon Earth's trade lines in order to starve the planet and force a treaty with the Draconian Realm as part of a trap to conquer the planet. Dr. Theopolis believed him and decided to help him by going to the communication room to warn Earth whilst Rogers continued his sabotage. With Twiki, they managed to cause the Draconian officer to abandon his post and sent a message to Colonel Deering to assemble a defensive squadron to attack the Draconia that had initiated hostile actions to take over Earth under Princess Ardala's commands. However, the Draconian Marauders began to explode either in the hanger bay or during launch because of Rogers sabotage with the few remaining being destroyed by the Directorate fighters who proceeded with targeting the flagship. The vessel became critically damaged and faced destruction with Dr. Theopolis contacted by Wilma Deering where he vouched for Buck Rogers and told her of his aid. Colonel Deering landed her ship in the hanger bay to rescue Dr. Theopolis, Twiki and Captain Rogers where they managed to escape back to Earth before the vessel was destroyed.
Overview
Personality and attributes
In appearance, the sentient computer had a disk shape that was approximately 9 inches wide and had an illuminated face that glowed whenever he spoke. He lacked any means to move under his own power as he had no limbs or ability for motion. As such, he needed to be carried around by others and was often mounted on the chest of drones such as Twiki.
Though an artificial entity, Dr. Theopolis like other quads had feelings and emotions with them capable of being hurt by words. When dismissed as machines, he felt insulted and told Captain Rogers to watch his manners. He demonstrated a kind and understanding manner with him being polite to Buck. From his initial interview with Buck Rogers, he told Colonel Deering that the time displaced human was a kind person and trustworthy. It was this sense of sensitivity that separated them from mere machines.
Powers and abilities
An array of sensors were situated on his frame allowing him to see and hear his surroundings. Theo was able to understand the electronic language spoken by the drone Twiki.
He was responsible for managing the environmental systems in the inner city to ensure that the human population and environment was kept well maintained.
His sophisticated nature meant that his parts and circuits could sell for a great deal of money on the black market.
Notes
- Dr. Theopolis was voiced by Eric Server.
Appearances
- Buck Rogers in the 25th Century:
External Links
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