# Dr. Urushkidan — Short Fiction character guide

> Dr. Urushkidan in Short Fiction by Poul Anderson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Urushkidan

**First appearance:** 0000-star-ship

## Snapshot

A doctor whose calm professional bearing masks a role in the shadowy pursuit of Dalgetty, Urushkidan is a figure the hunted man cannot afford to misjudge.

## Who they are

Dr. Urushkidan operates in the same institutional and medical world that Dalgetty must navigate while evading capture. The doctor's composure and access make him both a potential ally and a quiet threat, and Dalgetty's survival depends on reading which he is. His presence deepens the story's atmosphere of trained, watchful adversaries rather than simple brutes.

## In the story

### [Captive of the Centaurianess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/captive-of-the-centaurianess)

Cited for his mighty wisdom and profound, benign influence on the course of history.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/i)

A renowned Martian mathematician whose reformulation of relativity could enable faster-than-light travel; he is condescending and frugal, traveling third class to save money.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/ii)

Martian mathematician; comments on Ray's predicament and offers philosophical advice.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/iii)

Martian mathematician forced to work on faster-than-light travel; eager to leave Ganymede with Dyann.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/iv)

The Martian scientist is more interested in his own theories and tobacco than in building the drive, but is eventually coerced into helping.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/v)

Claims invention of the star drive, bickers with Ray, and helps improvise the braking system.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/vi)

Invents new technologies including tractor beams and disintegrators. He is reluctantly dragged along on the invasion.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/vii)

Destroys the Jovian fleet from orbit using the spaceboat's beams, then gives a speech at the banquet.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters/urushkidan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters