Bruno Taltalian

Dr Bruno Taltalian was a scientist who was in charge of computers at Space Control.

Biography
Dr Taltalian was French and worked under Professor Ralph Cornish at Space Control with Dobson, his chief assistant of two years. He knew Sir James Quinlan for a number of years and, after Jim Daniels' death, became involved with General Charles Carrington's schemes. (TV: The Ambassadors of Death)

The Apocalypse Clock sent Dr Taltalian a letter informing him of his upcoming death. (AUDIO: The Last Post) He assisted General Carrington in his plans by demanding at gunpoint the recording of the aliens' messages from the Third Doctor and Dr Liz Shaw which he later explained was at the general's command. He later kidnapped Liz and took her to Reegan to help them communicate with the ambassadors.

When Reegan realised that Dr Taltalian was close to being found out, Dr Taltalian was sent with a supposedly timed bomb to kill the Doctor. When he turned the levers on the briefcase that the bomb was contained inside, it detonated immediately and he was instantly killed. The Doctor surmised that he was a weak link that his employers had wanted to get rid of. (TV: The Ambassadors of Death)

Appearance
Dr Taltalian was a massive, lumbering figure with a big beard, bristling face and burly shoulders. (PROSE: The Ambassadors of Death)

Personality
Dr Taltalian was brutally frank and prone to responding to others by shrugging, (PROSE: The Ambassadors of Death) being described by Dame Emily Shaw as being "not one of nature's charmers". (AUDIO: The Last Post) Whilst he claimed that he would not use a gun on a fellow scientist, he was willing to attempt to kill the Doctor with an explosive to cover up his criminal involvement. (TV: The Ambassadors of Death)

Behind the scenes
In the novelisation of The Ambassadors of Death, Dr Taltalian's surname is instead spelt "Taltallian".