Story so far
Peter Nichols is Juliette’s father and a doctor specializing in the youngest children. He worked at the nursery on twenty, where the family’s losses left a lasting divide: his premature son died, and he concealed his wife’s suicide by writing her death certificate himself. He approved Juliette’s early move to Mechanical expecting her to return, but they spent almost twenty years avoiding one another before reconnecting.
Although he objected to Juliette’s expedition outside, he agreed to examine her before and after it and warned that scars do not simply disappear with time. He later examined Solo and the children, assured Hannah that she need not accept an implant, and treated Rickson after a hostile confrontation. He looked after the children during the crisis and supported Juliette after she regained consciousness and confronted the diggers. In the aftermath he established a clinic in a cleared, rusted storeroom, while blaming himself for what had happened to Marcus.
During the removal of bodies, Peter insists that the crew wear masks and rubber gloves. Their preservation leads him to estimate that they have been dead only four or five weeks. He also finds three sets of twins in six births and the children’s excellent health anomalous, and suggests that something in the water might explain the silo’s peculiarities.
Outside, Peter volunteers to remove his helmet before Juliette does. He successfully breathes the air and smiles, then points out a structure in the basin.
Appearance
Peter is a tall, lean, imposing man. His work is medical, but no further distinctive facial features or usual clothing are established.
Role
A doctor and Juliette’s father, he has joined the journey outside and personally tested the air by removing his helmet.
Relationships
Juliette — Her father, estranged for almost twenty years before they reconnected; he now offers medical and personal support.
Hannah — He respects her refusal of an implant and examines her baby.
Rickson — He treats the injuries Rickson receives in a hostile scuffle.
Earlier in this series
Also appears in books you've already read — spoiler-safe to their endings:
Sources — 35 recorded facts, by chapter
Chapter 8
- Juliette remembers reconnecting with her father after almost twenty years of avoidance.
Chapter 11
- Lukas suggests that Juliette’s father could examine the apparent change in her scars.
Chapter 16
- Juliette’s father objects to her planned trip outside.
- Juliette’s father learns about her expedition from Nelson during a check-up.
- Juliette’s father suggests having the next cleaner collect the outside sample.
- Juliette’s father agrees to examine her before and after the expedition.
- Juliette’s father tells her that scars do not disappear with time.
Chapter 23
- Dr. Nichols introduces himself to Jimmy as Juliette’s father.
- Dr. Nichols checks Jimmy’s eyes and mouth and listens to his chest.
- Dr. Nichols examines Elise’s missing tooth and gives her a dime after asking about fairies.
- Dr. Nichols gives each twin a dime after examining them.
- Dr. Nichols tells Hannah she does not have to accept an implant.
- Dr. Nichols says he specializes in the youngest children.
- Dr. Nichols says the baby looks healthy but asks to check his heartbeat.
Chapter 24
- Juliette and Courtnee argue about why Juliette’s father is not up top to check on Juliette and Nelson.
Chapter 25
- Juliette’s father goes to see the children after she persuades him that she does not need a check-up.
Chapter 28
- Juliette’s father reports encountering an angry crowd that recognized the people with him.
- Juliette’s father treats Rickson’s injuries at Supply before checking on the boy who fell.
- Juliette’s father believes the angry crowd was heading toward Mechanical.
Chapter 33
- Juliette’s father is looking after the children she has left with him.
Chapter 36
- Courtnee reports that Juliette’s father has taken the children through ahead of Juliette.
Chapter 41
- Juliette’s father examines her heart with a stethoscope after she regains consciousness.
- Juliette’s father reports that her friends are trying to turn the digger around to dig their way out.
Chapter 42
- Juliette’s father supports her physically during her confrontation with the diggers.
Chapter 48
- Juliette’s father remains among the few people who give her attention and support.
Chapter 49
- Juliette’s father has established a makeshift clinic in a cleared-out, rusted storeroom.
- Juliette’s father plans to check on the children after the expected birth.
- Juliette’s father blames himself for what happened to Marcus.
Chapter 61
- Juliette’s father insists that the body-removal crew wear masks and rubber gloves.
- Juliette’s father estimates the bodies have been dead no more than four or five weeks because they are so well preserved.
- Juliette’s father considers three sets of twins in six births and the children’s excellent health anomalous.
- Juliette’s father suggests something in the water may explain the silo’s anomalies.
Chapter 63
- Juliette’s father volunteers to remove his helmet before she does.
- Juliette’s father breathes the outside air successfully and smiles.
- Juliette’s father points out a structure in the basin.