Duarte's unsettling protomolecule scientist confirms the stolen sample's arrival and directs the Barkeith's organic modifications for Laconia's alien artifact.
Paolo Cortázar appears through a message to Captain Sauveterre as the scientist supervising the research group at Laconia. His wide chin, thin black hair, too-close camera presence, and unnerving enthusiasm make him seem strange even before the content of his message. He reports that the liberated protomolecule sample has arrived intact and insists that supplies and time are limited until an alien artifact can be brought under control.
Cortázar sends specifications for modifications to the Barkeith so it can dock with that artifact. The designs are unpleasantly organic, less like ordinary engineering than a colossal prosthesis, but Sauveterre accepts them as part of Duarte's mission. Cortázar's expertise therefore joins the stolen sample to the rogue fleet's larger goal, just before the Barkeith is lost at the Laconia gate.
A slight adult man with a wide chin and thin black hair, seen close and slightly out of focus on a message screen; his avid, clinical manner is more disturbing than his otherwise ordinary features.
Cortázar is the scientist translating stolen alien material and Laconian artifacts into plans for Duarte's military project.