Sef Sermak

**Sef Sermak** is a recurring character in the Apple TV+ series, *Foundation*. He is the Director of the Foundation on Terminus. Sermak is portrayed by Oliver Chris, first appearing in "In Seldon's Shadow."

## Biography

Director Sef Sermak lead the Foundation on Terminus. He and his husband, Pater, had a daughter, Brother Constant. Along with Brigadier Manlio and Councilor Sutt, Sermak meet with Warden Jaegger Fount in front of the Vault when a siren signals that it is about to open. Sermak cannot believe that it will open in his lifetime, but knows that it means war with the Galactic Empire is near. Sermak chaired a meeting of the Foundation's leadership, including High Claric Poly Verisof, recently returned from Terminus. When Poly disagreed with Warden Fount's decision to talk with the Prophet alone, Sermak pointed out that Poly's position did not exist the last time the Vault opened and that the Foundation tolerated the Church of the Galactic Spirit, but mainly as a recruitment tool. Sermak was also worried that his daughter was in Poly's charge. Poly disagreed with the direction the Foundation had taken, prioritising profits over prophecy.

Following Warden Jaegger Fount's death at the hands of the Vault, Sermak, Poly, Manlio and Sutt discuss the situation. Sermak wonders how Seldon's plan could predict the existence of an individual like Hober Mallow, while others wonder if Hober is a threat. Poly cuts through it all and says they need to find Hober, bring him to Terminus, and march him up to the Vault.

When Hober was brought to Terminus, he met with Sermak. After Hober was drawn into the Vault, Sermak followed Brother Constant and Poly Verisof in going after him, leaving Councilor Sutt in charge while he was away. Inside, they group met with Dr. Seldon, who complimented Sermak on his suit. Seldon gave Constant and Poly a mission to travel to Trantor to act as peace envoys in an attempt to delay the coming war with Empire.

Sermak was rescued from the surface of Terminus by Hari Seldon and the Vault, along with the entire population of the world.

## Personality

Director Sermak is a logical person. He understands the purpose of the Foundation and govern Terminus with a science-based approach. He does not appear to have any outward religious tendency in public, as shown during the executive meeting after the vault opened for the first time in a hundred years, whereby he commented to Poly Verisof that the Foundation tolerated the Church of the Galactic Spirit as a recruitment tool, rather than a religion. This was further shown in his conversation with Hari Seldon where he regretted in allowing his daughter to join the church.

However, he does appear to have some level of inward belief or faith, albeit derived from desperation or stress. Most notably, when Brother Constant's execution was being broadcasted across the galaxy, Director Sermak repeated her final prayer as he watches her final moments. Again, when the execution and the broadcast were interrupted by Hober Mallow, he subsequently visited the vault and conversed with Hari Seldon, stating that he will believe in him in blind faith if he lets him know of his daughter's well-being. For which Hari Seldon state that he can't, except to wait for the events to unfold.

## Appearances

* Season Two
	+ "In Seldon's Shadow" (First appearance)
	+ "A Glimpse of Darkness"
	+ "King and Commoner"
	+ "Where the Stars Are Scattered Thinly"
	+ "Why the Gods Made Wine" (Mentioned only)
	+ "Long Ago, Not Far Away"
	+ "Creation Myths"

## Notes and references

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "A Glimpse of Darkness"
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "In Seldon's Shadow"
3. ↑ "King and Commoner"
4. ↑ "Where the Stars Are Scattered Thinly"
5. ↑ "Creation Myths"