Bureau of Scientific Studies

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**Bureau of Scientific Studies** (**BOSS**) was the scientific research agency of the Territory of Alconbria, active from 1987 to 2008. It was succeeded by the Arivi Daslier Invera.

## History

The BOSS originally served as a defensive research agency of the Alconbria Liberation Council. Immediately after the outbreak of the war, two constituents of the council, the Arporleber and the Balib established their own scientific research departments. Balib's Unit 20 developed adamsite in December 1984 and reportedly used it against civilians while evacuating captured towns. Arporleber's Kazinet 848 began producing chlorine gas for warfare in March 1985. Seeing a massive potential in chemical weapons, Antonio Durán personally took command of both research departments, appointing chemist Alonzo Erelli as the intermediate head.

The Lorba research facility was constructed in November 1985, and served as the headquarters of Alconbria's research agencies. Research into biological weapons began the following year, led by Dr. Sabine Cossmann and Dr. Liyron Hartstein.

In 1987, the Bureau of Scientific Studies was created; completely independent of the Arporleber and Balib. American billionaire Gwen Floewe-Grevi donated over $20 million to the BOSS for its establishment. Several members of the Bronsell family donated undisclosed amounts of money for nuclear research in the 90s. The BOSS also received more than $40 million in funding from Alconbria's allies around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom and Germany.

Despite plans to use chemical and biological agents in active combat, Durán issued orders to not use chemical weapons. While several analysts believed that it was to avoid retaliation since Altivebrio had a chemical weapons program of their own, Durán reason that the goal of the war was to create a home for the Alconbrian people and did not want to be infected with life-threatening chemical and biological agents. He reportedly drew a line on a map, saying that if the Military of Alconbria crosses the line, then the usage of chemical agents is automatically authorized. However, Durán was assassinated before the Alconbrians could cross his line. Durán's successor, Paul del Santé issued an order banning the usage of chemical and biological weapons, and turned all research towards nuclear weapons.

Erelli was assassinated by the SNI in 1992, and Cossmann was nominated to be his successor. However, del Santé vetoed her appointment without giving reason. Cossmann felt that it was due to her advocacy of biological warfare. With the Altivebrio Defense Forces rapidly regaining lost territories under Xavi Kohler; she felt that all-out chemical attacks on the Altivebrian soldiers would permanently stop their offense. Cossmann's protests were ignored by del Santé, resulting in her quitting her job; and Verlor Hersein appointed as her replacement. Hersein oversaw Alconbria's nuclear programme. Cossmann joined Ravim Pharma, and went on to develop low-cost cures for malaria and smallpox; before restarting her work on chemical and biological agents independent of the BOSS; starting what would later be Pocer Inc.

The BOSS was shut down in 2008, and all its operations were taken over by the newly founded ADI.

## Chiefs

* Alonzo Erelli (1987 – 1992)
* Verlor Hersein (1992 – 2006)
* Gilbert Walker (2006 – 2008)

## Departments

* Department of Chemical Research
* Department of Biological Research
* Department of Nuclear Research
* Department of Industrial Research
* Department of Electrical and Electronic Research
* Department of Physical Research
* Department of Computing