Leland Retnik comes from the famous Malvanian Retnik family.  He was born and brought up in a scientific enclave.  During the Great Invasion, he was abducted by the Cyad Confederacy and taken to one of their so-called corrective schools, actually prisons.  He is highly intelligent, with a quiet patient demeanour.  His inner strength, determination and scientific knowledge help him get through difficult times.  He becomes close friends with Sheraleen Conder during their incarceration.