Dr Rubec

In the novel Destination Unknown, Dr Rubec is a Swiss psychologist working at Aristides's research establishment. He interviews new arrivals to the research station and administers psychological tests to them as part of the induction procedure. After completing the steps with Hilary Craven, he tells her that it is a pleasure to deal with someone "who is not a genius". The scientific types he usually deals with are so sensitive and temperamental. Indeed, "between a first-class tennis player, an operatic prima-donna and a nuclear physicist there is really very little difference as far as emotional stability goes." It was not a case of dispassionate people in white coats devoted to the truth. One could not imagine the emotions, the quarrels, the jealousies and the touchiness he had encountered.

Hilary took the opportunity to ask what kind of life people like her, the spouses, could expect. Rubec told her mary recreational facilities were available. He assured her she would find life  very agreeable. As for he was well satisfied with life at the station. He did not get homesick. He was not cut outto be a family man. At the station he had the opportunity of studying certain aspects of the human mind which interested me and on which he intended to write a book about. He had no domestic cares, no distractions and no interruptions.