Dr. Gaius Baltar was formerly a lead defense systems developer working for the Colonial Ministry of Defense and was widely considered a genius and celebrity throughout the Twelve Colonies. Baltar came to prominence as a computer technology designer having won three Magnate Prizes. Baltar was born on Sagittaron and attracted to Caprica by the Defense Ministry. He networks with others well, and became personal friends with President Adar. Baltar becomes responsible for the design of the critical Command Navigation Program (CNP) used throughout the Colonial Fleet. Baltar's scientific prowess seems strongest in the medical and biological fields. As a result of his lesser (although still advanced) computer programming skills, he seeks the help (and as a byproduct, the affections of) a young woman named Natasi to aid him with the CNP.