Project Proteus is the only one of Æon's Projects not to have been founded by Margaret A. Mercer, nor under her control. It is the brainchild of a woman known only as Director Thetis. Its mission is to do the dirty work necessary in order to keep novas "in line." Project Utopia cannot shine as brightly without a shadow. It's also uncertain whether or not she has spies in the other Projects. They're all small enough that the possibility is probably remote, however.