Gerhardt van Rijn was a terran scientist and the lab director of a research base on Vygoire. During their studies, the researchers came into contact with strange spores hat had psychoactive effects. They became intent on sacrificing themselves to the "Great One." van Rijn was intent (or claimed to be) on sacrificing himself as well, but only after all his "children" had been sacrificed beforehand. He claimed as such when he and his fellow survivors were confronted by a DMC platoon.