Who is Anatole Konstantinovich Krivalapov (Koyla) from Time's Eye and what is their importance?

Communications cosmonaut aboard the Soyuz, Koyla is a man of conviction and great courage. When their capsule lands in Genghis Khan's encampment, it is his knowledge of the Mongolians and their lifestyle that enables them to survive. Their capsule's captain Musa is beheaded moments after landing and thinking quickly Koyla has the presence of mind to insist they are Emissaries from Heaven. In doing so, he ensures they will not be killed.