The character I instantly think of started out as ex-military--and wasn't at the far in the future--was Cussler's Dirk Pitt, but agian, that was twenty years ago. For me, a cohesive fictional universe is the "character" for me. And I'd be repeating the authors I've already mentioned.

I like Grand Admiral Thrawn from the "Star Wars - Heir to the Empire Trilogy". The man was the epitome of "COOL". Yeah, I know he was a bad guy, but hey, that don't mean he can't be cool. I also like Victor Von Doom from Marvel. That guy's got class and brains. It's a wonder Marvel and DC never got together for a Batman/Von Doom match-up. I think Dr. Doom could give ol' Bats a run for his money.

Those selections of yours are not entirely drawn from military speculative fiction (barring quite a broad definition of MilSpecFic). Accordingly, why not keep painting with a broad brush? Include the following characters: (1) As a color, shade of purple-grey. (2) Captain Pausert of Nikkeldepain (together, of course, with Maleen, Goth, and The Lewitt). (3) Kimball Kinnison (with Worsel of Velantia, Tregonsee of Rigel Four, and Nadreck of Palain Seven). (4) Dick Seaton (and Marc DuQuesne). (5) Jommy Cross (fans *ARE* Slans, don'tcha know?). (6) The entire staff of The Weapons Shops of Isher ("The right to buy weapons is the right to be free"). (7) Joe Mauser (a good man in a fracas). (8) Jason DinAlt ("See Pyrrus and Die"). (9) James Bolivar "Slippery Jim" DiGriz. (10) Jaime "Tief-Tief" Retief, Corps Diplomatique Terrestriene. (11) Lafayette O'Leary. (12) Edward and "Win" Bear, private detectives and Hamiltonian-squashers. (13) James Mowry, the wasp. I'm in favor of John Campbell's definition of literature, which holds that *ALL* fiction is speculative, and that the "mainstream" (i.e., the dead-from-the-neck-up crap that the mundandes read) is really just a subset of science fiction. ...

Dear Adam Selene: Does this mean I've lost my status as a "not-stupid"? Professor La Paz told me that expanding the scope might upset someone; but he's only one lesson ahead of me anyway. I guess I should have known you - of all beings - would throw rocks at me. :-} I'll ask Manny, Wyoh, Stuart and also the Stone Gang if they've heard any good ones lately. TANSTAFL! prag

That's "TANSTAAFL," kiddo (which Heinlein lifted from Milton Friedman - "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" - whose writings were broadly read and quite influential back in the '50s and early '60s). And while we're rolling the Stones, please don't forget Hazel, Roger and Dr. Stone, Meade, Castor and Pollux, Lowell and the flatcats (each of whom proved to be no Tribble at all). ...

Only one: The Variag Colonel Anton Vereshagin

touche! (I never could speel :-}) I'm sure all those wonderful characters will get together once we can compute the Number of the Beast. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is my personal favorite book of all time. (Followed closely by Time Enough for Love). It was a major influence on my choice of career and on my political views. I'm a computer geek by trade and a rational anarchist by vote. I heartily approve of your choice of user name. Long Live the Lunar Republic!

I'm amazed that only one of Jerry Pounelles characters has been mentioned (Rick Galloway). Where is John Cristian Falkenberg in the lists? Seriously though, almost all of his works have memorable characters and he isthe master of military SF. Those intersted in older works should try the works of H Beam Piper.

I'm amazed that only one of Jerry Pounelles characters has been mentioned (Rick Galloway). Where is John Cristian Falkenberg in the lists? Seriously though, almost all of his works have memorable characters and he isthe master of military SF. Those intersted in older works should try the works of H Beam Piper.

How about John Carter?