Species: Human
Birthplace: Etrusca
Affiliation: Compact Navy
Rank: Captain
Assignment: Commanding Officer, CNV Cygnus
Captain TJ Durant is a veteran officer in the Compact Navy, hailing from the core world of Etrusca. The son of a prominent Etruscan senator and an admiral, Durant could have relied on his pedigree—but instead forged a hard-won reputation through front-line service. He suffered a broken neck during the Polygamy Wars, and the experience left him with lasting spinal implants and a deep disdain for nepotism and political privilege within the ranks.
Durant is often assigned to command problem officers, particularly those from elite families who need to be broken of arrogance. He famously took charge of Giddeus Modesto after a string of disciplinary incidents, determined to either rehabilitate him or end his Navy career. Durant runs a tight but fair ship, surrounding himself with officers of humble origins who earned their place through merit and persistence.
A critic of corporate overreach into military operations, Durant is especially vocal about interference from firms like Khamad Corp. His disdain is no secret, and he appears more comfortable than most expressing it—even confiding his frustrations to Mitsuko Yamato, despite her own fear of court-martial following the Kaku V mission. Durant’s ability to cut through politics and focus on practical leadership earns him a quiet loyalty from his crew.
Though their interaction is limited, JT Austin later regards Durant as a role model in his own command style. Like Durant, JT is the child of high-profile parents, and he values the older officer’s example of how to lead with integrity rather than entitlement.
Author’s Note:
Durant is based on an earlier character of the same name, who also was the model for JT Austin. JT was created by flipping the initials and deriving his surname from the author’s stepson. Like both characters, the original was a sort of John Harriman type until he made it out into the field.
Appearances: Flight Blade