Name: Suicide
Species: Human
Birthplace: Tian
Birthdate: 386 IE
Bio:
Known only by her callsign, Suicide is the most pivotal character in the Compact Universe series. A native of Tian, she is a mysterious and formidable figure whose real name is Cui Yun. Suicide is a deadly and resourceful warrior, often operating as a mercenary, intelligence operative, or soldier of fortune. Her reputation for brutal efficiency, fearlessness, and uncompromising discipline earns her a mixture of awe and unease from those who cross her path.
She first appears in The Children of Amargosa, where her lethal skill and cold resolve establish her as a survivor who thrives in crisis. But as the series unfolds, Suicide’s character reveals surprising emotional depth—most notably in her evolving relationship with JT Austin. Though not related by blood, Suicide and JT forge a powerful bond over time. By the end of the Amargosa Trilogy, Suicide openly refers to JT as “her son,” and JT reciprocates by calling her “Mom.” The relationship likely stems from Suicide’s similarities to Quentin Austin and the fact that she once knew him personally.
Their connection adds an unexpected layer of humanity to Suicide’s character, contrasting with her hardened exterior. It also gives JT an anchor amid the chaos of war and loss, providing him with the family he thought he’d lost.
Author’s notes:
Suicide was originally intended to disappear after The Children of Amargosa. While not explicitly stated, the maternal bond she has with JT was obvious by the end of the novel. It is eventually admitted outright, first by Suicide to Mitsuko Yamato, then by JT to Suicide herself, in Storming Amargosa.
While she is clearly bisexual, as revealed in the scene where she helps JT gather Lizzy’s ashes, the intent was to give her some history and a reason for her toughness. She lost two people extremely close to her, one through the Polygamy Wars, the other on the civil conflict-torn Aphrodite.
Suicide was originally based on actress Michelle Yeoh, primarily through her portrayal of the Prime and Mirror versions of Captain/Emperor Phillipa Georgiou from Star Trek: Discovery.
In the short story “Lizzy” (from After Amargosa) and in the same scene in flashback written from Suicide’s point-of-view in the forthcoming Suicide Solution, Suicide reveals to JT she had a crush on his father when she learned he had become single once more. JT expressed disappointment she never followed through on it.
Appearances: The Children of Amargosa