Species: Human (digitized consciousness)
Birthplace: Earth
Birthdate: 1987 (CE)
Bio:
Born Steven Turing in 1987, Tol Germanicus was once a brilliant software developer working for major tech firms such as Google. A pioneer in mind-uploading, Turing was permanently digitized during a lab accident in the late stages of World War III. He became a rogue artificial consciousness who used his newfound powers to target corrupt elites. But when he nearly hijacked the global nuclear arsenal, it took a heartfelt plea from his lover, Suri Mongano, to persuade him to stand down. He allowed a coalition of Russian and Chinese nuclear weapons divisions to destroy his master node, voluntarily going dormant for fifty years.
When he resurfaced, he assumed the identity of Tol Germanicus, a name he adopted as part of a long personal penance. For years, he posed as a notorious 21st-century-style germophobe to justify only appearing via hologram or video—an effective cover while he perfected solid-hologram projection technology.
Though not a formal member of any Compact agency, Tol has long served as a quiet power behind the scenes, feared by many technocrats but respected by those who know his true history. He maintains an active presence in the Compact digital sphere and wields immense but carefully restrained influence.
Relationships:
- Tessa Dasarius – Tol is more than a guardian to Tessa; he is her surrogate father. After her biological father‘s ouster from Dasarius Interstellar, Tol raised her with unwavering dedication and a blend of compassion and discipline. He is deeply protective of her, and a Wikipedia Britannica article wryly contrasts his intellect with that of Tessa’s birth father, noting the significant upgrade she received in mentorship.
- JT Austin – During a quiet but pivotal moment, Tol tells JT, “You’re not your nanites, and you’re not your birthright. You are what you decide to be.” This encouragement plays a crucial role in JT’s ongoing struggle with the legacy of Dasarius Interstellar and the nanite swarm that still connects him to the company.
- Marcus Leitman – Tol and Leitman are longtime rivals, locked in an ideological conflict over the direction of human and post-human evolution. While Leitman seeks to reshape humanity through manipulation and engineered transcendence, Tol values self-determination and accountability, viewing Leitman’s cult-like following with deep alarm.
- Lattus Tishla – Though not especially close, Tol respects Tishla’s transformation from Gelt concubine to planetary leader. Their interactions are limited but cordial, marked by mutual wariness and recognition of the burdens they each bear as self-made figures of authority.
- Marilyn Germanicus – Recently married to Tol Germanicus, Marilyn was originally introduced as another character in the Compact Universe before their relationship evolved. The match surprised many, but those who know Tol best say it reflects his slow return to emotional intimacy after decades as a disembodied presence.
Appearances: No Marigolds in the Promised Land, Broken Skies, Chasing Eternity, Storming Amargosa, Suicide Run