# Joseph Chessman — Short Fiction character guide

> Joseph Chessman in Short Fiction by Mack Reynolds.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Joe Chessman, Chessman, III Joe Chessman

**First appearance:** 0014-summit

## Who they are

A character involved in the mercenary and political landscape.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/ii)

Third in line in the expedition's hierarchy, participates in the debate and suggests leaving the Pedagogue in orbit.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/iii)

Pilots the space lighter, commands the landing team, and corrects Watson's misconception about Montezuma and Aztec society.

### [The Conference of the Divided Teams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/v)

Plekhanov's team member; growls at Mayer's criticism of Texcoco's armed campaign and points out the Genoa team's own military troubles with barons.

### [The Valley of Decision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/vi)

Takes command, orders the phalanx attack and leads the defense of the right flank.

### [The Decade's Reckoning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/viii)

Texcocan team leader, defends commune system and military consolidation, dismisses Genoese criticism.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/ix)

Number One of Texcoco, desperate and paranoid, he kills Khan Reif and is handed over to Taller for execution.

### [Chapter XII: The Reckoning at Rigel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/xii)

Revealed to be alive after being condemned, he helped the Rigellians achieve space travel and returns to lead the Earth expedition home.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se/characters/joseph_chessman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_36_se/characters