# Kurt Fawzi — The Cosmic Computer character guide

> Kurt Fawzi in The Cosmic Computer by H. Beam Piper.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Fawzi, Fawzi

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Snapshot

A blustering local businessman and Merlin-seeker who resents the Maxwells for diverting men and resources away from the search.

## Who they are

Kurt Fawzi is the loudest voice in the Merlin hunt, convinced the computer lies at Force Command and that Rodney Maxwell has sabotaged the effort by hiring away his best people. He confronts Conn with accusations of indifference, but his real motive is a desperate hope that Merlin will restore planetary prosperity. His stubborn certainty and wounded pride make him both a comic and tragic figure in the early arc.

## Relationships

### [Conn Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/conn_maxwell)

_friendship_

Conn and Kurt are close friends and allies, working together on shared goals.

### [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/merlin)

_friendship_

Kurt and Merlin are close friends and allies, often collaborating with Conn.

### [Rodney Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/rodney_maxwell)

_friendship_

Kurt and Rodney are friends and allies, often working together with Conn.

### [Conn Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/conn_maxwell)

_friendship_

Conn and Kurt are close friends and allies, working together on shared goals.

### [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/merlin)

_friendship_

Kurt and Merlin are close friends and allies, often collaborating with Conn.

### [Conn Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/conn_maxwell)

_friendship_

Conn and Kurt are close friends and allies, working together on shared goals.

### [Rodney Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/rodney_maxwell)

_friendship_

Kurt and Rodney are friends and allies, often working together with Conn.

### [Rodney Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/rodney_maxwell)

_friendship_

Kurt and Rodney are friends and allies, often working together with Conn.

### [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/merlin)

_friendship_

Kurt and Merlin are close friends and allies, often collaborating with Conn.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/i)

Mayor of Litchfield, eager to ask Conn about the treasure, arranges a welcome dinner.

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

Hosts the meeting in his office, toasts Conn's return, and is incredulous at Conn's findings.

### [The Price of Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/iii)

Present at the earlier meeting; Conn's father plans to have him organize a meeting for the next day.

### [The Meeting at the Academy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/v)

Acts as a reception committee member and later supports the cleanup plan as mayor.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/vi)

Appointed president of Litchfield Exploration & Salvage; worries about the cost of the civic cleanup campaign.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/vii)

Insists Merlin must be in the complex and watches the excavation intently.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/viii)

Mentioned as titular head of the company, but Rodney Maxwell is the de facto decision-maker.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/xii)

Visits Barathrum to see the completed Harriet Barne.

### [The Trial of Intentions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/xv)

Accuses Conn and Rodney Maxwell of hindering the Merlin search; frustrated by the lack of progress at Force Command.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/xvi)

Pesters Rodney for equipment promised by Conn.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/xviii)

Excitedly reports the discovery of the collapsium disc and leads the excavation team.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/xix)

Defends Conn against accusations, points to the uncovered structure as evidence of Merlin's existence.

### [The Truth About Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/xx)

Present during interrogation, initially skeptical but shocked by Merlin's prediction.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/xxi)

Vows to die before allowing Merlin's destruction, arguing for its use to solve local problems.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/xxii)

Present in Rodney's office, being promoted as a presidential candidate by Rodney.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/kurt_fawzi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters