# Wade Lucas — The Cosmic Computer character guide

> Wade Lucas in The Cosmic Computer by H. Beam Piper.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lucas

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Snapshot

An honest, unpopular scientist whose skepticism about Merlin makes him a potential ally for Conn's quieter plans.

## Who they are

Wade Lucas is a scientist with brains and integrity—so honest he's made himself widely disliked by refusing to join the Merlin frenzy. He blames Conn and Rodney for the chaos, but his disillusionment makes him exactly the kind of person Conn needs to help straighten things out. His role is to offer a grounded, skeptical counterpoint to the planet's mass delusion.

## Relationships

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

_rivalry_

Conn and Wade are antagonists, often in conflict over goals and ideologies.

### [Flora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/flora)

_social_

Flora and Wade have a polite, acquaintance-level relationship with no deep bond.

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

_rivalry_

Merlin and Wade are adversaries, with Merlin opposing Wade's actions and goals.

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

_rivalry_

Conn and Wade are antagonists, often in conflict over goals and ideologies.

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

_rivalry_

Merlin and Wade are adversaries, with Merlin opposing Wade's actions and goals.

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

_rivalry_

Conn and Wade are antagonists, often in conflict over goals and ideologies.

### [Flora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/flora)

_social_

Flora and Wade have a polite, acquaintance-level relationship with no deep bond.

### [Flora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/flora)

_social_

Flora and Wade have a polite, acquaintance-level relationship with no deep bond.

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

_rivalry_

Merlin and Wade are adversaries, with Merlin opposing Wade's actions and goals.

## In the story

### [Breakfast and the Home Guard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/iv)

Conn visits him for a checkup; they discuss gun ownership and the breakdown of law and order.

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

Vehemently argues against the belief in Merlin, quotes Thomas Paine, and storms out of the meeting in disgust.

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

Mentioned as a potential troublemaker who might be swayed by medical stores.

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

Stiffly congratulates Conn on his return.

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

Acting mayor of Litchfield; helps assemble cargo of medicines and hospital equipment.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/chapters/xvii)

Now a reluctant partner who has deduced the truth about Merlin. He argues for stopping the deception, fearing the consequences.

## Links

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