Sukowski originally pursued a career in the Royal Manticoran Navy and held a reserve commission with the rank of Commander after leaving active service. He served as commanding officer of the Hauptman family's private yacht for a time. During that time, Stacey Hauptman came to see him as something of a surrogate father. Sukowski and Hurlman were rescued four months later by PNS Vaubon when it captured the pirate, and were returned to Manticore after the Havenite cruiser was itself taken by HMAMC Wayfarer, a Manticoran Q-ship commanded by Honor Harrington.