Heh, almost just the right amount of crazy for Soldier. You seem to keep him even keeled, he should be tangent-ing much more. Soldier is fun to write, especially if you choose RED soldier from the Meet the Series, and you know a few people who just remind you of him. But he has... issues... with keeping on any topic, or changing the story to what he wants to talk about. Thats his challenge to write with, to meander him but not too much. But this is defiantly commendable! And don't worry about discarding threads of stories. I do it all the time. They kinda meander until I really get my butt into gear and keep them on the straight and narrow. That is the hardest part, writing to make sure that you get the right direction for what you are doing. Like, for instance, I am writing something for the SS and it has changed probably close to 10 times (and blowing through words - I need to make sure I get it done in time!)