Oliver’s answer to “The Expanse is a fabulous series made even better by the side/back stories of the main characters -…” > Likes and Comments

What a fantastic answer, and set of recommendations. Thank you!
And yes, I loved Cherryh's Union-Alliance/Company Wars universe, except perhaps the "40,000 in Gehenna". Not sure about the Chanur books....

I will have a look at the other authors you recommend!

40k caught me at the right time in the right mindset. A lot of people find it jarring.