Ranks for a Sci-Fi Forum?

One of the things I've always had problems with is coming up with interesting ranks for users, and deciding at what post-counts those ranks should occur.

I'm developing a new sci-fi forum, not following any specific show, movie, or book.

Sci-fi seems to include some sort of military (usually Navy) in so many cases, but I'm not sure I want to go that route.

I'm possibly thinking of coming up with senseless "alien"-sounding ranks. What do you think about that? If I go that route, should I go so far as to create a new "alphabet" for the rank images?

The thing is that it's a serious forum with ties to the "real" world, but I'd still like to have some fun with it.

 

honestly ranks would be more effective if your users can relate with them...

 

Just use some default ranks for now and once you start getting members on the forum ask them what they want for ranks and take a few from their top list and vote on them or something.

I myself always have trouble coming up with ranks .