"Satirical SF that is good for quite a few chuckles"
General Blitzkrieg hates Phule (AKA Captain Jester) and
his Omega Company, soldiers who fail to heed any rules
except their own. To make Phule's life miserable,
Blitzkrieg sends the Alliance Ecological Interplanetary
Observation Union (AEIOU) to "join" the Omega Company on
Zenobia. The wily General hopes the two groups interact
in a manner that will cause aggravation and stress to
Phule. Phule anticipates rewards for finding a new alien
race on this planet. Phule copes with AEIOU and renowned genetically enhanced
wonder dog Barky while also dealing with hunters desiring
to bring home trophy dinosaurs. At the same time, his
father Victor tries to work on conning two Grifters into
selling the shares of Phule's Casino that they won for a
nominal price. Most military science fiction is serious with a theme of
saving the universe, but NO PHULE LIKE AN OLD PHULE is an
upbeat lighthearted galaxy romp. The protagonist might
ignore bureaucratic regulations and procedures furbished
from a central location with no understanding beyond their
beltway, but he also runs a tight ship. His crew respects
Phule who goes out of their way to ensure they are cared
for with proper equipment and supplies and are financially
rewarded. Only a fool would myths a Phule's tale. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 10, 2004
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