The Mercenaries

by H. Beam Piper

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Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction

22 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Henry Beam Piper was an American science fiction author. He wrote many short stories and several novels. He is best known for his extensive Terro-Human Future History series of stories and a shorter series of "Paratime" alternate history tales.

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scientists as free company mercenaries

Review of free Kindle edition
A Public Domain Book
Publication date: March 24, 2011
Language: English
ASIN: B004TPURCI
41 pages

In this 1965 future there are four competing superpower blocs. Free scientists have formed mercenary companies and contract with the different blocs in a manner similar to free company mercenaries in the middle ages. The story is a about a hunt for a traitor in the MacLeod Team of free scientists.

[Frank Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

"and when he saw her, his heart gave a little bump, like a geiger responding to an ionizing particle. It always did that, although they had been together for twelve years, and married for ten."

I knowww, it has nothing to do with the scifi but I just adored the above quote and wanted to share it. How sweet! And at least it demonstrates that Piper's prose is not entirely mechanical in this story. I thought the language employed was marvellous.

"in a world where soldiers must use the weapons of science and scientists must learn the arts of violence."

Written in 1950 and set in 1965. This short involves a small group of contracted soldier-scientists. It's a chemistry and particle physics heavy narrative, the team have developed a new type of weapon which is described at length. One among their number is a traitor and most of the narrative is taken up by the group discussing what to do with the person.

"Let us give him his pistol, and one cartridge, and let him remove himself like a gentleman."

So, I suppose this is about how necessity can suppress ethics. Or how science and technology are entwined with the military and its way of thinking. Perhaps I missed the optimism that other readers noticed.

The characters were quite good, especially for such a short story, but mostly because of the brevity I also thought it was a bit of overkill.

For me the most interesting part was the chemistry of the new projectiles they were developing and the whole discussion about what to do with the traitor while mildly entertaining, was inane.

Just for kicks, I'll mention that I spotted a reference to a "General Hammond, back in Washington" - a nice but silly Star Gate moment.

Also just for fun, here's one more quote from the story which I liked.

"Oh, my dear!" Suzanne protested. "That but stinks! The great Adam Lowiewski, descending from his pinnacle of pure mathematics, to perform a vulgar experiment? With actual things?" The Frenchwoman gave an exaggerated shudder. "Horrors!"

[SciFiOne]

2019 grade B-

Kindle Mega-pack

Short story

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story about a coalition of independent scientists that operate outside political control. When it's discovered that a traitor lies in their midst, the head of the team must quickly discover who it is before causing an international incident.

[Nathan Trachta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll open by saying I love H. Beam Piper. That said this is a good story but far from his best, honestly, one of the weaker ones I've read. What's interesting as with so many of H. Beam's books is the thought behind them. In this case looking at contractors as mercenaries and more importantly them holding their own to a level of standard and being prepared to be judge, jury, and executioner. What drug this down is H. Beam's writing isn't up to his usual standard and while it's interesting, it doesn't roll out like other stories of his.

[Wampuscat · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent, but not great, read. A group of scientists who do research for hire get caught up in a case of international intellectual espionage, and because they are independent (i.e. Mercenaries) they will be held responsible for the treasonous acts unless they deal with it themselves.

Interesting, but I'm not sure what the point of it was. I guess things have changed too much for the story to be relevant. Still, the point of how to deal with rogue operators in a mercenary outfit was well made.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a world where soldiers must use the weapons of science and scientists must learn the art of violence and expect to encounter, like, all of them in this story...you'll probably be disappointed. This story really makes you wonder who you can trust with your weapons of choice! The characters, no matter how developed they may seem to appear, make this story worth a read and right away you'll know it'll be good.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy reading 📚

Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me, a will written interesting, intense action, fantasy Sci-Fi thriller novella. The characters are complicated and will developed. The story line is intense, fast moving, a little violent, and full of deception leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this novella to readers of fantasy. Enjoy reading 🔰2021 😁

[R. Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story of scientist forming a group and selling their services to the highest bidder.

[Harvey Dias · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some problems with the dialogue between husband and wife in he beginning of this story, the conversation just isn't believable. Other than that, this is an good read.

[Patrick DiJusto · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I'm learning, many of H Beam Piper's heroes are larger than life, take charge, Alpha male scientists, who are also excellent athletes, and who are comfortable with their own sovereignty. Such is the hero of this book.

Like all the Piper I've read these past two weeks, the story is marvellous and leaves us wanting more. I can easily see the stock hero character becoming annoying, as I continue to bread more Piper. We'll see.

[Eric Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually liked this story, the characters and settings really focused on just plain storytelling rather than getting too engrossed in the science. While in this short story it was the focus, the dialogue pretty much took care of it, and was a bit short, which I'd give a lower rating but that would be unfair so 5 out of 5 stars it is.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

[Sean Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually agree with Piper's basic premise on this one, that scientists basically should be outside political control.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story.

[Adam Meek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scientists are the condottierri of the future in this classic Piper tale.