Showing results by author "H Beam Piper" in All Categories

Welcome to New Texas, where the name says it all. The Solar League ambassador faces a daunting challenge convincing the fiercely independent New Texans that a sSrauff attack is not just a possibility, but an imminent threat. With a species evolved from canine ancestors, it‚As hard to instill fear in a population that sees talking dogs as little more than a curiosity. Time is running out, and unless he can rally the Texans to take swift action, their way of life‚Aîand their very existence‚Aîmay be at stake!

Conn Maxwell returns to his impoverished home planet of Poictesme, known as The Junkyard Planet, with tantalizing news about the potential whereabouts of Merlin‚Aîa legendary military super-computer believed to have been left behind after the last war. The desperate inhabitants see Merlin as their beacon of hope, a chance to transform their lives and escape poverty. But as they embark on this quest, they must grapple with the uncertainty of whether Merlin truly exists, and if found, whether it will be their salvation or their downfall. (by Mark Nelson)

In Little Fuzzy, join Jack Holloway, a tenacious prospector on the distant planet Zarathustra, as he stumbles upon a fascinating discovery‚Aîsmall, furry creatures that exhibit signs of intelligence. The question looms are they mere animals, or do they possess true sapience? If they are indeed sentient beings, the implications are monumental, threatening the commercial interests of a powerful corporation that seeks to exploit the planets resources. Will Jack fight to protect these creatures and challenge the corporate machine? (Summary by tabithat)

Uller Uprising delves into the gripping tale of a human overlord facing a rebellion from alien servants, culminating in an ironic twist that will leave you pondering its implications. Drawing inspiration from one of historys pivotal moments—the Sepoy Mutiny in British-held India—this narrative goes beyond a simple retelling. Instead, it offers a profound analysis of a historical event reframed in a distant future. As with much of Pipers acclaimed work, this story masterfully intertwines fiction with real-world themes that resonate across time. (Summary from John F. Carrs ...

Did you know that our little planet exists not just on a singular timeline but alongside countless others—thousands, even millions of parallel realities? Some timelines are primitive, while others are astonishingly advanced, yet they remain blissfully unaware of each others existence. But what happens when one of these timelines discovers the others and finds a way to traverse between them? Thats when chaos ensues. Enter the ParaPolice, who are tasked with untangling the mess that unfolds when these worlds collide. Join us as we explore the intricacies and challenges of this thrilling ...

In a galaxy where the Galactic Empire is gradually incorporating long-forgotten systems, the planet Aditya stands out for a disturbing reason—it thrives on slavery. For centuries, its economy has depended on the oppression of its inhabitants, with only a select few Lords holding power. As the Empire extends its hand with promises of civilization and governance, they impose their Constitution, which explicitly forbids slavery. What unfolds when the oppressed are finally offered freedom? Join us on a thought-provoking journey that explores the clash between an age-old society and the ...

In the far future, The Company has taken up the franchise for planet Uller and are employing the saurian natives. However, some native Ulleran leaders don't like how life is changing and seek to destroy the human company agents. There are desperate times ahead for the humans on Uller, with no one coming to help, they're surrounded and cut off.

The Lane Fleming collection of vintage pistols and revolvers is renowned nationwide. When Fleming is discovered lifeless in his secured gun room, clutching a Confederate-made Colt-type percussion .36 revolver, the verdict is accidental death. However, Flemings widow, Gladys, isnt convinced. She hires Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and fellow gun enthusiast, to catalogue, evaluate, and negotiate the sale of her late husbands collection. The list of people who coveted the collection is long, but did someone desire it so much they would kill for it? And if so, how did they ...

The Last Enemy is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller featuring Verkan Vall of the Paratime Police. When an undercover agent vanishes in an alternate reality where assassination is honorable and reincarnation is real, Vall must navigate a world of deadly killers and twisted morality to complete his mission.