John Laumer byl americký autor vědeckofantastické literatury, jehož díla často zkoumají témata osamělého hrdiny, obětavosti a transcendence, nebo se noří do satirické komedie. Jeho populární série Retief a Bolo, z nichž druhá popisuje vývoj sebeuvědomělých bojových tanků, odrážejí jeho cynický pohled na byrokracii, inspirovaný jeho předchozí kariérou v diplomatických službách. Navzdory zdravotním potížím, které ho na čas vyřadily z psaní, se Laumer vrátil k tvorbě, ačkoli jeho pozdější díla občas recyklovala dřívější motivy. Jeho vliv na žánr přetrvává, přičemž další autoři rozvíjejí jeho vesmír Bolo.
Commander Greylorn faces a daunting challenge as he seeks to locate a lost colony to secure its assistance for Earth. Amidst this mission, he must navigate a treacherous mutiny on his own starship, adding layers of tension and danger to his quest. This tale is filled with interplanetary intrigue and adventure, highlighting the struggles of leadership and survival in the vastness of space.
A collection of Hugo and Nebula-nominated writer Keith Laumer's Retief novellas, as collected from Worlds of If Science Fiction and Fantastic magazines. The books are satirical science fiction written in the 1960s and based on Laumer's real-life experience in the U.S. Foreign Service
The Best of the Bolo Stories, Including Stories by David Weber, Mercedes Lackey, David Drake, S.M. Stirling and More.Military Science Fiction at Its Best.Controlled by their tireless electronic brains which were programmed to admit no possibility of defeat, the gigantic robot tanks known as Bolos were almost indestructible, and nearly unstoppable. Their artificial intelligences were designed to make them selflessly serve and protect humans throughout the galaxy and made each Bolo the epitome of the knight sans peur et sans reproche , and often far more noble than the humans who gave them their orders.Created by Keith Laumer, the saga of the Bolos has been extended by several of the best writers in science fiction. Now, the best stories of the saga are collected in one Omni-Trade volume, including work by New York Times best-selling writers David Weber , Mercedes Lackey and S. M. Stirling , military science fiction grand master David Drake , and Laumer himself, who recount the exploits of the dauntless Bolos in Their Finest Hour .
The enemy has struck the human colony of Cloud with an attack so deadly that even the world's sole Bolo, a Mark XXXIII Mod HCT named Hector, has been overwhelmed. One human, however, refuses to accept defeat. Major Jamie Graham will free his companions or die trying. It's the story of Spartacus reborn in steel, a daring slave revolt against impossible odds.
Two new powerhouses of science fiction, David Weber and Linda Evans, continue the amplified history of the Bolo, the nearly indestructible tank/artificial intelligence that changed the shape of the galaxy.Contains:The Farmer's WifeLittle Red HenLittle Dog GoneMiles to GoA Brief Technical History of the BoloA Brief Design History of the BoloGeneral Armament Notes
Set against the backdrop of the 29th Century's frontier worlds, the story delves into the thrilling escapades of interplanetary diplomat Retief. His unique approach to cosmic diplomacy often leads to unexpected challenges and interstellar crises, revealing the complexities of human and non-human interactions. As the first collection of Retief's adventures, it promises readers a captivating blend of astounding and weird science fiction, showcasing the high-stakes diplomacy that defines his character and the universe he navigates.
The XV Model M represents a groundbreaking advancement in automation, functioning independently without human intervention. Its exceptional performance sets a new standard for robotic technology, showcasing the potential of fully automated systems in various applications. This innovation marks a significant milestone in the evolution of machines designed for autonomous operation.
American diplomat Brion Bayard is on assignment in Stockholm when he notices he's being shadowed. Before he can escape, Bayard is kidnapped and transported to a parallel universe: the Imperium, where history has taken a different turn and the British Empire and its allies rule the world. Yet another parallel world exists, and the Imperium has a task there for their reluctant visitor: the impersonation and assassination of a global dictator who happens to be Bayard's otherworldly double
Bolo Officer Donal Ragnor's tendency to talk back to brass had gotten him assigned to the backwater colony worlds on the edge of the galaxy. And his new superior regarded him as useless, since there was no enemy to worry about--or so they thought.
Chronicles the history of the BOLO, a futuristic man-made machine that symbolizes brute force, defiance, and rigid will and is responsible for defending humanity against an invading alien group. Original.
