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FirmhandKY -> Science Fiction: Ranks of Bronze Series: The Excaliber Alternative by David Weber (1/24/2013 8:20:02 AM)
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For you Science Fiction fans out there, a question ....
I like most anything by David Weber, and have most of his books. I'm pretty sure I've read all of 'em, anyway..
This is a question about one of his lesser known series, in collaboration with David Drake, called "The Ranks of Bronze" series.
Basically, the first book in the series (by Drake) has the same name. A short plot summary:
quote:
A defeated Roman legion is sold into slavery to alien traders seeking low tech soldiers to be used in conflicts to secure trading rights on alien planets. Their new masters soon learn that the Romans are the best low tech fighters that can be found. Given their worth as soldiers and success on the battlefield, the Romans' alien masters provide them with everything, including near immortality. However, the Romans want only one thing, and that is to go home.
The second book of the series is a book of short stories about the same concept, all edited by Drake. David Weber writes one of the stories.
The final book in the series is completely written by Weber, and is called "The Excalibur Alternative". Basic plot:
quote:
The story begins when a 14th-century English army is abducted by aliens of the Galactic Federation to serve as mercenaries on planets where only low-tech weaponry is legal. The aliens are bound by a Galactic Federation law that states that advanced weapons can not be used on primitive worlds. Another Guild had previously abducted a legion from the Roman Empire and used it to obtain victory in many confrontations and therefore increase its commercial empire. Therefore other aliens were inspired to try the same tactics and came to Earth to find their own army to fight for them.
If any of you are Poul Anderson fans, then you may have read "The High Crusades", which has a similar plot.
Now, here is my problem: I'm certain that I've read a novel that takes place after the events of "The Excalibur Alternative", in which the Kingdom of Avalon's struggle against the Federation is given in great detail. But, apparently, no such novel exists (or I could find no record of one).
Anyone have any ideas if I'm just dreaming, or does such a book (by Weber, Drake, or anyone else) exists?
Firm
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