Emile and the Dutchman

Emile and the Dutchman were made for each other, though neither would ever admit it. They compliment each other perfectly, covering each other's weaknesses and amplifying each other's strengths. They make the best team in the Thousand World Contract Service. They are in the business of making first contact with alien species. They hold the power to welcome a friendly species into the galactic community or to completely shut off a hostile species. What constitutes `friendly' or `hostile' is completely dependent on the interpretation of Emile and the Dutchman. Any book with Joel Rosenberg's name on the cover is guaranteed to be good but this one is different from any of his others. This one is not so much a novel as it is a collection of short stories. In a series of six different stories, all tied together by the two main characters, Rosenberg weaves a tapestry of action and adventure. Half military adventure and half coming of age story, Emile And The Dutchman is sure to please not only Joel Rosenberg's loyal fans but any fan of sci-fi.

It has been a while since I have seen a character as obnoxious and sympathetic as the Dutchman. The two main characters of this story are completely opposite in personality and it gives some hilarious moments during their adventures. The book is divided in five sections, each one describing how our heroes deal with a new species. Each first contact brings out undiscovered qualities in Emile and some understanding for the Dutchman's nastiness. This book can be read in an afternoon and you will not feel like you wasted your time.

Who do you turn to when humanity encounters the bizzare and potentially murderous races living on the frontiers of explored space? This is a job for the Thousand Worlds Contact Service (TWCS) and their elite four man team: The Dutchman - foul smelling, foul mouthed biggot, no better leader in a pinch, just don't let him deal at poker. Emile - rich-boy snob who can't seem to get over the idea that the universe should be fair; his one saving grace is that his skill as a pilot is almost as high as his thinks it is. The mercenary - One of the best the Metzadan Mercenary Corps has to offer, and you know what that means.The Psychic - Distracted, more interested in the thoughts outside of his own mind, can a man trained to share thoughts with aliens be trusted to support his own teammates in the end?Absolutely one of the best collections of skiffy stories to come out of the 80's.

This story is good, somewhat slow in some portions, however shows how humans would indeed handle life from other planets. It shows our somewhat darker side.