Pete, Popeye and Olive

by Jamie McFarlane

Pete Hoffen has spent the last year in the rainforest of the Amazon, slogging through hell and back in service to his country. When an opportunity to join the Mechanized Infantry presents itself, Pete is first in line. He knows that he's going to get shot at one way or another, but the idea of sitting in a warm and more importantly, dry mechanized suit appeals to him almost beyond reason. While still training in the jungle, Pete's squad is called out to intervene in a skirmish in a nearby village. Of course, the Marines haven't seen fit to certify his squad with ordnance. The fact that they'll be up against a platoon of squishies doesn't convince him that's it's any better of an idea and things turn quickly to crap when they discover the squishies are protected by grav-tanks. Pete, Popeye and Olive is a fast paced, short-story with plenty of action.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Fiction

25 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2016

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a very "tasty appetizer" for the Privateer stories. Gets your attention, sparks your interest, but leaves you wanting more.....much more. Seriously, an excellent story, albeit too short, and perfect for the initial story line of a new series...(hint hint).

[Nancy Kosek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story, but not my favorite. Ready to back to an old fashioned pirate story, something to relax with. Thanks

can't think of another comment on this short story. But love his other longer novels.
One two three four five

[Topher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little short story about Big Pete as he's getting started.

[jeff esing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short story

Good follow-up giving the back ground of a main character in the series, defines the main characters upbringing,helps define his beliefs.

[Mark Zodda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, very short story that provides background on Big Pete.

[SciFiOne · Rating 4 out of 5]

2017 grade B

This short story in the Privateer Tales series is a stand alone about Pete Hoffen's start in the mechanized infantry. It's a fun story but I'm not a big fan of short stories.

[Roger Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie McFarlane has become one of my new favorite authors. If you like the best of David Weber's Hinor Harrington books you'll enjoy his Privateer Tales series. This is a short story that gives back story on his Big Pete character. It's best read before the novella "Big Pete" but can easily be read as a totally stand alone story. It feels quite like Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" so, if you enjoyed that, or the aforementioned Weber books, I can pretty much guarantee you'll enjoy this.

[Marshall Clowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short (but worth it) story about a young Pete (prior to the Big Pete nickname). If you remember Big Pete trained Liam and his bunch on the use of those armored mech suits? This is where Pete was in training for those same suits.

There's a name here that I giggled every time I read it. You'll know it when you see it. ;)

[Frank Bertino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Armored Suits Training

Pete Hoffen is in training for the Mechanized Infantry. While still in training, he and his team are involved in a a battle without being issued ammo. They take losses but most survive. This is good background for Big Pete's background and character. I look forward to another book in the series.