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Old Man's War #4.5
After the Coup
In a universe of harsh interstellar conflict, the practice of interspecies diplomacy—when possible—is important. So being a Colonial Union officer attached to an interplanetary diplomatic mission sometimes means taking a fall. Literally.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2008
170 people are currently reading
4616 people want to read
About the author
John Scalzi
185 books28.4k followersJohn Scalzi, having declared his absolute boredom with biographies, disappeared in a puff of glitter and lilac scent.
(If you want to contact John, using the mail function here is a really bad way to do it. Go to his site and use the contact information you find there.)
(If you want to contact John, using the mail function here is a really bad way to do it. Go to his site and use the contact information you find there.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
February 17, 2019
A humorous Tor short story featuring one-on-one alien combat and lots of snarky commentary. It works, though! Final review, posted on Fantasy Literature:
In this short story, set in the world of Scalzi’s OLD MAN’S WAR series, a human diplomatic group from the Clarke spaceship is trying to negotiate a treaty with a small but belligerent alien species, the Korba. It’s not going well. Since a recent military coup on their planet, the Korba are now intent on expanding to new planets. Humanity’s Colonial Defense Force actually thinks that’s fine … as long as the Korba expand in the direction of enemy planets, not ours. But before they accept that restriction, the Korba insist on proof of humanity’s military prowess, particularly their superhuman soldiers that the Korba have heard about. This part will make much more sense if you’ve read at least the first book in this series, Old Man's War. If you haven’t, well, knowing that humanity has developed a way to genetically engineer soldiers with superhuman strength (among other qualities) will see you through.
It just so happens that there is only one superhuman soldier on the diplomatic spaceship, Lieutenant Harry Wilson. The problem is that Harry is a technician, not a trained fighter, but time is short and the humans have no better options than Harry for the ritualized one-on-one combat display that the Korba are insisting on. What develops is a tricky mix between a sensitive diplomatic mission and hand-to-hand combat between Harry and one of the Korba, liberally spiced with humor.
It's interesting to compare this to Arena, a well-known and anthologized 1944 short story that also features one-on-one combat between a human and an unusual alien (which you can read online here). In both stories the fate of humanity may be riding on the outcome of the fight, but "Arena" takes a dead serious approach while "After the Coup" is much more light-hearted, though with some serious undertones.
"After the Coup" is free to read online here at Tor.com.
In this short story, set in the world of Scalzi’s OLD MAN’S WAR series, a human diplomatic group from the Clarke spaceship is trying to negotiate a treaty with a small but belligerent alien species, the Korba. It’s not going well. Since a recent military coup on their planet, the Korba are now intent on expanding to new planets. Humanity’s Colonial Defense Force actually thinks that’s fine … as long as the Korba expand in the direction of enemy planets, not ours. But before they accept that restriction, the Korba insist on proof of humanity’s military prowess, particularly their superhuman soldiers that the Korba have heard about. This part will make much more sense if you’ve read at least the first book in this series, Old Man's War. If you haven’t, well, knowing that humanity has developed a way to genetically engineer soldiers with superhuman strength (among other qualities) will see you through.
It just so happens that there is only one superhuman soldier on the diplomatic spaceship, Lieutenant Harry Wilson. The problem is that Harry is a technician, not a trained fighter, but time is short and the humans have no better options than Harry for the ritualized one-on-one combat display that the Korba are insisting on. What develops is a tricky mix between a sensitive diplomatic mission and hand-to-hand combat between Harry and one of the Korba, liberally spiced with humor.
“The judge wants to know if you have a second. If you don’t have one he will be happy to provide you one.”“After the Coup” isn’t profound, but it’s an amusing and highly imaginative story, and I enjoyed Harry’s snarky personality and world-weary view of politics and military policies.
“Do I have a second?” Harry said.
“I didn’t know you needed one,” Schmidt said.
“Hart, please make an effort to be useful to me,” Harry asked.
“Well, I’m translating,” Schmidt said.
“I only have your word for that,” Harry said. “Tell the judge that you’re my second.”
“What? Harry, I can’t,” Schmidt said. “I’m supposed to be sitting with the Ambassador.”
“And I’m supposed to be in a bunk on the Clarke reading the first part of The Brothers Karamazov,” Harry said. “Clearly this is a disappointing day for both of us. Suck it up, Hart.”
It's interesting to compare this to Arena, a well-known and anthologized 1944 short story that also features one-on-one combat between a human and an unusual alien (which you can read online here). In both stories the fate of humanity may be riding on the outcome of the fight, but "Arena" takes a dead serious approach while "After the Coup" is much more light-hearted, though with some serious undertones.
"After the Coup" is free to read online here at Tor.com.
November 28, 2015
In the best of situations diplomacy can be difficult. The Colonial Union diplomats on Korba are certainly not in the best situation. Korba just underwent a coup and their new leadership are soldiers so they'd rather see a test of fighting skill over talk. The only CDF member on the whole mission is Harry Wilson and unfortunately for him, he's been involuntarily chosen to take a fall.
After the Coup is another solid entry in John Scalzi's Old Man universe. All the expected humor and insane scenarios are on display. It was good to see Harry because he's my second favorite in the series after John Perry. The best part of all is the short story is available to read for free on TOR's website here.
After the Coup is another solid entry in John Scalzi's Old Man universe. All the expected humor and insane scenarios are on display. It was good to see Harry because he's my second favorite in the series after John Perry. The best part of all is the short story is available to read for free on TOR's website here.
June 2, 2023
Good short story in the "Old Man's War" universe...typical, humorous Scalzi fare...
December 30, 2010
3.0 to 3.5 stars. Another free download from Tor.com that I picked up on my Kindle. This funny short story is set in the same universe as Old Man's War and its sequels and tells the story of Harry Wilson, Lieutenant in the Colonial Defense Forces, being asked to undertake a delicate (and potentially painful) diplomatic assignment. A fun, fast read.
July 25, 2016
Oh look, they're using diplomacy. That's new :P
February 1, 2020
خوب بود ، من دوست داشتم اپیزود بعد از خاطرات زویی توی سری جنگ پیرمرد.
اثر مستقلی نیست و به هیچ وجه پیش از خوندن باقی مجموعه قابل فهم نیست.
اثر مستقلی نیست و به هیچ وجه پیش از خوندن باقی مجموعه قابل فهم نیست.
January 31, 2025
2012, May 4
Short stories don't get enough credit, nor do their authors. It's hard to tell a complete story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. It's harder to be concise than long-winded. And it's very hard indeed to create an entire new world, with all that entails, and convey it to the reader in a few key details.
As much as I enjoy the novels, which are amusing and thought-provoking, it's Scalzi's short stories that really amaze me. Perfectly crafted and entertaining, funny, but with a high-stakes challenge to them as well. That he manages to create an alien race which is both surprising and plausible, and the sheer difficulty of sustaining the confusion of first contact while not confusing the reader: brilliant. Props, too, for not falling back on xenophobia.
Oh, it's about an inter-species diplomacy mission that isn't going well, and what is necessary for it to succeed. Fun stuff.
Personal copy
Short stories don't get enough credit, nor do their authors. It's hard to tell a complete story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. It's harder to be concise than long-winded. And it's very hard indeed to create an entire new world, with all that entails, and convey it to the reader in a few key details.
As much as I enjoy the novels, which are amusing and thought-provoking, it's Scalzi's short stories that really amaze me. Perfectly crafted and entertaining, funny, but with a high-stakes challenge to them as well. That he manages to create an alien race which is both surprising and plausible, and the sheer difficulty of sustaining the confusion of first contact while not confusing the reader: brilliant. Props, too, for not falling back on xenophobia.
Oh, it's about an inter-species diplomacy mission that isn't going well, and what is necessary for it to succeed. Fun stuff.
Personal copy
January 9, 2018
I absolutely love the Old Man's War universe. I can keep reading and reading non-stop.
A short story featuring Harry Wilson, one of the original members of the "Old Farts", in which he is asked to fight a member of the korban race in an attempt to save a diplomatic mission. An invitation for the next book.
A short story featuring Harry Wilson, one of the original members of the "Old Farts", in which he is asked to fight a member of the korban race in an attempt to save a diplomatic mission. An invitation for the next book.
March 12, 2017
Although this was book number 4.5 of the series, the enjoyable plot was easy to follow. This is the second story of Mr. Scalzi I have read and I quite enjoy his light writing style. I really should read the Old Man's War series!
June 16, 2024
A fun and fast read.
April 5, 2013
If you've read my review of The Human Division, then you know I love Lieutenant Harry Wilson and Deputy Ambassador Hart Schmidt.
Well while reading a glowing five-star review of that novel from SFReviews.net, I noticed the following post-script: "The print edition of the book also includes 'After the Coup,' a short story featuring Harry Wilson that was one of Tor.com's launch stories." Wait a second, I thought, a launch story would mean this is already available, even though the print edition isn't. Approximately 5.5 seconds of Googling later, and I was reading the story on Tor.com.
You should go there and read it too. It's a really good short story that highlights John Scalzi's ability to write funny yet heartfelt characters in fantastical settings. There's also an interesting fight sequence. And, it's a great barometer for seeing if you'll like The Human Division, which heavily features Wilson and Schmidt.
Well while reading a glowing five-star review of that novel from SFReviews.net, I noticed the following post-script: "The print edition of the book also includes 'After the Coup,' a short story featuring Harry Wilson that was one of Tor.com's launch stories." Wait a second, I thought, a launch story would mean this is already available, even though the print edition isn't. Approximately 5.5 seconds of Googling later, and I was reading the story on Tor.com.
You should go there and read it too. It's a really good short story that highlights John Scalzi's ability to write funny yet heartfelt characters in fantastical settings. There's also an interesting fight sequence. And, it's a great barometer for seeing if you'll like The Human Division, which heavily features Wilson and Schmidt.
March 2, 2019
Good, but rather violent. 4 solid stars.
November 18, 2024
Hard negotiations
I believe this short story takes place after Zoe’s Tale, as it takes place in the same fictional universe.
A CDF technician is required to take part in a contest of skills in order to help the CU in negotiations.
A lot of fun with a great deal of humor
I believe this short story takes place after Zoe’s Tale, as it takes place in the same fictional universe.
A CDF technician is required to take part in a contest of skills in order to help the CU in negotiations.
A lot of fun with a great deal of humor
June 29, 2014
I am in the middle of reading The Human Division when I stumbled upon this novella set in the Old Man's War universe. It's not part of the continuity of the series so can be read anytime after Old Man's War. I put aside The Human Division to read this and was extremely entertained.
Harry Wilson is back and has to help a negotiation by engaging in combat with an alien. Vintage Scalzi, funny, witty, snarky and humorous.
Recommended.
Harry Wilson is back and has to help a negotiation by engaging in combat with an alien. Vintage Scalzi, funny, witty, snarky and humorous.
Recommended.
December 22, 2014
A fun, very short story. Neat alien race & problem. Loved the witty repartee. I read it during lunch after finishing my book. Fit in perfectly.
May 17, 2016
داستانی فرعی دربارهٔ هری ویلسون در مواجهه با نژاد کُربا
July 27, 2012
Cute. The opening dialogue is vintage Scalzi; the "action" scene is adequate.
A fun read.
A fun read.
September 5, 2018
Huzzah! A short story that was actually fun and entertaining!
The twist came out of left field and that is all that I will say about it. :D May you stew in your juices wondering what it is.
The twist came out of left field and that is all that I will say about it. :D May you stew in your juices wondering what it is.
September 17, 2023
This one was funny, as long as you weren't Harry. He got bamboozled into a fight, one that seemed like it would be easy, but wasn't. Harry managed to do what he was told, but it was tough and he had to resort to a Three Stooge move to get the fight to end.
June 30, 2024
Sometimes diplomacy is the art of losing against all odds.
A great little story from Scalzi, where brains have to overcome instinct.
A great little story from Scalzi, where brains have to overcome instinct.
August 25, 2021
This was fun.
November 25, 2025
Too short!
December 11, 2025
While it’s certainly not going to set the earth ablaze, this was a fun story and I think it is certainly worth reading before the 13 main stories in the Human Division. Some of the interpersonal dynamics and history referenced in those stories come from this story.
July 30, 2010
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Short Story from Terrific Author, July 30, 2010
This review is from: After the Coup: A Tor.Com Original (Kindle Edition)
"After the Coup" is a short story set in the same world as John Scalzi's "Old Man's War", and its' sequels "Ghost Brigade", "Last Colony" and "Zoe's Tale". While the focus is on one of Scalzi's minor characters from the first two books, this is really just a fun snippet of interplanetary diplomatic relations resolved by good old-fashioned alien vs. human hand-to-hand combat.
Scalzi always writes amazing character dialogue and fully half of this 20-page story is a simple discussion. In the conversation, Scalzi's able to subtly but clearly set exposition, motivation and the structure for the story itself. And he does it with his usual humor, which typically draws out a couple of laugh-out-louds.
The battle scene is creative, sharply written, and comes to a satisfactory conclusion.
I highly recommend this book. And what's to stop you? It's only a dollar.
March 2, 2011
Very funny and extremely entertaining! Every single encounter I've had with John Scalzi's writing has been an absolute treat, and this short story is no exception.
There are some parallels to the Retief stories by Keith Laumer, but this reads a bit cleaner and the humor is more immediate.
You can download this for free (in ebook or audiobook format) at Tor.com, and I highly recommend you check it out at the soonest possible opportunity!
There are some parallels to the Retief stories by Keith Laumer, but this reads a bit cleaner and the humor is more immediate.
You can download this for free (in ebook or audiobook format) at Tor.com, and I highly recommend you check it out at the soonest possible opportunity!
November 25, 2011
A 99-cent novella from John Scalzi that takes place in the Colonial Union world. A CU technician (with a genetically enhanced physique, but still no soldier) is asked to fight an alien race for diplomatic purposes. Three rounds. "Lose," says the diplomat, "but not by much." You know this story, from the man whose character once farted an alien diplotmat to death, is going to be entertaining. Lighthearted, fun, and thoughtful enough to be worth the hour or so it takes to read, even if you're not one of those people who mindlessly consumes everything Scalzi writes. Like I am.
March 3, 2016
Decided to read a short on tor.com and went with the first one they posted on the website... which is this piece by Scalzi...
Really loved the characterization in this - and the writing was pure "immersion"-quality which I have been trying to get with other books but haven't managed to adequately get in my reading since the first two books I read this year... (apparently this is a part of Human Division) but anyhoo - have yet to read any Scalzi so let's just say that if this is indicative of what I am in for then I am looking forward to getting into Old Man's War... ohh yeah.
Really loved the characterization in this - and the writing was pure "immersion"-quality which I have been trying to get with other books but haven't managed to adequately get in my reading since the first two books I read this year... (apparently this is a part of Human Division) but anyhoo - have yet to read any Scalzi so let's just say that if this is indicative of what I am in for then I am looking forward to getting into Old Man's War... ohh yeah.
June 25, 2017
"After the Coup" is a quick fun read. It stars Lt Harry Wilson. He is forced to take part in a gladiatorial match to save a diplomatic mission. There wasn't much new here except for a new species of alien. Scalzi's writing is energetic as ever and the gladiatorial scenes are fun to read. I did not like the ending much though since no one got their comeuppance.
January 19, 2015
Just a 20 pages short story in the Old Man's Universe. It has a bit of humor but doesn't add anything to the world with the focus of the whole story on a exhibition match.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews