Phule (character)

Phule is the name of the main character in a series of books by Robert Asprin, "Phule's Company", the most recent being "Phule's Errand".

Phule, or Willard J. Phule, is the super-rich heir apparent of Phule Proof Munitions, currently serving in the Space Legion. His Legion name is "Jester," and holds the rank of Captain, being addressed thus as "Captain Jester," and occasionally and inappropriately as "Captain Phule" or "Captain Clown." The setting of the book takes place centuries into the future, where humans and other species have come together to form the Interplanetary Alliance, a federation government of numerous planets. The Alliance's military includes not only the Space Legion, but also the Regular Army and Starfleet. The Space Legion is considered the lowest on the totem pole, and the laughingstock of the armed forces. Space Legion protocol has all persons using a pseudonym chosen upon enlistment, and commissions are purchased. It is a violation of Legion rules to release "another" Legion member's real name, but not to reveal one's own. Robert Asprin, Phule's Company, Ace Books. ISBN 044166251X]

After being court-martialed for ordering the strafing of a peace conference, Captain Jester is shipped off to command the Omega Company, a dumping ground for the Legion's foul ups and misfits. Applying his business sense to the running of the unit, he soon turns it around, winning the almost fanatical loyalty of his troops and turning the "Omega Mob", as it is affectionately nicknamed, into a crack unit. This does not please General Blitzkrieg, who expected Phule to sink from sight. ibid.] The general becomes the unit's main adversary. In each book, he contrives to send the unit on yet another 'impossible' assignment. They usually manage to come through unscathed.

Currently, there are six books in the series. These are (in chronological order):

* "Phule's Company"
* "Phule's Paradise"
* "A Phule and His Money"
* "Phule Me Twice"
* "No Phule Like an Old Phule"
* "Phule's Errand"

Along with Phule, there are a number of other protagonists in the series. These include Phule's butler Beeker, Top Sergeant Brandy, Tusk-anini, Super Gnat, Sushi and Do-Wop.

References