Published by Popular Library, 1990,
paperback, $3.95 ISBN 0-445-20733-7
315 pages

Bill Baldwin's third novel in the Helmsman series is as remarkable as the second, Galactic Convoy, for its over-the-top space opera underpinnings. Once again, intrepid hero Wilf Brim takes to the stars in the seemingly eternal fight against the Nazi-like League.

However, with an armistice in being and a strong fifth column organization, Wilf's pure-as-newfallen-snow Empire is struggling to maintain its armament. The demobilized Navy has tossed Wilf out, leaving him to become a slops mate, lowest class, on a spaceliner.

Why there are slops in the first place when hyperspace travel is akin to today's air travel is beyond me, but hey--The Trophy is a space opera, and you have to tear down a hero before you build him back up. Oh, there's some attempt at character--something about pride--that Baldwin is ineffective at developing, but you don't care. This is rollicking pulp, not literature.

And by the by, Wilf's relationship with the Princess goes sour, too. But Wilf, our brave, stalwart, Empire-to-the-end, truth, justice, and the right to rut like rabbits Wilf, well, he's not going to stay down for long. Yessirree, no matter what the cost, he's going to put the Empire on top again. And since he's the greatest Helmsman that ever lived, he's going to pilot the new racing starship in the Galaxy's all-important Mitchell Race (sort of like an annual version of the America's Cup) over the evil League stooges.

The Trophy contains the same winking, nudging innocence you'd expect from a teenager than a combat veteran. Some of the dialogue will make you roll your eyes...but this is over-the-top, where men are men of action, women are voluptuous, and good deeds gather rewards.

Related

Galactic Convoy
The Mercenaries