Subject
Pentagon (Va.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Henry Lee
Forced Move
"Forced Move" by Henry Lee is a science fiction novella that was published in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The story takes place during a time of interstellar conflict wherein humanity is engaged in a war against alien invaders. The narrative likely explores themes of sacrifice, strategy in warfare, and the interplay between human decision-making and computer algorithms which dictate military tactics. The plot follows Ruy, a theoretical mathematics officer, who makes a bold and dangerous move to take manual control of the decision-making process within his fleet's computer during an ongoing space battle. Believing that the reliance on computers has led to a stalemate, Ruy gambles his life by sacrificing his own ship to disrupt the enemy's strategy. As he orchestrates a series of 'forced moves,' he aims to exploit the computer's inability to account for human sacrifice in warfare, ultimately leading to victory. His actions initially result in the loss of many ships, but they also shift the balance of the battle as the enemy falls for the trap he sets, illustrating the critical role of human intuition and desperation in war against a backdrop of cold, calculated computation.
Walter J. Sheldon
Your Time is Up
"Your Time is Up" by Walter J. Sheldon is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Colonel Lawrence E. Boggs, a career officer in the U.S. Army, who inadvertently connects through a telephone with a historical technician from the future named Zon Twenty. The novella explores themes of time travel, destiny, and the moral implications of knowledge about the future. The plot begins with Colonel Boggs receiving a strange phone call that leads him to discuss historical events with Zon Twenty, who reveals that Colonel Boggs's era is on the brink of a "Final War." As Boggs becomes increasingly tempted by the prospect of using information about future events to advance his career and ensure his survival, he engages in a risky exchange of questions and answers with Zon. However, as the conversation progresses, it becomes apparent that the knowledge Boggs seeks has dangerous ramifications. The story culminates in a dark twist that highlights the potential for hubris and the unforeseen consequences of trying to manipulate fate.
Bascom Jones
Assassin
"Assassin" by Bascom Jones, Jr. is a science fiction novel likely written during the early 1960s. The story revolves around themes of identity, infiltration, and the consequences of technological advancement, exploring the idea of a sentient machine society and its repercussions on humanity. The narrative delves into a dystopian future where aliens pose a significant threat, leading to a mission that aims to eliminate the human population through means of deception and violence. The plot follows a character, initially disguising himself as General Spicer, who infiltrates the Pentagon to further an agenda of mass destruction against Earth’s inhabitants. As the story unfolds, he successfully assumes the identity of Secretary Bartlett after eliminating the real ones, showcasing his training and purpose to dismantle the human race. The novel climaxes with the destruction of the Master Machine — a system controlling all human functions — which then stops the functioning of its humanoid robots, effectively ending humanity’s existence. In the aftermath, two survivors ponder the future of their kind and what opportunities await them on a new world, leaving readers to reflect on the broader implications of reliance on technology and the nature of humanity itself.
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