Security Risk

"Security Risk" by Ed M. Clinton, Jr. is a science fiction tale set amidst the looming tensions between United Terra and the Interplanetary Confederation, where a dangerous weapon threatens to ignite interstellar war. The story looks at scientific ethics, the burdens of a powerful military, and the dangers of security risks in a volatile world. General David Walker finds himself in a crisis after learning the Confederation has technology that puts United Terra at a disadvantage. Walker's quest for solutions leads him to Dr. Otto Millet, a former government scientist who was dismissed due to security concerns. As Walker attempts to convince Millet to help prevent the Confederation's plans, he encounters Millet's opposition to developing weapons, setting up a clear conflict with Walker's military goals. The interaction of ambition, science, and power exposes complex perspectives on progress and the high price of war, leading Walker to understand how vulnerable he is within a crumbling system.