Restricted Tool

"Restricted Tool" by Malcolm B. Morehart, Jr., presents the story of Richard Clark, an ordinary man who discovers an alien device with unbelievable power, leading him to grapple with crucial questions about technology and ethics. After finding a gravity-defying gadget during a hunt, Clark is confronted by aliens who reveal its dangerous potential and classify it as a “restricted” weapon. Torn between surrendering the tool and exploring its possibilities, he experiments with it, quickly grasping its implications for destruction and warfare. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he is transported to a future where such technology is ordinary. This experience challenges his perception of progress, forcing him to reevaluate his understanding of innovation and its role in shaping humanity's destiny as he considers his beliefs about progress and the application of powerful technologies in society.