Time Fuze

"Time Fuze" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novella that dives into the unforeseen dangers of groundbreaking technology where the crew of an interstellar ship, equipped with the experimental ultradrive, faces a terrifying crisis when witnessing a nearby star explode—a nova—raising unsettling questions about their role in the disaster. Commander Benedict and Dr. Leicher struggle with the possibility that their ultradrive may have triggered this cosmic event, confronting a universe where their technology could have catastrophic consequences, even for their own star, Sol, and as they grapple with the potential existential threat, they must choose the best path home, while unsure of the consequences of their actions. The story ends without closure, and leaves the reader pondering the risks of unchecked scientific advancement.