Crisis!

"Crisis!" by C. M. (Cyril M.) Kornbluth is a science fiction story that explores tense relationships and delicate negotiations during a potential war between Earth and Venus, which started because of miscommunication and poor leadership. Code Clerk Weems and Dr. Helen Carewe work hard to find a peaceful solution, even when their efforts are made difficult by their own clumsy leaders and political games from both Venus and Mars. Despite facing obstacles like sabotage and growing anger towards Earth, Weems takes a risky trip to Venus, but finds more trouble after an unfortunate announcement back on Earth. As each planet gets ready for battle, surprise helpers and clever moves finally bring an end to the fighting without any actual war, revealing how silly and dangerous bureaucratic battles can be.