Way of a Rebel

"Way of a Rebel" by Walter M. Miller Jr. is a science fiction story set amidst a global war, spotlighting the moral struggles of individuals in a futuristic, collapsing world. The narrative centers on Lieutenant Mitch Laskell, a navy officer patrolling the Atlantic in a one-man submarine during a national crisis. As he uncovers his government's decision for a full-scale attack, he wrestles with his conscience, questioning his role in a war he views as morally wrong. This internal conflict leads him to desert his post, driven by a desire to escape the chaos that threatens civilization. However, his journey reveals the blurred lines between right and wrong, forcing him to confront his responsibilities and make a defining choice to safeguard the remnants of civilization from destruction.