Chain of Command

"Chain of Command" by Stephen Arr is a science fiction tale from the 1950s that uses a telepathic mouse’s journey to highlight the difficulties of dealing with rigid systems. George, worried about a dangerous trap outside his home, sets out to convince the humans in charge to remove it. His encounters with different figures of authority expose the humans' anxieties about intelligent mice and the nonsensical rules in place. George's attempts to protect his family ultimately uncover the potential strength of the mice as a community, revealing the complex relationship between fear, control, and the power of unity against bureaucratic organizations.