Short Fiction · Theme
Power and Control
How Short Fiction develops Power and Control.
Stories like 'Navy Day' and 'The K-Factor' examine institutional power struggles, political manipulation, and the use of science or military force to control populations, planets, or rival factions.
Where it surfaces
- Navy Day
The Army and Navy vie for dominance, using technological demonstrations to sway Congress and the public.
- The Velvet Glove
The chapter explores the power dynamics between humans and robots, with humans using laws, violence, and threats to maintain control over the robot population.
- Arm of the Law
China Joe's control over Nineport's police is challenged by Ned, leading to a violent power struggle.
- The K-Factor
The k-factor represents a method to control societal outcomes, but the power to manipulate populations raises questions about who wields it and for what purpose.
- Down to Earth
The German military exerts control through force and interrogation, while the astronauts are powerless prisoners in a world where their own nation's power has been broken.