# Power and Control in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by Harry Harrison.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_60_se/chapters/navy-day): The Army and Navy vie for dominance, using technological demonstrations to sway Congress and the public.
- [The Velvet Glove](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_60_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_60_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_60_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_60_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_60_se/themes/power_and_control
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_60_se/themes