General Max Shorter

A science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers on General Max Shorter, who commands a team tasked with the colonization of a distant planet called Miracastle. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of duty, the moral implications of colonization, and the fragile balance between human ambition and the lives affected by it. The plot begins with the initial landing on Miracastle, where Shorter oversees the harsh terraforming process that inadvertently leads to the destruction of an indigenous alien civilization. After the suicide of one of his men, the tension mounts as an investigative Committee arrives to scrutinize his leadership and the tragic events that occurred during the mission. As Shorter navigates the complexities of military duty and personal ethics, the story raises profound questions about sacrifice, responsibility, and the cost of human progress, ultimately building to a climax where he faces repercussions for what could be deemed a moral failing in his role as a commander.