The Business, as Usual

The Business, as Usual is a satirical science fiction short story by Jack Sharkey, published in the early 1960s. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, it explores themes of espionage and the absurdity of political strategies through the story of a radar-resistant airplane and a stuffed teddy bear, Agent X-45, sent into enemy territory to destabilize a Communist regime. The narrative critiques government policies and the often ludicrous lengths authorities will go to project power, revealing the unexpected consequences of such absurd plans.