The Next Logical Step

Name: The Next Logical Step
Author: Ben Bova

By Ben Bova

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Science-Fiction & Fantasy

About This Book

A military research team builds an advanced war-simulation computer that not only models battles in exhaustive detail but converts its output into electrical patterns fed into a user's brain, producing complete visual and auditory hallucinations. The device is intended to aid strategic visualization, yet several operators experience severe psychological breakdowns. During a demonstration a reluctant visitor undergoes an immersive sequence of escalating engagements—submarine attacks, missile launches, and cascading destruction—raising questions about the hazards of technological immersion, the fragility of human perception, and the ethical risks of projecting simulated realities into living minds.

About the Author

Ben Bova

Ben Bova was an American science fiction author and editor, known for his contributions to the genre over several decades. He explored themes of technology, space exploration, and human evolution in his works. Bova's notable titles include "The Towers of Titan," which delves into the complexities of human ambition and the challenges of interstellar travel. His writing often reflects a deep understanding of scientific principles, making his narratives both engaging and thought-provoking. In addition to his fiction, Bova served as an editor for various science fiction magazines, helping to shape the landscape of speculative literature.