Poul Anderson Collection: Security, The Burning Bridge

Security: Security takes place in a future America, where control and efficiency are emphasized, and unquestioned loyalty is required. Nobody wants a repeat of the disastrous war that happened 75 years previous, and sacrifices must be made to ensure the ultimate peace. At least that's what Dr. Allen Lancaster, a pyhsicist and Project Chief thinks, until a top secret branch of Security decides his planned vacation will be spent on a mission in space. People who learn too much have been jailed or even shot as security risks. Dr. Lancaster wonders if his new assignment is a blessing or a curse. He will soon find out. The Burning Bridge: The Burning Bridge is the story of a fleet of ships seeking to colonize a distant planet. The trip is so long that most of the 3,000 passengers are kept in cryogenic sleep. As the fleet approaches the point of no return it receives a short message from Earth which may change everything; but the few that are awake will have to make a life altering decision for everyone.