Review: An Officer and His Conscience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 23, 2011
Imagine a future where mankind has reached for the stars, and populated 300 worlds.  How would you go about organizing a system of governance amongst these populations?  In Patriotic Treason, that tasks falls to a United Nation, the government based on Earth which enforces its rules and regulations amongst these colonies through its Peace Force (UNPF).But all is not as it seems.  For Earth is on a tailspin to oblivion, due to uncontrolled population growth, and more and more resources are needed to keep the UN in peace.  Thus, to keep its control over Earth and the colonies, the UN uses acts of tyranny and oppression through the UNPF.  And this is where we find our protagonist, John Walker,  a newly minted Ensign who is assigned aboard a starship for the first time.  As he completes his assignments with competence and praise from his superiors, John rises through the ranks quickly, and eventually becoming Captain.  However, this rapid rise came at a price: acts that he considered to be war crimes against humanity.As John Walker commits heinous acts on behalf of the UNPF, his conscience tugs at him, leaving him unable to sleep at night, low appetite, and even diminished sex drive.  Finally, our protagonist comes up with a plan to put an end to the endless war between Earth and its rebellious colonies.In following his conscience, is John Walker a traitor or a hero?  Patriotic Treason is an original story that brings up moral implications, and cast doubts on the wisdom of occupation of other countries.  It is a highly recommended read.