Occasion ... for Disaster

"Occasion ... for Disaster" by Randall Garrett and Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novel likely written in the late 20th century. The book explores themes of governmental inefficiency and potential sabotage within the halls of power, following the character Kenneth J. Malone, an FBI agent with unique abilities, who is tasked with investigating anomalies affecting government machinery. The narrative captures a blend of humor and intrigue as Malone navigates his investigation amidst an odd assortment of characters and situations. The opening of the story introduces Malone and his boss, Andrew J. Burris, as they grapple with an inexplicable crisis in government communications that seems to stem from computer errors, leading to serious political repercussions. As Malone is thrust into this complicated situation, he learns that various lawmakers are facing sabotage in their legislative efforts, attributed to misinformation generated by their computer systems. The dialogue is witty and reveals Malone's talents, including teleportation, which complicate his interactions with a skeptical bureaucracy. As Malone begins to delve deeper into the investigation, it becomes evident that the disruptions may have a paranormal aspect tied to psychological manipulation, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of conspiracies and hidden powers within the government.