Poul Anderson was one of the most popular authors of science fiction in the 20th century. He started his career in the Golden Age of Sci-Fi in the 1950s, and was a regular contributor to science fiction magazines that were edited by John W. Campbell. During his lifetime, he received seven Hugo and three Nebula Awards and a Science Fiction Writers of America Grandmaster Award, among other honors.

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.