An Enemy of Peace
By RALPH BURKE
When enemies of peace threaten the
System, they must be eliminated. There are
many ways to do this. And if all else fails,
you can always go to war with them.
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Fantastic February 1957.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Center City belonged to Lloyd Riddell, and Lloyd Riddell belonged to the city. He had held it together almost single-handed while the white blaze of atomics laid waste the horizon; he had turned panic into determination, defeat into dogged refusal to lie down. He had fought for the city. He had killed for it.
And now the city was threatened again.
"When does Northburg intend to attack us?"
"I—I don't know," Len Colter said. "It all depends on what's going on in David Barr's mind. I lit out for Center City as soon as I heard him making the speech, there in that rubbleheap. The minute I heard him yelling, 'We must wipe out Center City,' I knew I had to come back here and let you know."
Riddell scowled. "I suppose you did the best thing. But you should have waited. You should have found out when they plan to attack."