Page 51 - Tales Apocalyptic and Dystopian

Into the Tempifuge

me to spare the world the ravages of a new generation of genocidal
weapons. My time here, after a brief period of adjustment, has been
the most pleasant part of my life. I cannot describe to you the
freedom and opportunity in this era, not to mention the natural
wonders still extant. The world was undeniably in deep difficulties at
the end of the twentieth century—difficulties resolved only by the
most draconian of measures in the twenty-first—but for me it is like
a dream come true. My allegiances have shifted, and my view of the
future (and by that I mean your future) has changed. Without Dr.
Shivalingam’s plans you will be forced to negotiate a settlement with
the Tropic Bloc rather than fight. Although that distantly future
consequence of my actions is not inevitable, as you so clearly
explained, I nevertheless feel I could not possibly make things worse.
My conscience is clear. I can face the rest of my life now, hopping
from unknown haven to unknown haven. Don’t bother sending
anyone after me; I won’t be easy to find. And now that the Package
has been opened, you can’t undo what I’ve done. Farewell. Barry
Underwood.’”

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