Righteous plague

"Righteous Plague" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novelet written in the early 1950s. The narrative tackles themes of biological warfare and unchecked scientific experimentation, focusing on the consequences of a deadly virus known as the "righteous plague." The story explores the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists when their work is co-opted for military purposes, highlighting the thin line between patriotism and the potential for mass destruction. The plot follows Dr. Joseph Euge, a bacteriologist who creates a powerful virus intended as a biological weapon. As the narrative unfolds, Euge finds himself trapped in a morally compromising situation, observing the catastrophic effects of the virus he unleashed. It becomes a tool for the Dictatura—an authoritarian regime seeking control and dominance over their enemies. The story intensifies as the virus spreads beyond its intended targets, ultimately threatening the very society that wielded it. Themes of fear, morality, and the unintended consequences of scientific advancement permeate the tale, culminating in a chilling reflection on humanity’s capacity for self-destruction. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Abernathy was an American science fiction author during the 1940s and 1950s. He was known primarily for his short stories which were published in many of the pulp magazines that flourished during the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Many of his stories have been included in anthologies of classic science fiction such as the French Les Vingt Meilleurs Récits de science-fiction edited by Hubert Juin.