With a Vengeance

"With a Vengeance" by J. B. Woodley is a science fiction story set in the future of 2119, exploring politics, power, and societal change. The narrative showcases the transformation from democracy to monarchy through the eyes of Gorg W. Booth, a former editor facing the reign of Kyle, once Kilmer Jones, now the First Imperator of Terra. Booth remembers firing Kilmer, due to poor writing skills, only to see him rise and abolish newspapers. Kyle later shocks Booth by inviting him to become Chief Editor of a new, official newspaper. As Booth accepts this new role, he wrestles with the morality of the leadership and fears for his safety during the new regime. The climax results in Booth's death, exposing deep ideas around language, power, and what it means to be human in a time of change.