The K-Factor

by Harry Harrison

walk, and looked around. It was just dawn and the streetswere empty. Ahead was the glowing entrance of a monotube and he headedfor it. The danger was over now, as long as he was careful.

  Pausing on the top step, he breathed the fresh air of the new morning.There was a sighing below as an early train pulled into the station. Thedawn-lit sky was the color of blood.

  "Blood," he said aloud. Then, "Do we have to keep on killing? Isn'tthere another way?"

  He started guiltily as his voice echoed in the empty street, but no onehad heard him.

  Quickly, two at a time, he ran down the steps.

  THE END

  Transcriber's Note

  This etext was produced from _Analog_ December 1960. Extensive researchdid not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publicationwas renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been correctedwithout note.