Revenge

"Revenge" by Arthur Porges is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The narrative centers around a biochemist who devises a plan to eradicate the opium poppy, aiming to end the drug trade and combat addiction. The author explores themes of frustration with bureaucracy and society's shortcomings in tackling drug-related issues. The story follows a disillusioned biochemist who creates a virus specifically designed to kill the opium poppy, effectively obliterating the source of heroin and other narcotics. After presenting his revolutionary idea to government officials, he is met with ignorance and rejection. Feeling betrayed and scorned, the protagonist decides to release the virus himself, leading to the global extinction of the opium plant. However, he finds himself unrecognized and uncompensated for his work, prompting him to plot further revenge by creating viruses that will destroy yeast and tobacco, aiming to teach society a lesson about their indifference towards him and the drug crisis.