Hero from Yesterday

Name: Hero from Yesterday
Author: Randall Garrett

In a future society that has evolved to be peaceful and non-violent, a criminal named Lugert emerges, threatening the stability of the community. The Council, led by Third Speaker Domnas Karson, grapples with the dilemma of how to deal with Lugert, who has taken control through intimidation and violence. They realize that their innate aversion to violence leaves them powerless against him. Karson proposes a radical solution: to summon a hero from the past, someone who embodies the violent traits necessary to confront Lugert. The Council contacts Dr. Lorence, a scientist who has developed a time-net capable of retrieving individuals from history. After two days, Lorence successfully brings back a man named Jack, a tough and uncompromising figure from the 20th century. Jack learns that Lugert has built a criminal empire, using a serum to instill loyalty in his followers. The Council enlists Jack to assassinate Lugert, offering him a reward of gold for his services. Jack, motivated by the promise of wealth, agrees to the plan. As Jack prepares for the mission, he reflects on the pacifism of the future society and the absurdity of their situation. He infiltrates Lugert's headquarters, using his knowledge of violence and tactics from his own time. After a series of calculated moves, he confronts Lugert, who attempts to bribe him to spare his life. However, Jack remains resolute, ultimately killing Lugert and fulfilling his contract with the Council. Upon returning to the Council, Jack receives his payment and is prepared to return to his own time. The Council expresses their gratitude, hailing him as a hero for saving their society from Lugert's tyranny. As he is sent back, Jack reflects on the irony of being labeled a hero, considering his violent past. The story concludes with Jack disappearing back into time, leaving behind a society that has learned the hard lesson of the necessity of violence in certain circumstances.

By Randall Garrett · First published 1971 · Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure · 3,656 words

First lines

They were a peaceful people and somehow couldn't stand the thought of executing their only criminal. The answer was to discover a --

The day Lugert's criminals gunned down three citizens in a bold broad-daylight robbery, Domnas Karson, Third Speaker of the Council, said, "I think I've got the answer."

What this Textopian page supports

Hero from Yesterday is listed on Textopian as a novel by Randall Garrett, dated 1971 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Randall Garrett
Date: 1971 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Dystopian, Thriller
Length: 3,656 words
Structure: 1 section, 123 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The plot revolves around time travel and the implications of bringing a character from the past to solve a contemporary problem.
Action — The narrative includes elements of violence, conflict, and a protagonist who engages in lethal confrontations.
Adventure — The story features a journey involving a character from the past navigating a future world, facing challenges and threats.
Dystopian — The setting depicts a future society that has evolved from a violent past, highlighting themes of societal change and the consequences of peace.