# Last Enemy explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by H. Beam Piper.

## What happens

Dallona and Dirzed present evidence of conscious discarnate survival, leading to political turmoil as Statisticalist and Volitionalist factions clash. Verkan Vall, Dalla, and allies barricade themselves in a dome under siege, while Tortha Karf discusses the Akor-Neb Sector. The chapter culminates in escalating violence and a city-wide riot.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Statisticalists use assassination and political manipulation to suppress opposition; Volitionalists retaliate with violence.

### Identity and Memory

Dallona's experiments prove discarnate individuals retain consciousness and memory, challenging Statisticalist ideology.

### Violence and Justice

Illegal assassinations and armed conflict erupt as political factions vie for control.

## Character check-ins

### Dallona of Hadron

Presents evidence of discarnate consciousness; under threat from Statisticalists; participates in defense.

### Verkan Vall

Leads defense of the dome; discusses politics and Dalla's work; plans escape.

### Dirzed

Assassin guarding Dallona; participates in experiments and defense.

### Tortha Karf

Chief of Paratime Police; questions Vall about the Akor-Neb Sector.

### Girzon of Roxor

Volitionalist nobleman; discusses his father's discarnation and political implications.

### Jirzyn of Starpha

Volitionalist prince; arranges Assassin escort; provides refuge in his apartment.

## Key lines

> I was elected by Statisticalist votes, and I cannot hold office as a Volitionalist.

Nirzav resigns from the Executive Council because his election was backed by Statisticalists, making it improper for him to serve as a Volitionalist.

_Nirzav's political shift triggers the crisis._

> The Statisticalists would be sure to have a spy planted among them.

Girzon warns that a Statisticalist spy is likely present among the guests, endangering Nirzav.

_Highlights the pervasive surveillance and paranoia._

> I think it's conclusive proof that the discarnate Garnon was fully conscious and communicating.

Harnosh asserts that the experiment proves discarnate individuals retain consciousness and can communicate telepathically.

_Key scientific evidence for the Volitionalist cause._

> The Statisticalists will denounce the whole thing as a prearranged fraud.

Jirzyn predicts the Statisticalists will claim the experiment was faked, undermining its credibility.

_Political reaction to the scientific findings._

> If we get home.

Verkan Vall expresses doubt about their survival, hinting at the danger of their mission.

_Underlines the high stakes and uncertainty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_24_se/chapters/last-enemy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_24_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_24_se/chapters