Chapter 26 Summary

Next morning, the Emergency Warning Network reports on fallout patterns in Texarkana. The Royal Family and Regency survive and no civil disorder has taken place or is expected. The World Court has ordered a cease-fire, which the Atlantic Confederation agrees to observe for ten days during negotiations on Guam. Asian radio maintains an errant Atlantic missile has destroyed Texarkana. The abbot snaps off the radio, indignant the two sides are arguing over whose axe is bloodier. Imagine Christ breathing the same air as the humans responsible for this mass murder and God's infinite sense of humor dying like a Yiddish Schlemiel for their likes! Apologizing for his rant, Zerchi glances at the rotting carving he has rescued from oblivion and restored to his office. St. Leibowitz's satiric smile reminds him of last night's beggar. Armed with nuclear weapons, rulers believe they are not...