The Burning Bridge
Usually there are two "reasons" why something is done; the reason why it needs to be done¸ and¸ quite separate¸ the reason people want to do it. The foul-up starts when the reason-for-wanting is satisfied ... and the need remains! A classic science fiction story from the January 1960 issue of "Astounding Science Fiction¸" edited by the legendary John W. Campbell¸ Jr.