Henry Kuttner 
Atomic! 

When the hour of balance comes, mankind may no longer be the dominant race. That’s why we keep such a close watch on all the Rings. From time to time we work them over with flame-throwers. Only atomic power, of course, would quiet that seething life permanently-which is no solution. We’ve got Rings enough right now without resorting to more atom bombs. It’s a hydra-headed problem without an answer. All we can do is watch, wait, be ready….