1952's 'The Luckiest Man in Denv' is another story set in a dystopian future America. Our protagonist is Reuben, known as 'May's Man Reuben,' because he works for three-star General May on the eighty-third level. Reuben is an Atomist. When we meet him, he's on the eighty-ninth level at the invitation of Rudolph's Man Almon. Almon is a Maintainer. Something happens that makes Reuben suspicious.

On Reuben's way back to his quarters on a more spartan level, he meets beautiful Selene, dressed in a way that's very much to his taste. However, she's Griffin's woman, so he cuts that encounter short, too. Then there's an attack alarm. Reuben winds up sheltering with his boss, a former Controller. During the conversation we learn there's a fourth career path: Missiler.
We also learn that the enemy is Ellay, which makes sense given a couple of insulting remarks about 'angelos'. Why would Denver and Los Angeles be attacking each other?

Reuben mentions what happened while he was with Almon. General May tells him what's going on. He suspects Redolph.
Rudolph wants to replace the aged and failing five star general, and May is likely to get that spot.

Selene comes to Reuben's bedroom. Reuben is rightly suspicious. The plot General May warned him about unfolds, but not as the plotters planned.

Reuben's superior, May's Man Oscar of the eighty-fifth level, also an Atomist, marks down Reuben for being late. During the work day, an Assembly Server caught committing sabotage is taken away. Reuben questions his boss, but gets an overt threat. It seems the penalty for such crimes is something called 'brainburning'.

There's a successful attack on Ellay, but Reuben is called in to a meeting with General May, Rudolph, and the frail old five star general, where Reuben is accused of being an imposter and a spy/saboteur for Ellay.

Reuben is cleared. When they are alone, General May tells him about his research into what started the war. He couldn't find out the exact cause, although it seemed to be about the water of the Colorado River. May wants Reuben's help for his big plan.

This was a very unpleasant story about a very unpleasant future. I didn't expect the end, but it was fittingly unpleasant. ( )

A future where Denver and Los Angeles are engaged in a nuclear war with each other. Pretty standard stuff by today's standards, but I suspect the twist at the end had some punch in 1952. ( )