The Entrepreneur
by Thomas Wilson
Ivan Smithov, an upstanding U.S. Communist from the year 2125, is charged with making
arrangements for a team of three entrepreneurs to visit the U.S. in 1953 to make
preparations for a time tourist enterprise—but Ivan runs into problems procuring local
currency for the expedition from the Soviet embassy of the time until his companions’
behavior draws enough attention that the ambassador begins to believe him. But what other
consequences might their goings-on have?
Mrat-See turned quickly, wincing at the protest of his aching muscles. The creature
standing before him might have issued from a nightmare. Its heavy, barrellike body was
slung like a hammock on four bowed legs. The enormous head, with undershot jaw,
protruding fangs, and pendulous lips, was turned toward him unswervingly, and the
continuing growl was a deep rumble of menace from the massive chest. Mrat-See’s heart
leaped with fear. He had seen such creatures before in the Yorkgrad zoo. Dogs they were
called.
“The Entrepreneur” by Thomas Wilson, Astounding, September 1952.