An elderly gentleman implores Gerald Lattery to allow Tavia to return, but the only problem
is that Gerald has never (yet) heard of Tavia. Oh, and the gentleman insists on addressing
Lattery as Sir Gerald.
It is concerning Tavia, Sir Gerald—er, Mr. Lattery. I think perhaps you don’t
understand the degree to which the whole situation is fraught with unpredictable
consequences. It is not just my own responsibility, you understand, though that troubles
me greatly—it is the results that cannot be forseen. She really must come back before
very great harm is done. She must, Mr. Lattery.
DEBUT
“The Chronoclasm,” in Star Science Fiction Stories,February
1953.
VARIANTS
Debut. “The Chronoclasm,” in Star Science Fiction Stories,February 1953.
It is concerning Tavia, Sir Gerald—er, Mr. Lattery. I think perhaps you don’t
understand the degree to which the whole situation is fraught with unpredictable
consequences. It is not just my own responsibility, you understand, though that troubles
me greatly—it is the results that cannot be forseen. She really must come back before
very great harm is done. She must, Mr. Lattery.
1 English variant