It seemed to be logical research, switching
sixteen Romans from the 1st Century to the 27th--for
study.... But who was going to take their place?
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy
December 1952
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
_Feb. 16, 2631_--Dear Diary: Do I dare do it? It's so frustrating to
have to be dependent upon the whims of a physicist like Croton Myers.
I'm sure the man is a sadist--to say nothing of being a pompous ass
with his scientific double-talk, and selfish to boot. Otherwise,
why won't he let me use the time-grapple? All that folderol about
disrupting the fabric of time.
He actually patted me on the shoulder today when I swallowed my
righteous indignation to the extent of pleading once more with him.
"Don't take it so hard, Bugsy," he said--imagine--'Bugsy'--to me,
Philton J. Bugsomer, B.A., M.A., L.L.D., Ph.D., "in about twenty years
it'll be out of the experimental stage. Then we'll see if something
can't be done for you."
It's intolerable. As if a little handful of people would be missed out
of the whole Roman Empire. Well, if I can't do it with his permission,
I will do it without. See if I don't. My reputation as a scholar of
sociomatics is at stake.
* * * * *
_Feb. 18, 65_: MEMO TO CAPTAIN OF THE POLICE: The emperor has expressed
a wish for a battle between a handful of gladiators and an equal number
of Christians. Have gladiators but am fresh out of Christians. Can you
help me out?
(signed) Lictus,