The Time Snatcher by Randall Garrett
In a future where time travel is regulated by a Time Patrol, a patrolman named Brek Halliday is tasked with stopping a criminal named Jon Sagginer, who has kidnapped a fellow operator, Dori Clayton, and is attempting to alter history. Sagginer has escaped to the late 19th century, specifically between 1880 and 1895, using a chronokinetic projector. Brek is equipped with period-appropriate clothing, weapons, and knowledge of the era to blend in seamlessly. Upon arriving in Plata City, New Mexico, Brek quickly learns about Sagginer's reputation and the local power dynamics, particularly concerning a man named John Sager, who may be connected to Sagginer. Brek's investigation leads him to suspect that Sager is actually Sagginer in disguise, using his knowledge of the future to exploit the past for wealth by discovering a significant silver vein before its time. Brek faces immediate challenges, including a confrontation with local law enforcement and Sager's men, which he navigates using his advanced weaponry and quick thinking. He manages to establish himself in the community, gaining the sheriff's trust and securing a position that allows him to gather more information about Sager's operations. As Brek delves deeper, he discovers that Sagginer's plan involves not only personal gain but also a significant alteration of the timeline that could prevent the Time Patrol from ever reaching him. Brek realizes he must act quickly to prevent Sagginer from mining the silver and changing history irreparably. Brek's opportunity arises when he is assigned to patrol Sager's mansion, where he uses a drug to incapacitate the guards and confronts Sagginer. In a tense struggle, Brek defeats Sagginer and finds Dori, who has been mentally manipulated and rendered unrecognizable. After a fierce battle, Brek manages to bring both Sagginer and Dori back to the present. However, upon returning, Brek discovers that his actions in the past have altered the timeline. Dori is no longer the same person he knew; instead, a different version of her appears, unharmed and mentally intact. Brek grapples with the implications of his mission and the fragility of time, realizing that even small changes can have profound effects on the future. The narrative explores themes of responsibility, the consequences of tampering with time, and the complexities of human relationships, culminating in Brek's bittersweet reunion with Dori, who is now a different individual than the one he set out to rescue.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 5,556 words
First lines
Tampering with events of the past could bring disastrous results in the future. It was why Brek was given a pair of six-guns to catch --
"We're in a hell of a jam, Brek," the Councillor said. "If Sagginer isn't stopped, he'll change history. The situation's desperate."
What this Textopian page supports
The Time Snatcher is listed on Textopian as a novel by Randall Garrett, dated 1970 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Randall Garrett
- Date: 1970 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Western, Thriller
- Length: 5,556 words
- Structure: 1 section, 173 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The plot revolves around time travel and its implications, a central theme in science fiction literature.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue a kidnapped individual, featuring action and exploration.
- Fantasy — Elements of time manipulation and alternate realities introduce fantastical aspects to the narrative.
- Western — The setting and character interactions reflect classic Western tropes, including gunfights and frontier justice.
Tags
Science Fiction · Time Travel · Adventure · Fantasy · Thriller · Mystery · Action · Pulp Fiction · Classic Literature · Vintage Science Fiction · Alternate History · Parallel Universe