Short Fiction · Chapter
Unborn Tomorrow explained
Simon Pond, a private detective, is approached by an eccentric elderly client, Mr.
What happens
Simon Pond, a private detective, is approached by an eccentric elderly client, Mr. Oyster, who wants to hire him to find time travelers and learn the secret of eternal life. Mr. Oyster believes time travelers would be found at large festivals like the Oktoberfest in Munich, where they could blend in. Simon initially refuses the lucrative offer, then reveals to his secretary Betty that he already took the case three times, traveled to the Oktoberfest, encountered hundreds of time travelers, but was repeatedly reset by the future to prevent altering the space-time continuum. He now suffers from multiple overlapping hangovers and refuses to try again.
Themes in this chapter
Technology and Alienation
Time travel technology is portrayed as inaccessible and frustrating, leaving Simon alienated and trapped in a cycle of repeated experiences.
Power and Corruption
The future's control over the space-time continuum prevents any alteration of the past, demonstrating an unseen power that enforces the status quo.
Characters to notice
- Simon Pond
The detective protagonist who recounts his failed time travel attempts to Betty and Mr. Oyster.
- Martha O'Gara
Simon's secretary, referred to as Betty, who is initially skeptical but later eager to pursue the time travel opportunity.
- Lawrence Demming
The wealthy client who hires Simon, referred to as Mr. Oyster, seeking time travelers for the secret of eternal youth.
Key passages
“If you could go back a few thousand years, the things you would wish to see would be a Roman Triumph, perhaps the Rites of Dionysus, or one of Alexander's orgies.”
A time traveler would want to witness major historical events rather than mundane daily life.
Mr. Oyster explains why festivals are ideal for time travelers to observe history.
“They just can’t allow anything to come back from the future and change the past.”
The future prevents any alteration of history by time travelers.
Simon explains the fundamental rule of time travel that thwarted his efforts.
“There’s just one thing you can bring back with you from the future, a hangover compounded of a gallon or so of Marzenbräu.”
The only souvenir from the future is a severe hangover from Oktoberfest beer.
Simon laments his repeated, futile trips to the Oktoberfest.