Dimension X - Time And Time Again - #39

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Dimension X – Time and Time Again" (#39)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Dimension X – Time and Time Again
Air Date: May 6, 2026 (original story first aired in 1950)
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Source Material: Adapted from H. Beam Piper’s story by Ernest Kinoy

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Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the "Dimension X" radio drama, focusing on the gripping episode "Time and Time Again." The classic science fiction story explores the paradoxes of time travel through the eyes of a war-injured soldier who awakens in his 13-year-old body, retaining the experiences and knowledge of his adult self. The episode delves into fate, the possibility of changing history, and the weight of knowledge—heightened by the nuclear revelations and looming global conflicts of the mid-20th century.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Awakening ([00:15]–[05:07])

• Opening Wartime Chaos:
  The story begins amidst a battlefield in the "Great War," complete with medical triage, muddy chaos, and a heavy sense of loss.

  • “The enemy defended in depth and mopped up with guided 98s fired from 40 miles to the rear… The blast area was 10 miles in circumference and the medics didn’t find much to pick up.” ([00:15])

• Alan Hartley's Transformation:
  Captain Alan Hartley, while receiving a morphine injection after a bomb blast, finds himself suddenly transported back to his 13th birthday in 1945.

  • Confusion ensues as Alan oscillates between memories of adulthood and being back in his adolescent body.
  • “I remember that clear, as if it were real...” ([03:27])
  • “Happy 13th birthday. You won’t guess what’s in here… A rifle. A light .22 rifle.” ([04:31])

2. Navigating the Past with Future Knowledge ([05:08]–[13:13])

• Strange New Old World:
  Alan, now mentally an adult in a teenager’s body, interacts with friends and family, dropping hints of foreknowledge (e.g., future college choices, Tarzan vs. comic books, war predictions) that puzzle those around him.

• Premonitions and Preventions:
  When a neighbor, Mr. Gottschall, asks to borrow a gun “to put a suffering dog out of its misery,” Alan senses something is wrong and manipulates events to prevent a forthcoming murder-suicide that he remembers from his "first" life.

  • “Dad. Dad, wait a minute. I just remembered... I called the police... He intends shooting his wife.” ([11:01])

3. The Revelation ([15:48]–[19:12])

• Confrontation with His Father:
  Alan’s father notices his son’s drastic change and presses him for an explanation. Alan reveals his true identity—his adult self, the future war, his writing career, and the mechanics of his time displacement.

  • “Yesterday you wouldn’t even have known how to take this pistol apart. Today, you’ve been using language and expressing ideas that are outside of everything you’ve ever known before...” ([15:56])
  • “When I woke up this morning, all I could remember was lying on a stretcher, injured by a bomb explosion. I was 43 years old and the year was 1975.” ([16:35])

• Theories of Parallel Time:
  Alan describes time as another dimension, suggesting that conscious transfer may have occurred due to radiation or the injection.

4. Proof and the Burdens of Foresight ([19:13]–[22:24])

• Predicting World-Altering Events:
  To prove his knowledge, Alan forecasts the end of World War II and the exact time of the Hiroshima bomb announcement.

  • “The Japanese surrender will be announced at exactly 7:01 pm on August 14th, a week from Tuesday… It’ll come at exactly 11:17:40.” ([19:33], [20:14])
  • “President Truman has just announced that an atomic bomb has been dropped on the Japanese industrial city of Hiroshima…” ([20:41])

• Rewriting Fate:
  Alan points out how his intervention changed the timeline concerning Mr. Gottschall’s violent act— a sign the future isn’t immutable.

  • “But now it hasn’t happened. Because I warned you, Dad. I found out the future can be changed.” ([23:13])

5. Ambition and Ethical Questions ([23:24]–[25:19])

• Exploiting Knowledge for Wealth and Power:
  Alan makes a list of Kentucky Derby winners from 1946–1970, proposing to amass wealth and political influence. He even suggests getting his father elected president to prevent the next war.

  • “With 30 years to work, I can stop a world war. I’ll have the means.” ([23:27])
  • “In 1960, I think we can elect you president.” ([24:27])

• Changing History vs. Destiny:
  The logic is clear: if a small event (a murder) can be stopped, perhaps a world war can too.

6. Temporal Collapse and Uncertain Futures ([25:20]–[28:35])

• A Sudden Reversal:
  As Alan guides his father through a pivotal political decision, he faints, his consciousness apparently returning to his dying body in 1975.

  • Out-of-body echoes: “Captain Hartley… Captain Hartley. He’s dead. Alan, Alan, what happened?” ([26:06])

• Back to Childhood—Memory Lost:
  Alan snaps back, 13 again, devoid of his adult memories, leaving his father with the burden of foreknowledge and the responsibility to change fate.

  • “Don’t you remember the Third World War?... You’re looking at me funny.” ([27:24])
  • “I’ve got to change it all by myself.” ([28:22])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Time Travel and Fate:
  “Evidently, time exists as parallel, another dimension. And I’ve got kicked backward somehow.” – Alan ([18:42])

• On Determinism:
  “If you remember it, if time exists as a parallel dimension, then every kick we’re getting closer to that Third World War.” – Mr. Hartley ([22:31])

• On Power and Responsibility:
  “I’ve just had an educational shortcut.” – Alan ([19:24])
  “If we can stop a murder, with time, we can stop a war.” – Alan ([25:10])

• On the Uncertainty of Changing History:
  “The next bomb hits Nakasaki [sic].” – Alan ([21:41])
  “Oh, no, it isn’t the grass. I’ve got to save your life, Alan. I can’t let you die that way in 1975.” – Mr. Hartley ([28:11])

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Important Timestamps

• [00:15] – Battlefield introduction; Captain Hartley’s injury
• [03:20] – Alan wakes up in 1945 as a 13-year-old
• [11:01] – Alan prevents a murder-suicide
• [16:35] – Alan explains his time travel to his father
• [19:33] – Alan predicts the end of WWII
• [20:41] – Hiroshima announcement described in real time
• [23:13] – Alan proves history is alterable
• [24:27] – Alan proposes using knowledge to influence the world
• [26:06] – Alan’s fainting spell; consciousness returns to his future self
• [27:52] – Alan’s father realizes he alone carries the burden of the future

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Conclusion

"Time and Time Again" remains a resonant exploration of time, choice, and responsibility—an ambitious story made visceral in its original radio drama form. The paradoxes of foresight, the question of free will, and the tantalizing burden of seeing crucial points in history’s timeline drive the episode to a poignant and unresolved ending. The memorable dialogue captures both the hope and anxiety of postwar America—and the unsettling possibility that the future, though mutable, may rest in the hands of just one person’s actions.

For classic radio drama fans and science fiction enthusiasts alike, this is an unforgettable entry in the annals of old-time radio.

Transcript

[A]

And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[B]

Hey, everyone.

[A]

Check out this guy and his bird.

[B]

What is this, your first date?

[A]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird. Yeah, the bird looks out of your league. Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent. Liberty, Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Adventures in Time and Space told in Future Tense. The National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with street and Smith Publishers of Astounding Science Fiction. Bring you Dimension X. It happened during a routine skirmish in the Great War. Patrols advanced from the defense perimeter under jet cover and preceded by napalm throwers. The enemy defended in depth and mopped up with guided 98s fired from 40 miles to the rear. The blast area was 10 miles in circumference and the medics didn't find much to pick up. Over 500 yards in. Make it in here. Look out. It's lousy with mud. Okay. More. More. Head left. More. Hold stretchers. Come on, drivers, get those men out. Yes, sir. Get a move on. Line them up. Come on. Easy, easy. You want to kill him? Okay, take it away. They might have left these Joes where they was. Half of them won't last till the plane comes. As long as they're alive, they'll be treated. Get out the tags, Travis. Start talking names. Yes, sir. This one must have been a thousand yards in. Get his dog tag out. What a mess here. Hartley, Allen, Captain. G5 chem research. An 73D number. So 238-69-403. J. Allen, Hartley. Allen, Hartley. Wonder if that could be the hunter that wrote Children of the Mist in Conqueror's Road. Never heard of him, Major. I think maybe he's part conscious. Maybe I should give another shot. Go ahead, Sergeant. There isn't much else we can do for him. It's a rotten shame. Ain't it always? Okay, Captain. Give me your arm. There. Alan.

[B]

Alan, look out. Down. Down.

[A]

Get up, Alan. Can't stay in bed all day.

[B]

I remember that clear, as if it were real.

[A]

Up, and Atom. Hit the deck.

[B]

Remarkably vivid. Strange.

[A]

Alanie. All right?

[B]

I'm all right. What's wrong with my voice? It's too high.

[A]

What are you doing? Practicing singing.

[B]

My voice has changed.

[A]

Is that all? You're growing up. Happy birthday, son.

[B]

Happy birthday.

[A]

Hey, wake up, son. Wake up.

[B]

I am awake.

[A]

Come on, out of bed.

[B]

I don't understand.

[A]

Breakfast waiting. Out of bed or I'll turn it over.

[B]

All right, all right, it's a dream.

[A]

Maybe. But you're wide awake now.

[B]

I am awake now.

[A]

Well, half awake, anyway.

[B]

That's the Bella St. Boniface, isn't it? What day is it? You kidding?

[A]

You forget today's your birthday?

[B]

No, no, I didn't forget.

[A]

Neither did I. Here, son. Happy 13th birthday. You won't guess what's in here.

[B]

A rifle. A light.22 rifle.

[A]

How'd you know that?

[B]

I remembered.

[A]

Did I spill the beans sometime. I could have sworn I'd be a surprise. Well, go on. Open it. Like it?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, it's perfect. Dad.

[A]

I'll be shaving. Alan, come down to breakfast when you're ready. It's a big day today. You're almost a man.

[B]

Almost.

[A]

You're still groggy. Snap out of it, Alan.

[B]

I will. There's a dream in it somewhere, but I'm not sure which.

[A]

What?

[B]

Never mind, Anne, I'll be right down for breakfast. Best.

[A]

Now for coffee. Mr. Stauber makes the best in town.

[B]

A black for me.

[A]

A what? Oh, I mean, you may be 13, Alan, but they're still a little young for coffee, especially black.

[B]

Oh, I wasn't thinking.

[A]

What are you going to do today, son?

[B]

I want to do some reading this morning.

[A]

I guess that's always a good thing to do after breakfast. Suppose you take a walk down to the station and get me a Times.

[B]

Didn't it come?

[A]

What? The Times. They don't deliver. Be a good idea, though. Maybe I'll talk to Sam Ashbin about it. Here's a half dollar, Alan. Get anything you want for yourself out of the change.

[B]

Thanks, dad.

[A]

Finish your milk before you go.

[B]

Oh, sure, dad.

[A]

And hurry back. I like to finish the crossword puzzle before. Here you are, Alan. One times. Tell your father the puzzle's a stinker.

[B]

Thanks, Mr. Ashburn.

[A]

Look out for the trucks when you cross the highway.

[B]

Oh, I'll go across Elton's lot shortcut.

[A]

Elton's? You'll have a hard time crossing there, son. There's four buildings on that block.

[B]

I thought they burned down.

[A]

Seen them this morning, big as life.

[B]

Oh, I guess that didn't happen yet.

[A]

What'd you say?

[B]

Oh, nothing, Mr. Ashburn. I was just muttering.

[A]

In my days, youngsters talked up.

[B]

Yes, sir. Bye, Mr. Ashburn. Monday, August 6, 1945. Okinawa 1 bombing Japan. Hey. Hey, Alan, wait up. Larry Morton. Hiya, Larry. Hi, Al.

[A]

Hey, you want to have a catch or something?

[B]

No, I have some things I want to do at home.

[A]

Wow. Get him, fancy pants. Talk. Things I want to do at home.

[B]

Oh, go chase yourself around the block.

[A]

Go jump in a garbage can, will you?

[B]

Go take a flying jet to the moon.

[A]

Hey, that's a new one. A flying jet to the moon. Hey, you thought up a new one, Al?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Hey, how about us going swimming at the Canoe Club, Zafter?

[B]

Gee, I wish I could. I gotta stay home. Zafter.

[A]

You see the football movie at the Grand. Boy, what a team. Notre Dame.

[B]

I thought you liked Cornell. Cornell? Ha.

[A]

They couldn't even beat Vassar.

[B]

You're going to Cornell, aren't you? Me? Cornell?

[A]

Fat chance.

[B]

I'll bet you do.

[A]

I wouldn't take your money.

[B]

I know you wouldn't. You'll go to Cornell, all right.

[A]

Cornell. Far above Cayuga's waters There's an awful smell.

[B]

Just the same, you'll go to Cornell. I've gotta hurry, Larry.

[A]

Well, so long, Al.

[B]

See ya. So long, Larry. See ya.

[A]

I'm stuck in this corner. A seven letter word to mix in proportion.

[B]

Titrate.

[A]

Huh? T, I. It fits. How'd you know that, Alan?

[B]

What? Oh, I read it somewhere, I guess.

[A]

Oh, what are you reading now? Tarzan. Again?

[B]

No, not Tarzan.

[A]

It's refreshing to see you with a book. Sometimes I think I ought to forbid comic books in the house. They must be raising the devil with those bombing raids in Japan.

[B]

How long do you think the war in Japan will last, dad?

[A]

Oh, I'd say the middle of 1946. We'll have to invade those islands foot by foot.

[B]

I wouldn't be surprised if the war was over very suddenly.

[A]

How? By magic. There is nothing on earth will make those Japanese surrender. You expect somebody to make a pass and it'll be all over by this afternoon.

[B]

It's just about it.

[A]

Excuse me. Can I see you for a minute? Oh, hello, Mr. Gottschall. Sure.

[B]

That's Frank Gottschall, dad.

[A]

That's right. Excuse me. I didn't mean to disturb you, Mr. Hartley. That's quite all right. It's a lovely day, isn't it, Mr. Gutschol? The Lord's world is always beautiful. Of course, Mr. Gutjaw. Mr. Hartley, I wonder if you could lend me a gun and some bullets. My little dog's been hurt and it's been suffering something terrible. Oh, it's too bad. I. I want a gun to put the poor thing out of its pain. Of course. How would a 20 gauge shotgun do? You wouldn't want Anything heavy? I was hoping you'd let me have a little gun. Maybe so big a pistol, so I could put it in my pocket. Wouldn't look right for a godly man to carry a hunting gun through town. I don't hold with killing innocent creatures. People wouldn't understand that it was for a work of mercy. Of course I understand. You're a very religious man. The whole world is evil, Mr. Hartley. Sometimes it certainly looks like it. Well, I have a Colt.38 Special from the auxiliary police outfit. That's fine, fine. You'll have to bring it right back, Mr. Gottschall. I might be called out.

[B]

Dad. Dad, wait a minute. I just remembered.

[A]

Remembered what, son?

[B]

Aren't there some cartridges left for the Luger? Then you wouldn't be without the Colt.

[A]

That's right. I've got a German automatic, Mr. Gotchall. I could let you have that way I wouldn't get stuck.

[B]

Wait, dad. I'll get it. I know where the cartridges are.

[A]

Oh, be careful, son. Well, Ms. Gutchall, it sure turned out nice after all that rain.

[B]

Hello, Police headquarters? This is Blake Hartley. Frank Gutshaw, who lives on Campbell street, has just borrowed a gun from me, ostensibly to shoot a dog. What? No, he has no dog. He intends shooting his wife. Yes. I'll take out the firing pin. He'll walk home. If you hurry, you can get him in there on time. Right.

[A]

Oh, there you are. What kept you, Alan?

[B]

I couldn't find the cartridges at first. I'll show Mr. Guttural how it works. It's all loaded, ready to shoot. This is the safety. Just push it forward and there are eight shots in it.

[A]

Did you load the chamber, Ellen?

[B]

Sure. It's unsafe. Now you understand how it works, Mr. Gottschalk?

[A]

Yes. Yes, I understand. Thank you, Mr. Hartley. Thank you, Sonny. Goodbye. Goodbye, Mr. Gotcha. Return the gun when you're done. Yes, I'll be done with it soon. Goodbye. Alan. You shouldn't have loaded that gun.

[B]

I guess it's all over now. I had to keep you from falling with it. Didn't want you to see. I took out the firing pin.

[A]

You what?

[B]

Got. You didn't want that gun to shoot a dog. He's a fanatic. He sees visions, hears voices. The voices probably put him up to this. I'll submit that any man who holds intimate conversations with disembodied spirits isn't to be trusted with a gun. He wants to shoot his wife.

[A]

What are you talking about?

[B]

While I was upstairs, I called the police. I put a handkerchief over my mouth and told them I was you.

[A]

You. Why'd you have to do that?

[B]

I couldn't have told him. This is little Allen Hartley, 13 years old.

[A]

And suppose he really wants to shoot a dog, what kind of a mess will I be in then?

[B]

No mess, because I might. But you'll have to front for me. They give me a lot of cheap boy hero publicity, which I don't want.

[A]

This is crazy, Alan. This is absolutely crazy.

[B]

We'll have the complete returns in 20 minutes.

[A]

Mr. Hartley? Mr. Blake Hartley? That's right. I'm Detective Sergeant Kaborski from Homicide. Here's your Luger. Thank you. I don't know how you spotted that guy, but when we busted in, he was pointing that gun at his wife, swearing a blue streak because it wouldn't go off. Well, I'm glad I was able to help. They may have some kind of citation, Mr. Hartley. Oh, I. I don't think that's necessary. Well, in the department, we figure a little publicity never hurt nobody, even a lawyer, huh? I really prefer to have it kept quiet. Well, whatever you say. We want you to drop around in the morning for a statement. I'll be glad to. Well, thanks, Mr. Hartley. Goodbye. Goodbye. Bye, sonny.

[B]

Goodbye, sergeant. Why don't you take the citation, dad?

[A]

Well, you were right. You saved that woman's life. Let's see you put back protein packed meals in 10 minutes. TikTok's got millions of them. Could you whip one up in under eight? Probably. But hey, it's not a race. Grab the recipes on TikTok and start cooking.

[B]

Craving something specific. From global flavors to viral snacks, TikTok has it all.

[A]

If you can dream it, you can

[B]

make it right at home. Find your next favorite dish on TikTok.

[A]

Take the firing pin.

[B]

Sure. There.

[A]

Suppose we have a little talk.

[B]

But I explained everything.

[A]

You did not. Yesterday you wouldn't even have known how to take this pistol apart. Today, you've been using language and expressing ideas that are outside of everything you've ever known before. Now I want to know.

[B]

I hope you're not toying with a medieval notion of obsession.

[A]

What?

[B]

You say I'm changed. When did you first notice this?

[A]

Last night you were still my little boy. This morning, I don't know you. You've been strange all day. Alan. What's happened to you?

[B]

I wish I could be sure myself, dad. You see, when I woke up this morning, all I could remember was lying on a stretcher, injured by a bomb explosion. I was 43 years old and the year was 1975.

[A]

1975. That's right. You'll be 43 in 1975. But a bomb?

[B]

Yes. During the siege of Buffalo in the third World War. I was a captain in G5, Scientific Warfare General Staff, Buffalo.

[A]

You mean Buffalo, New York?

[B]

Yes. There had been a Transpolar invasion of Canada. I was sent to the front to check on service failures of a new lubricating oil. I got hit by a bomb blast. I remember being picked up and getting a narcotic injection. The next thing I knew I was in bed upstairs and it was 1945 again and I was back in my own 13 year old body.

[A]

Alan, you just had a nightmare to end all nightmares, that's all.

[B]

I thought it might be that at first, but I rejected it. It wouldn't fit the facts.

[A]

But it's ridiculous. All this Battle of Buffalo stuff. You picked it up listening to the radio. All the commentators have been going on about another war after this one. You've just got an undigested chunk of HV Calvin born in your subconscious.

[B]

But that isn't everything. I remember four years of high school, four years at Cornell, seven years as a reporter on the Philadelphia Record. Three novels. Children of the Mist, Rose of Death and Conqueror's Road. I wrote detective stories under a phony name. I worked in chemistry. You think a 13 year old can dream up all that stuff?

[A]

But it's the only possible explanation.

[B]

Maybe. But I can speak five languages today that I couldn't yesterday. French, German, Chinese, Russian and Spanish. Although I've got a Mexican accent you could cut with a knife.

[A]

But. But how did it happen? I. I can't believe it.

[B]

All I know is here I am. I've been reading up on time theories. Nobody seems to know much about them. Evidently time exists, this parallel is another dimension. And I've got kicked backwards somehow.

[A]

But how?

[B]

It may have been the radiation from the bomb or the narcotic injection, or both together. But the fact remains I'm here with full knowledge of my future identity.

[A]

This is quite a shock, Alan.

[B]

But you do believe me, don't you?

[A]

Yes, I suppose I must. You seem so strange as. As if you weren't my son.

[B]

I'm your son, all right. The same body as yesterday. I've just had an educational shortcut.

[A]

Wait a minute. If you can remember the next 30 years, suppose you tell me when the war's going to end. This one against the Japs, I mean.

[B]

Sure. The Japanese surrender will be announced at exactly 7:01pm on. On August 14th, the week from Tuesday. Better make sure we have plenty of grub in the house by then, everything will be closed up tight till Thursday morning. Even the restaurants. I remember we had nothing to eat in the house but some scraps Tuesday week.

[A]

That's pretty sudden, isn't it?

[B]

Not after today.

[A]

What do you mean? What happened today?

[B]

Plenty. What time is it, dad?

[A]

11:16.

[B]

Is your watch right?

[A]

To the second. Why?

[B]

It'll come at exactly 11. 17:40.

[A]

What'll come?

[B]

A radio announcement.

[A]

What are you getting at? Something important on the radio? We'll see.

[B]

Don't bother, dad. It won't work. I remember we had a tube burned out there.

[A]

Is something wrong? What is this announcement of yours?

[B]

I memorized it in journalism school at Columbia. 1954. What time is it?

[A]

11:18.

[B]

They're breaking into the programs now. President Truman has just announced that an atomic bomb has been dropped on the Japanese industrial city of Hiroshima. The bomb was dropped 16 hours ago, and the announcement was delayed. To ascertain the results of the explosion. A man named John Howard Peterson read the announcement from the Washington newsroom of NBC.

[A]

I. I don't believe it.

[B]

No, listen. That's the Burt Plate Factory whistle. And the bells at St. Boniface. Next, the whistle at the volunteer firehouse.

[A]

And it's true. It is true. Sure.

[B]

Then Larry Morton came by on his bicycle. Hey. Hey, Al. You hear? Did you hear about the bomb? An atomic bomb? Yeah, we heard.

[A]

Oh, boy.

[B]

Atomic bomb. Oh, boy. I gotta go find my pop.

[A]

He's on the golf course.

[B]

Bye, Al. Bye, Mr. Hartley.

[A]

You knew. You knew about it.

[B]

The next bomb hits Nakasaki.

[A]

I thought that stuff about atomic energy was so much fantasy. What was that? The kind of bomb that got you.

[B]

That was a firecracker compared to the one that got me. It was a guided 98. Exploded 10 miles away.

[A]

And that's going to happen in 30 years.

[B]

I remember it.

[A]

How about. Well, how about me? Wait. Never mind. I don't think I better know when I'm going to die.

[B]

I couldn't tell you anyway. I had a letter from you just before I left for the front. You were 78 then, and you were still hunting and fishing and flying your own plane.

[A]

But another war. And fought on American soil, Alan. And I wish this hadn't happened to you.

[B]

It happened. I remember it. But if I can help it, I'm not gonna get killed in any Battle of Buffalo.

[A]

But if you remember it, if time exists as a parallel dimension, then every kick we're getting closer to that Third World War.

[B]

Dad, you know what I remember? When Gut show came to borrow that

[A]

gun, well, I suppose that you suspected him and warned me.

[B]

No, no, that wasn't it. The other time. The first time, when I was really 13, I wasn't home. I'd been swimming at the Canoe Club with Larry Morton. When I got home, about half an hour from now, I found the house full of cops.

[A]

What if the gun didn't fire?

[B]

What makes you think it didn't? That Joe talked the.38 out of you, went home, shot his wife four times in the body, once behind the ear, and used the six shot to blow his own brains out.

[A]

That's what you remember?

[B]

Yes. But now it hasn't happened. Because I warned you, Dad, I found out the future can be changed.

[A]

One man can't change the whole future.

[B]

I stopped the murder and the suicide.

[A]

I know, son, but with 30 years

[B]

to work, I can stop a world war. I'll have the means.

[A]

The means?

[B]

Unlimited wealth and influence. I've got a good memory, dad. Wrote a list out this afternoon. Look at this.

[A]

Assault jet pilot Citation pass ponder middle ground counter. What is this? Code horses?

[B]

That's a list of Kentucky Derby winners from 1946 to 1970.

[A]

You sure?

[B]

I learned that list on a bet at the Officers Club in Cincinnati in 1971. Assault. Paid 8 to 1. You figure out what we can take in.

[A]

Oh, but gambling.

[B]

This isn't gambling. It's a sure thing. When we get rolling, we'll make the Rockefellers look like pikers.

[A]

It's salt at 8 to 1. I suppose I could scrape up $5,000 in 10 years. That'll make a lot of money. Any other little thing you have in mind, Alan?

[B]

By 1952, we start building a political organization here in Pennsylvania. In 1960, I think we can elect you president.

[A]

Of course, I. President? Isn't that going a little too far?

[B]

Why not? Who wouldn't vote for a politician who was always right? Besides, that's one thing we've got to change. In 1960, we had a man in the White House who was good to his wife and sang a nice tenor. And that's about all. He fouled up so completely we ended up at war. I think President Hartley might be a little more trusted to take a strong line.

[A]

But I don't know anything about international decisions.

[B]

I do. I know all the wrong ones. If we can stop a murder, with time, we can stop a war.

[A]

How do I start?

[B]

Well, as I remember, just after that bomb announcement, you got a phone call from the state about the next election.

[A]

Well, there is A lot of talk about a reform ticket.

[B]

That call is gonna be important, dad. It's the turning point you've got. There it is.

[A]

What? What do I do?

[B]

Answer. Go ahead.

[A]

But, Alan.

[B]

Don't worry. I'll tell you what to say. Go ahead.

[A]

Hello? Yes, this is Blake Hartley, Judge Crimmins. Well, just a moment. Alan, he's asking me to run. Oh.

[B]

Oh, my head.

[A]

Alan. Alan, what's the matter? Alan? He passed out. Alan, what do I do now? Alan, listen to me. Alan. Alan, what's the matter? Alan? Captain Hartley. Captain Hartley. Captain Hartley. It's all right, Doctor. I gave him the shot and he was all right. He's dead. All right. Sergeant, make up the tag. Yes, sir. Hartley, Allen, Captain. Dead. August 8, 1975. Alan. Alan, what happened? Alan. Alan.

[B]

Huh?

[A]

Allen, are you all right?

[B]

Hi, dad.

[A]

I've got Judge Crimmins on the phone. What do I tell him?

[B]

What?

[A]

Alan, are you all right? You passed out.

[B]

Sure, I'm all right. Hey, today's my birthday, isn't it? What did you get me, dad?

[A]

How?

[B]

What did you get me?

[A]

Alan, are you all right?

[B]

Sure, I'm okay. What did you get for my birthday, huh?

[A]

Don't you remember the Third World War?

[B]

What Third World War? Gee, dad, what's the matter? You're looking at me funny.

[A]

Judge Crimmins. I'll. I'll have to call you back. Goodbye. You don't remember. You're back again, aren't you? Back to 13 years old.

[B]

Sure, I'm 13 today.

[A]

For corn sakes, dad, you must have died up there. It was only a mind transfer. That means now I'm on my own. I have to do it myself without your help.

[B]

Help for what? Oh, if it's the grass, I. I said I'd cut it tomorrow.

[A]

Oh, no, it isn't the grass. I've got to save your life, Ellen. I can't let you die that way in 1975.

[B]

What are you talking about, dad? You sound goofy.

[A]

I've got to change it all by myself.

[B]

Change what?

[A]

Never mind, Alan. You don't know yet. Come on, let's have lunch.

[B]

Sure, dad. Hey, how about my prisoner? What did you get me for my birthday?

[A]

Hey, in a minute, son. Go on in.

[B]

Hurry up, dad.

[A]

All right. Now, where'd I put that list of horses? You have just heard? Another adventure into the unknown world of the future. The world of dimension. Homecoming is a joyous word. But when the home you're returning to is a burned out, radioactive planet, and when you cannot even imagine what terrible changes you will find there. The word then takes on a very different meaning. Next week, Dimension X brings you a strange story called Dwellers in Silence. Dimension X is brought to you each week by the National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with street and Smith, publishers of the magazine Astounding Science Fiction. Today, Dimension X is presented time and time again written for radio by Ernest Kanoy from the story by H. Beam Piper. Featured in the cast were David Anderson as Alan and Joseph Curtin as his dad. Your host was Norman Rose. Music by Albert Berman. Dimension X is produced by William Welch and directed by Fred Way. The right window treatments change everything. Your sleep, your privacy, the way every room looks and feels. @blinds.com We've spent 30 years making it surprisingly simple to get exactly what your home needs. We've covered over 25 million windows and have 50,000 five star reviews to prove we deliver. Whether you DIY it or want a pro to handle everything from measure to install, we have you covered. Real design professionals, free samples, zero pressure right now. Get up to 50% off with minimum purchase. Plus get a free professional [e-mail] rules and restrictions apply. I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor. Hey, good morning. Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most. Yep, they sure are. We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down. It's all right. We're so far up here. Look at me. Take a deep breath. I'm good. So good. Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good to Geico.