TIME GRABBER By Gordon R. Dickson 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, CAPTAIN OF THE ARENA * * * * * _Feb. 19, 65_: MEMO TO CAPTAIN OF THE ARENA: I think I might be able to lay my hands on a few Christians for you--possibly. And then again I might not. By the way, that's a nice little villa you have out in the Falernian Hills. (signed) Papirius, CAPTAIN OF POLICE * * * * * _Feb. 19, 65_: Papirius: All right, you robber. The villa's yours. But hurry! We've only got a few days left. L. * * * * * _Feb. 21, 65_: Dear L: Thanks for the villa. The papers just arrived. By an odd coincidence I had overlooked the fact that we already had sixteen fine, healthy Christians on hand, here. I am sending them on to you. Love and kisses, P. * * * * *