Hostage of Tomorrow

"Hostage of Tomorrow" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written in the late 1940s. The story follows Ray Manning, a soldier grappling with the devastation of a post-war world dominated by the remnants of the Dritten Reich, as he becomes embroiled in the pursuit of a scientist holding the key to a time travel device. The narrative kicks off with a tense reconnaissance mission in bombed-out Europe, leading to a journey that explores themes of time travel, alternate histories, and the consequences of war. The opening of "Hostage of Tomorrow" sets the stage for a gripping tale of survival and discovery. Ray Manning, along with his comrade Eddie Dugan, is part of a military team searching for Dr. Pankraz Kahl, who possesses vital knowledge hidden within a fortress-like laboratory in Germany. As they confront hostile forces and the unexpected capabilities of Kahl’s invention, a time machine, their reality shifts into a future plagued by the same oppressive regimes they fought against. The narrative expertly weaves action, tension, and ethical dilemmas, leading Manning to contemplate whether returning to the past could alter the dire course of humanity's history.