When freemen shall stand

"When Freemen Shall Stand" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins during a time of conflict where Earth has been conquered by the inhabitants of Venus. Central to this tale are Stephen Duane and his assistant Chuck Lafferty, who are involved in an experiment with a gas that they hope will end World War II. However, their scientific ambitions are interrupted when they encounter a Nazi spy, leading to unexpected consequences that transport them into a radically altered future. The opening of the narrative captures the tension and urgency of war while introducing the primary characters and their respective roles. Stephen Duane, a chemist turned soldier, is determined to test his new anesthetic that he believes could turn the tide of the war. Just as they are about to proceed, an unexpected spy incident unfolds, resulting in a malfunction that sends them thousands of years into the future. Awakening in a strange, dystopian world, Duane and Lafferty find themselves revered as "Slumberers," and are forced to grapple with the implications of their unexpected status amidst a society that worships them, prompting questions about identity, power, and the role of men and women in this newfound civilization.