Your Time is Up

"Your Time is Up" by Walter J. Sheldon is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Colonel Lawrence E. Boggs, a career officer in the U.S. Army, who inadvertently connects through a telephone with a historical technician from the future named Zon Twenty. The novella explores themes of time travel, destiny, and the moral implications of knowledge about the future. The plot begins with Colonel Boggs receiving a strange phone call that leads him to discuss historical events with Zon Twenty, who reveals that Colonel Boggs's era is on the brink of a "Final War." As Boggs becomes increasingly tempted by the prospect of using information about future events to advance his career and ensure his survival, he engages in a risky exchange of questions and answers with Zon. However, as the conversation progresses, it becomes apparent that the knowledge Boggs seeks has dangerous ramifications. The story culminates in a dark twist that highlights the potential for hubris and the unforeseen consequences of trying to manipulate fate.