Time Crime: Recent Episodes
H. Beam Piper
From Astounding Tales Published February and March 1955
The Paratime Police had a real headache this time! Tracing one man in a population of millions is easy—compared to finding one gang hiding out on one of billions of probability lines!
This story from 1955 has rocket ships, time travel, slaves, post-hypnotic suggestions, drugged citizens, and a complete disregard for human rights. And those are the good guys. As a look back in time at "classic" science fiction, it's an interesting snapshot of a time when tobacco was common, sexism was unconscious, and female characters were a long way from Lara Croft.
The Paratime Police fights a desperate battle to shutdown the Wizard Traders and expose the shadowy Organization.
Another witness is snatched from under the noses of the Paratime Police, so Verkan Vall and Tortha Karf try a desperate strategy.
On hearing that the Paratime Police have discovered the operation, the group known as The Organization take steps to cover their tracks.
As the forces of the Paratime Police gather up clues, the media soon learns that something has gone awry.
A routine operation uncovers a disturbing possibility and Kiro Soran must return to active duty in the Paratime Police.