The Winds of Time

"The Winds of Time" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction story about Gefty Rammer and the crew of a space charter vessel who become tangled in a web of danger and intrigue when their ship is unexpectedly swept into a strange temporal current. Beginning with what seemed like a normal survey mission of a desolate sun system, Gefty and his colleague Kerim Ruse find themselves facing perilous circumstances aboard the "Silver Queen" when their ship is thrown out of normspace. They must navigate their interactions with their mysterious client, Mr. Maulbow, who hides secrets relating to advanced time-travel technology and a dangerous creature called a janandra. The story explores themes of trust and the hazardous effects of meddling with time as Gefty eventually confronts Maulbow, learns the truth about their situation, and works to escape the time current, forever changed by the implications of their adventure.