Nelson S. Bond
The Ultimate Salient
"The Ultimate Salient" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The story revolves around Brian O'Shea, a soldier from the future who is connected to a present-day writer, Eben Clinton, through a psychological phenomenon known as telaesthesia. The narrative explores themes of war and survival as O'Shea navigates a defeated America while trying to find hope amidst a totalitarian invasion. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to Eben Clinton, who is interrupted by a mysterious visitor, Dr. Edgar Winslow, seeking his help to transmit a critical message to a future soldier, Brian O'Shea, who will not be born until 1942. The narrative shifts between present-day America and O'Shea's experiences in a war-torn future where he grapples with the consequences of the invasion and the duty to lead his dwindling group of soldiers against overwhelming odds. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that O'Shea and his comrades have little hope left, making their fight for survival even more urgent and poignant. The opening portion sets the stage for an exploration of timeless struggles against oppression, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom, leaving the reader eager to see how these threads will intertwine.