The New Company with the Suttons

Dan's partnership with John and Jenny Sutton grows from a wary friendship into a durable engineering venture built on trust, clear responsibilities, and a shared future.

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An Unexpected Welcome

An Unexpected Welcome A stranger in the grounds Dan lands at the Denver Sunshine Club and meets John and Jenny Sutton. The couple question his unusual arrival but offer help rather than treating him as an enemy. A confidential truth John, a lawyer, agrees to hear Dan's claim that he has come from the future as a privileged communication. He does not believe the story, yet accepts Dan as a guest and keeps his confidence.

Trust Before Proof

Trust Before Proof Practical protection John helps Dan deal with the gold he has brought from the future, arranging a lawful sale and keeping Dan from drawing unwanted attention. The help is practical even though John's explanation for Dan's presence remains uncertain. Friendship established Dan stays with the Suttons and gradually becomes part of their circle. Their discretion gives him room to work and shows him a form of loyalty unlike the betrayal he has just experienced.

The Machines Revealed

The Machines Revealed Demonstrating the work Dan shows John and Jenny Drafting Dan and Protean Pete. John immediately sees the machines' commercial significance, while Jenny recognizes the domestic value of a capable automaton. A request for partnership Dan admits that he lacks time and business skill to protect and market his inventions. He asks John to take responsibility for the corporate work, despite knowing that the venture could become valuable.

A Shared Enterprise

A Shared Enterprise Clear responsibilities John takes charge of patents, financing, and organization; Jenny types descriptions, while Dan concentrates on the inventions. Their roles divide work without stripping Dan of the engineering control he needs. A deliberate location Dan insists that the company's home office be in Los Angeles, anticipating its future scale and industrial advantages. John is reluctant, but Jenny's openness helps turn the proposal into a shared decision.

A Future Confirmed

A Future Confirmed Evidence arrives After Dan wakes in 2000, John sends a note asking how Dan managed to predict the future. The success of the venture confirms that the trust placed in 1970 had practical as well as personal consequences. A lasting partnership John and Jenny remain connected to the company, while Dan works independently and licenses inventions. Their collaboration succeeds because it gives each person a meaningful role without demanding that one control every part of the enterprise.

3 May 1970, at the Denver Sunshine Club

May 1970, shortly after their first meeting

Late September 1970

Autumn 1970

December 2000 and after