With the exception of the ability to travel across time, the first glimpse of DetectiveLieutenant Gene Trimble's world seems very similar to twentieth-century America. As the narrative of "All the Myriad Ways" advances, it becomes evident that there are distinct differences between the history presented in the story and actual events that happened in the twentieth century. References to the Cuba War and eradicated cities give the reader clues that not only is "All the Myriad Ways" about alternate timelines, but it in fact takes place in an alternate timeline.

In the story, Harmon is an eccentric millionaire who has invested his money for years in impractical projects. One of his ventures succeeds, however—machines that can travel across time. This ability has made Harmon rich and has enabled people on Earth to introduce new technologies from other, more advanced timelines. A curious effect of the discovery...