Pythias

Illustrated by Mel Hunter

Read

"Pythias" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of extraordinary abilities, exploring the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist in a world where a few possess remarkable capabilities that could alter society. The narrative follows Dick, who is in jail for the murder of his friend Larry Connaught, a man who saved his life during a terrorist incident. Despite their deep friendship, Dick kills Larry to prevent him from exploiting a dangerous secret: a method that allows him to manipulate physical forces with his mind. Larry’s profound abilities, if known to the public, could lead to chaos and corruption, prompting Dick to take extreme measures to protect the world from the catastrophic potential of that knowledge. Throughout the story, the themes of friendship, morality, and the immense weight of power are intricately woven into a gripping tale of sacrifice and regret.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.