Pythias

“Pythias” by Frederik Pohl follows the story of Dick, who finds himself in a moral dilemma after murdering his friend, Laurence Connaught, to prevent the misuse of Connaught’s extraordinary mind-manipulating abilities. The narrative delves into the ethical implications of power, trust, and the repercussions of possessing superhuman capabilities. Pohl’s exploration of these themes creates a thought-provoking and suspenseful tale that challenges the boundaries of human potential.

PYTHIAS appeared in the February 1955 issue of Galaxy Science Fiction.

Sure, Larry Connaught saved my life—but it was how he did it that forced me to murder him!

Frederik George Pohl, Jr. (born November 26, 1919) is an American science fiction writer, editor and fan, with a career spanning over seventy years. From about 1959 until 1969, Pohl edited Galaxy magazine and its sister magazine if, winning the Hugo for if three years in a row. His writing also won him three Hugos and multiple Nebula Awards. He became a Nebula Grand Master in 1993.