A Guest of Ganymede

A science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around the character Gil Murdoch, who navigates the treacherous waters of interplanetary intrigue as he travels to Jupiter's moon Ganymede with a blind billionaire, Frederick Waverill. The book explores themes of greed, survival, and the lengths one is willing to go for immortality through a dangerous alien virus. The narrative unfolds as Murdoch and Waverill attempt to make contact with the enigmatic aliens of Ganymede, who possess advanced medical knowledge and a mysterious virus that grants longevity. As the pair navigates the alien environment, tension builds regarding Murdoch's ulterior motives to smuggle out the life-extending virus for himself. Waverill’s sight is restored through alien technology, but Murdoch grapples with the moral implications of his actions, ultimately leading to a confrontation between the two. The story culminates in unexpected twists that blur the lines between victor and victim, leaving a haunting commentary on the pursuit of power and the cost of human ambition.