"Bodyguard" is a science fiction short story written by H. L. Gold. It provides an engrossing and thought-provoking investigation of futuristic topics and ethical quandaries. "Bodyguard" is set in a future where advanced technology has revolutionized society and revolves around Crispin DeFord, a guy who works as a "bodyguard" for individuals. These bodyguards, however, are not traditional defenders; rather, they are masters in manipulating probability and anticipating accidents or threats. They use their abilities to avoid mishaps and keep their clients safe. As the novel progresses, Crispin is confronted with a moral conundrum when he sees a customer who seeks protection from a hypothetical event involving a terrible moral choice. Crispin questions the ethics of changing probabilities to assist harm, even if the customer requests it. "Bodyguard" by H. L. Gold dives into complicated topics of ethics, free choice, and the effects of technology on human conduct. It asks readers to consider the moral consequences of employing modern technology to predict and influence events, even if those events may cause harm to others.
Horace Leonard Gold (April 26, 1914 – February 21, 1996) was a science fiction writer and editor from the United States. Gold was born in Canada and migrated to the United States when he was two years old. He was best known for his original and fresh approach to science fiction as the editor of Galaxy Science Fiction, and he also briefly worked for DC Comics. H. L. Gold was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on April 26, 1914. Gold was born Jewish, and some allege that he had to write behind aliases at initially because publishers were concerned about the readers' antisemitism. During World War II, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Pacific War. As a result of his wartime experiences, he developed agoraphobia, which became so severe that he was unable to leave his flat for more than two decades. He gained some control over the ailment near the end of his life. His first marriage to Evelyn Stein ended in divorce in 1957, and he married Muriel "Nicky" (Nicholson) Conley in 1958. He passed away in 1996. From 1955 through 1963, his brother Floyd C. Gold, writing under the pen name Floyd C. Gale, was the chief book critic for Galaxy. E. J. Gold, his son, is an artist, writer, and musician.
