Chapter 50, Open City Summary

Upon arriving at the Great Wall, Dr. van der Berg and Chris Floyd recognize the wall as a gigantic monolith. The monolith serves as a weather break for a village of igloos and canals, indicating that the inhabitants are amphibious. As they drop lower to take a closer look, Chris sees a man standing in the village. Chris brings the craft down to a landing and says hello to his grandfather, but Dr. van der Berg cannot see the apparition.

Chapter 50, Open City Analysis

The presence of the village confirms that intelligent life exists on Europa. The creatures have left the village for some reason, but the evidence of their advanced culture remains. Dr. van der Berg naturally wants to get a closer look, but Chris lands, mesmerized by the startling appearance of his grandfather, Dr. Floyd, who is...