Saboteur of Space
In a future where Earth is on the brink of collapse due to energy shortages, two men become pivotal players in a high-stakes conflict involving Martian power. Ryd Randl, a former helio operator, is living in despair, haunted by his past failures and the oppressive atmosphere of a dying city. He encounters Mury, a mysterious figure who offers him a chance to reclaim his life by participating in a dangerous plot against the Martian government. Mury reveals that a power cylinder from Mars, intended to revitalize Earth, is actually a trap designed to enslave humanity. He persuades Ryd to join him in sabotaging the delivery of this power source, promising a substantial reward. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of political intrigue and personal betrayal, Ryd grapples with his own cowardice and the moral implications of their actions. The duo infiltrates a spaceport, where they execute a plan to hijack a towship, the _Shahrazad_, which is set to transport the power cylinder. Tensions rise as they face guards and navigate the complexities of their mission. Mury's fervent ideology drives him to extreme measures, including violence, as he seeks to ignite a war between Earth and Mars, believing it to be the only path to freedom. As they approach their target, Ryd's fear and uncertainty grow. Mury's ambition blinds him to the potential consequences of their actions, leading to a climactic confrontation aboard the ship. Ryd is forced to confront his own complicity in Mury's dangerous plans, culminating in a violent struggle for control. In the end, Ryd must make a choice between survival and the greater good, as the fate of Earth hangs in the balance. The narrative explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of rebellion against oppression, leaving readers to ponder the true cost of freedom in a world teetering on the edge of destruction.
By Robert Abernathy · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure · 5 chapters · 12,449 words
First lines
Fresh power was coming to Earth, energy which would bring life to a dying planet. Only two men stood in its way, one a cowardly rat, the other a murderous martyr; both pawns in a cosmic game where death moved his chessmen of fate -- and even the winner would lose.
Ryd Randl stood, slouching a little, in the darkened footway, and watched the sky over Dynamopolis come alive with searchlights. The shuttered glow of Burshis' Stumble Inn was only a few yards off to his right, but even that lodestone failed before the novel interest of a ship about to ground in the one-time Port of Ten Thousand Ships.
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Saboteur of Space is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Abernathy, dated 1970 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Robert Abernathy
- Date: 1970 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure, Political Thriller, Drama
- Length: 12,449 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 248 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Saboteur of Space by Robert Abernathy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- Planet Of Doom by Stephen Marlowe
- Hostage Of Tomorrow by Robert Abernathy
- Cosmic Saboteur by Frank M. Robinson
- Revolt Of The Outworlds by Stephen Marlowe
- Recruit For Andromeda by Stephen Marlowe
Genres
- Science Fiction — The book explores futuristic themes, space travel, and advanced technology, central to the science fiction genre.
- Dystopian — The narrative presents a bleak vision of Earth under oppressive conditions, reflecting societal decay and conflict.
- Adventure — The plot involves high-stakes action and a journey through space, typical of adventure narratives.
- Political Thriller — The story involves political intrigue, sabotage, and the struggle against corrupt powers, characteristic of thrillers.
Tags
science fiction · space exploration · adventure · sabotage · interstellar conflict · technology · aliens · futuristic · dystopian · action · mystery · political intrigue
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV
- CHAPTER V