X Marks the Asteroid

Name: X Marks the Asteroid
Author: Ross Rocklynne

In a distant future, Ralph Unterzuyder, a descendant of a notorious family, is faced with a dilemma: awaken his ancestors from suspended animation or claim a reward for their discovery. He operates under the alias Carruthers Straley while attempting to locate a hidden map that leads to the hibernaculum of his ancestors. The story unfolds in Marsport, where Ralph's presence attracts the attention of Bigger Bailes, a cunning figure in the underworld, who seeks to exploit Ralph's knowledge for his own gain. Ralph organizes a group of settlers, Titan Settlers, Ltd., to journey to Titan, believing it may lead him to the asteroid where his ancestors are in hibernation. However, he soon realizes that the Beechers, a father-daughter duo he partners with, possess the map he desperately seeks. As Ralph navigates the complexities of his mission, he grapples with his identity, the treachery of those around him, and his growing feelings for Fayette Beecher. The narrative intensifies as Ralph discovers that the map is not what it seems. It is a fake, and the true location of the hibernaculum is shrouded in mystery. As tensions rise, Bigger Bailes pursues Ralph and the settlers, leading to a confrontation that tests Ralph's cunning and resolve. He must outsmart both Bailes and the Beechers, who have their own motives. Ralph's journey is marked by deception, romance, and the struggle for power. He ultimately learns that the legacy of the Unterzuyders is fraught with danger and that his own desires may conflict with the expectations of his lineage. The story culminates in a battle for survival and the realization that love and loyalty can be as treacherous as the pursuit of wealth and power. As Ralph confronts his past and the implications of his family's legacy, he must decide what kind of man he wants to be. The narrative explores themes of identity, ambition, and the moral complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a richly imagined future.

By Ross Rocklynne · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 12,022 words

First lines

Deep in space Ralph's ancestors lay in suspended animation -- a price on their heads. They left him a map and a problem: awaken them -- or collect the reward! .

The Unterzuyder map was out of hiding. Relayed on a grapevine that spanned the planets, the news caught on big in Marsport.

What this Textopian page supports

X Marks the Asteroid is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ross Rocklynne, dated 1950 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Ross Rocklynne
Date: 1950 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller, Romance
Length: 12,022 words
Structure: 1 section, 363 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Genres

Science Fiction — The plot revolves around space exploration, asteroids, and futuristic technology, which are central themes in science fiction.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a quest to find a hidden map and awaken his ancestors, involving danger and exploration.
Mystery — The story includes elements of intrigue and deception, particularly surrounding the map and the true intentions of the characters.
Thriller — The tension and suspense created by the pursuit of the protagonist and the threat of betrayal contribute to a thrilling atmosphere.