Asteroid H277—Plus

"Asteroid H277—Plus" by Harry Walton is a science fiction novel that was written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of betrayal, greed, and survival in space, featuring a petty officer, Jon Akars, who devises a malicious scheme of murder and theft aboard the Sun Line freighter, the "Cinnabar". As Akars executes his plan, he faces unforeseen consequences related to a mysterious asteroid known as "H277—Plus." The narrative centers on Jon Akars, who uses a powerful drug to incapacitate his shipmates in order to steal precious Urulium, a valuable mineral found during an emergency landing. Believing he has successfully carried out his plan and evaded suspicion, Akars unknowingly confronts the cunning resilience of Box Jordan, the first navigator, who survives the disaster. As Akars attempts to eliminate Jordan, he faces unexpected calamities related to the asteroid's unique charge, leading to a twisting conclusion that showcases the irony of his fate and the inevitability of justice in the cold cosmos. The tension mounts as Akars' cleverness is pitted against the harsh realities of space, culminating in a dramatic confrontation and revelation.