Brigands of the Moon

"Brigands of the Moon" by Ray Cummings is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the crew of the space-flyer "Planetara", primarily focusing on the main characters Gregg Haljan and his friend Dan Dean. As they embark on a journey through space, tensions rise when they are drawn into a conspiracy involving the mysterious Grantline Moon Expedition and various passengers whose true intentions may be far more sinister than they appear. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the "Planetara" and its crew as they prepare for a voyage from Earth to Mars, with a pre-scheduled stop at the Moon. The narrative quickly picks up pace when Gregg and Dan receive an urgent summons from their superior about a leaking secret regarding the expedition. They unravel a tense atmosphere filled with espionage, criminal intrigues, and the foreboding presence of a Martian named Miko, who is linked to a plot that could jeopardize not only the lives of the crew but also the safety of the Moon's discoveries. A tragic incident involving a passenger, Anita Prince, marks the beginning of this gripping saga, ultimately setting the stage for an interplanetary conflict that challenges the characters' loyalties and morals.