Saboteur of Space

"Saboteur of Space" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century, specifically in the 1940s. The story is set on a future Earth, grappling with energy shortages and societal turmoil as it faces the threat of becoming a colony of Mars. The main topic revolves around a cosmic political struggle, focusing on the themes of sabotage, rebellion, and the fight for freedom against an oppressive interplanetary regime. The narrative follows Ryd Randl, a disillusioned helio operator, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot led by the enigmatic Mury. As they navigate the dark alleys of Dynamopolis, Ryd is reluctantly drawn into Mury's plan to intercept a crucial power cylinder being delivered from Mars—an act that promises to bring Earth back to life but at a potentially devastating cost. The tension escalates as Mury reveals his ulterior motive to provoke war against the Martians, leading to a volatile confrontation of ideals between Ryd, Mury, and a young Martian astrogator named Yet Arliess. Ultimately, the story culminates in a high-stakes gamble for power, challenging the characters' moral beliefs and their grasp on survival as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.