Asteroid H277—Plus

"Asteroid H277—Plus" by Harry Walton is a science fiction tale set in the vast expanse of space, where treachery and survival collide. Aboard the "Cinnabar," Jon Akars, a scheming petty officer, orchestrates a deadly plot to steal valuable Urulium after an emergency landing on the enigmatic asteroid "H277—Plus". Akars' meticulously planned crime, involving the use of incapacitating drugs, appears flawless until he encounters the unexpected resilience of Box Jordan, the ship's first navigator, who survives the initial attack. The story follows Akars as he grapples with the unanticipated consequences of his actions, facing not only the vengeful Jordan but also the strange forces of the asteroid itself, culminating in a dramatic and ironic confrontation. Ultimately, the story highlights the futility of greed and the inescapable nature of cosmic justice.