The Cosmic Derelict

"The Cosmic Derelict" by John Broome is a science fiction adventure set in the vast expanse of space, following Captain Christopher Douglas and the crew of the Lucifer as they undertake a crucial mission to deliver platinum through the treacherous Pass of the Twin Witches. The journey takes a chaotic turn when Bo'sun Tug Skelly's superstitious beliefs clash with the realities of space travel, leading to a series of mishaps, including a stowaway hunt and a misguided ritual involving their valuable cargo to appease mythical space witches. Facing mounting pressure and delays, the crew contemplates braving the legendary and perilous Cross Straits, a decision that forces them to confront the conflict between ancient superstitions and the cold, hard facts of science, testing their understanding of the universe and themselves.