The comet-drivers

by Edmond Hamilton

"The Comet-Drivers" by Edmond Hamilton is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around an imminent cosmic threat—a gigantic comet racing toward the galaxy, which poses an existential danger. The narrative captures the team of interstellar patrol officers who must devise a plan to avert catastrophic annihilation by confronting this colossal comet. The plot follows the protagonist, Khel Ken, and his three diverse comrades—Gor Han, an enormous creature from Betelgeuse; Jurt Tul, an amphibious Aldebaranian; and Najus Nar, a member of a powerful insectoid race from Procyon. Together, they head into the depths of space to intercept the comet, only to face not just the comet itself but also the menacing cube-shaped ships crewed by strange liquid beings linked to the comet's apparent sentience. In a race against time, they learn about the comet-creatures’ intentions and the horrifying truth about their need to destroy other universes to sustain their own. Ultimately, with cooperation and sacrifice, the crew unravels a critical control system at the comet's heart, culminating in a struggle that determines the fate of their own galaxy in the face of overwhelming odds.