Battle in Outer Space

This is a true science fiction story, as opposed to most novelettes, which are, in fact, science fantasy. The story occurs two hundred years from now, a time at which space cruisers of the World Federation Space Force pursue an Islamic terrorist battle cruiser to the planet Saturn. Saturn is of vital importance because that is where most of the worldas supply of the element Helium-3 is mined. At this time, Helium-3 is the major fuel for the worldas fusion engines. Fusion supplies the energy that powers the worldas advanced technological civilization. Without this critical energy source, the worldas economy would totally collapse. The plot centers around one of the cruisers, Ranger, and its captain, Roger Nelson. The story includes a long chase through the outer solar system, with a diversion to the planet Mars. Mars is envisioned, not as it is now, but in the process of being terra-formed, and becoming a new habitat for permanent large-scale colonization. The Ranger has many adventures, including a final climatic battle with the enemy battle cruiser among the rings of Saturn. The plot centers around advanced and realistic technology, but also includes a minor romance. The basic theme of the story is simply that mankindas perpetual struggle between good and evil will continue, even in outer space.