Star of Panadur

"Star of Panadur" by Albert dePina is a science fiction tale that takes place on Europa, a frigid moon of Jupiter, where astronauts Hugh Betancourt and Jim Brannigan are stranded after a spaceship crash. The story follows their fight for survival, highlighting themes of surviving and what is right and wrong, especially when they encounter intelligent life in this unforgiving place. The story jumps into action as Hugh and Jim face running out of supplies and the need to fix their ship. When Jim captures an alien creature known as a Panadur, conflict grows as they argue about its fate. Hugh's desire to protect the creature leads to an intense conflict, resulting in Jim attacking him motivated by greed. As the story continues, Hugh uncovers the special abilities of the Panadurs, learning about their telepathic powers and their ability to control energy at an atomic level. Surprisingly, the Panadurs decide to save Hugh by moving energy from Jim to him, saving Hugh but sealing Jim's ending. The novel ends with Hugh gaining not only a valuable alien jewel but also a deep awareness of life beyond Earth.