Proktols of Neptune

"Proktols of Neptune" by Henry Hasse is a science fiction story set in the vast expanse of space where themes of survival and dangers of alien encounters take center stage. Commander Janus and his crew aboard the patrol ship "Wasp" stumble upon a derelict spacecraft, and a decision is made to investigate, leading them to the Proktols and their horrible rituals. Whispers of the Proktols haunt the crew, suggesting they engage in acts of unspeakable torture. Tension soars when the Proktols capture the Earthmen for a planned ceremony, forcing them to choose one among them for a ritual sacrifice to nourish a controlling Brain. Janus and his surviving companions desperately seek ways to break free and return to Earth, promising to confront the alien menace that lingers even after they're gone.