Space War #17

When a distress signal brings Earth's rescue ships to the Moon in search of the missing Commodore Nashton, they discover the leader of the Truce Commission is being held captive by the Zajarites—who've been using him and a robotic decoy to lure unsuspecting crews into a trap. Now alerted to the alien presence, the Earth spacemen must fight their way through underground tunnels to free their commander before the Zajarites can use their deception to strike at Earth itself.

On the planet Citsalp, Captain Rex of mighty Ronda receives orders to conquer a new world for his expanding empire, but the inhabitants—guided by the ingenious Professor Zolar—have already anticipated the invasion. When Rex's formidable warship unleashes its most devastating weapons, they prove utterly powerless against an unseen defense that turns back every attack. The true nature of Citsalp's protection remains shrouded in mystery until the final moment of triumph.

Captain Jonathan Dee, scout for Earth's Space Legion, crashes on the scorching planet Mura during a bombing raid on an enemy stronghold—only to discover the world's inhabitants are refugees struggling against invaders who've transformed their once-green world into a fiery wasteland. Rescued by Tzaa and his people, Dee must decide whether to help them reclaim their planet or follow orders to destroy it from above. As alliances form and the true nature of Mura's occupation comes to light, a scout's mission becomes something far more personal in this 1962 tale from Space War.

When a space crew crashes on an alien world, they discover a civilization of winged beings who rescued them from deadly swamp creatures—but must decide whether to trust these intelligent, peaceful inhabitants or assume they're threats. Commander Batterlee and his men find themselves caught between gratitude and duty as they learn the locals possess hidden scientific powers and face an approaching danger that could destroy the world's ancient, art-loving culture. With the Blue Men fleet closing in, the crew must act fast, knowing their very presence on this planet may bring war to a people who've chosen to reject it entirely.