The monstrous snow snake roared past Paul Levin at fantastic speed,leaving a falling mist of slush and ice behind. The mist was so densethat he couldn't even see giant Jupiter above the horizon.

The habitat could only be a few hundred meters further, Paul thought.He cautiously skied ahead, probing the ice with the tip of his ski beforetransferring his weight forward.

Suddenly a massive jolt shook the ice pack. He was violently thrownoff his feet and tossed about. It felt as if all of Europa had shiftedbeneath him. He was terrified as the surface continued to tremble.As the tremors continued, Paul didn't know whether he was goingto live or die . . .

BUD SPARHAWK is a native of Maryland. He was born in Baltimoreand now lives with his wife in Annapolis. He has a degree inMathematics from the University of Maryland and an MBA in Financefrom Oklahoma City University. Since 1980, he has been aninformation systems consultant.