Justin Nesbit, soldier turned prospector, crash lands on a planet in a star system that doesn't exist on any map. He's taken prisoner by the natives, and finds himself thrust into a strange new culture, a strange new language ... and strange new feelings. From the start, Sajah, the alien leading the natives, is intensely interested in him.<br><br>Sajah is a big and strange alien, unlike anyone Justin has ever encountered in his life. Fumbling through cultural and language barriers, they become friends. But one crucial moment of misunderstanding changes Justin's entire situation and leads him down a path to a choice he never imagined in his wildest dreams.

Captive

Finally, Justin picked up two of the big duffels and popped the hatch with an elbow, breathing a sigh of relief when the damned door opened with no problem. With the way he felt, Justin knew he that muscling the heavy hatch door open was something he wasn’t up for. He dropped the bags out the door to land on the startlingly lavender-colored grass a handful of feet below. Giving one last glance around his damaged ship, Justin grabbed the last duffel and the kit, throwing the first out of the opening and then hopped out himself, kit in hand. No reason to risk breaking the fragile medical supplies too.


Landing with a hiss of discomfort, Justin lurched upright and grabbed the closest bag. Damn thing seemed heavier than a minute ago. He glanced around before deciding to take shelter in the trees to the left of his ship. Looked to be the densest clump of forest around.


Chapter 3