Eryx is part of a team of scientists charged with monitoring and protecting relocated animals on a privately owned planet. When sensors indicate poachers, Eryx leaves base to confront them, only to lose his way in a sudden snow. After trudging to a nearby observation station for shelter, he comes across an unexpected intruder.<br><br>Smuggler Leander flies an old, sometimes unreliable ship. When the engine starts to fail, he attempts to set down on the nearest planet where he’s stashed supplies, but his descent turns into a crash, and he’s forced to take shelter wherever he can.<br><br>The two can’t possibly trust each other, but storm projections show they’ll be stuck together for days. Worse, the poachers aren’t letting a little inclement weather stop them, and they’re armed and ready to kill. Can Leander and Eryx put aside their differences and save the animals -- and themselves -- before something disastrous happens?

Under Snow and Stars

“Aft starboard,” said Des, and displayed a white mess on the viewscreen.


“Oh, it’s winter now,” said Leander, unimpressed. This planet could be very pleasant during the warm months.


“Yes, Des. Two. If the temperature in here falls to the outside temperature, will the cargo be affected? And how far from the destination point are we?”


“Cargo will be unaffected. Connection with destination beacon lost.”


Leander rubbed his temple, closed his eyes, and steadied his breath again. Shit. Just his luck.


“Des, calculate likely path to destination based on last known position of beacon. Transmit data to portable transceiver.”


Chapter 4