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

“Oh, come on. I wasn’t going to do anything.”


“Just bring it here,” said Eryx, and when Leander did, he snatched the transceiver from him. “I should put this under my foot and crush it.”


Leander had the decency to look ashamed. “Shit, I just wanted to show off for you a little. I’m from the Moon, but my skills are genuine.”


“Why should I let you near my systems?” Eryx could barely believe Leander’s boldness, but then, smugglers probably had to take risks all the time. Not like him at all. The first real risk Eryx had taken was heading out in a snowstorm alone after some poachers who ended up being one random man in a crappy downed craft. “We’re practically enemies.”


“I’m good at troubleshooting, and I don’t want to be your enemy. I hope that’s not too forward.”


Chapter 13