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

“Might be easier if someone with two working hands patches that up,” said Leander.


Eryx’s eyes flicked to Leander with suspicion, but also the desire to let the man seal him up. “All right,” said Eryx after a moment.


Leander searched through the supplies for the disinfecting quick seal gel. The tube he found had expired, which had to be some sort of Safety Admin violation, even if the standards in this area of the galaxy were lax.


“I think this shit is older than I am,” he said, practically twisting off his arm trying to remove the cap.


“It’s replaced only once it’s out.”


Leander raised an eyebrow at him and grabbed his hand.


“Like youdon’t use expired everything,” said Eryx.


“True, but I’m not a company. I don’t exactly pay taxes or have guidelines to follow. Somebody could probably sue over this.” Leander pulled away the gauze and ran the sealant over the cut twice, then three times. The gel was old.


Chapter 15