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

“I’m beginning to think you’ve spent too much time cooped up in tiny bases,” said Leander as they rested, breaths heavy in the chill air.


“Regretting coming out in this with me?”


“Ah, that would be yes.” Leander chuckled as Eryx glanced at him. “Don’t look so offended. You know I hate snow. Why is this shit so heavy anyway?”


“And let you do this on your own?” asked Leander, then quickly, as though to cover, added, “You wouldn’t let me stay there alone. I could do anything.”


“I could’ve tied you up again.” Eryx paused. “You trying to say you care what happens to me?”


“Let’s get this over with. If you want me ready to sabotage a ship you’d better get me there before my fingers get too numb.”


Chapter 23