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

“There’s a cave,” said Eryx. “We need to—”


One of the poacher’s fire came too close.


They made a dash and somehow made shelter, Leander half surprised they weren’t dead or injured. He followed Eryx to a section in the shallow cave where there was much less snow and leaned against the wall, panting.


“Their aim probably sucks about now,” said Eryx. “They’re getting sluggish. You think they’ll try to come up here for us?”


“I wouldn’t,” said Leander. “Think about it. Would you leave your only safe shelter when you know you’re losing consciousness?”


“Oh, good. Because I’ve run out of places for us to hide.”


Chapter 24