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

“They had leopards.” This, on top of leaving to begin with, could get him fired, but he didn’t think he cared any longer. “We’re out tracking them down. We can’t let them get away with it.”


“I can’t believe you’re—get back to Base Four and lock down. I can’t frigging believe this. SeeingSpots doesn’t want your family suing for any shit you pull to get yourself killed.”


“SeeingSpots would really let my family know it’s something they’re responsible for?”


“If you don’t comply with orders, I’ll fire you on the spot,” said Tina, voice cold and hard.


Eryx glanced at Leander, who nodded. “All right. Heading back to Base Four. The cave enough for you? They’re poking around right outside the place—”


“Five seconds more and you’re out of a job,” snapped Tina. “Contact me when you reach base.”


“Understood.” Eryx ended the transmission and glanced at Leander, who shouldered his pack again.


Chapter 27