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

While Eryx gave his superior vague details about what had happened, Leander unpacked the food. Not only had Eryx swiped coffee, but decent food supplies, sauces and spices, oil and nuts, even a few small bars of chocolate. Leander’s stomach rumbled. They hadn’t eaten since last night, and it was running into afternoon now.


“You look like shit,” he said when Eryx entered the kitchen.


“They would have killed us.” Leander paused. “I need a shower. You?”


Eryx nodded again and left. By the time he returned, Leander had dusty tea made, and shoved a mug at him.


Eryx did as told, then Leander went to see if there was any hot water left.


Chapter 29