Bard Welstaad is a model Uni-Fleet officer. He’s not sure what his unit is to accomplish, marching up an icy peninsula in the frozen hell of Gelada, but without his NCO, Gordon Farrell, he knows he could not keep the unit together fighting off Snow Wasps and the savage deadly cold. Not until tragedy strikes does he admit the big sergeant means much more to him than simply being his right hand man.<br><br>Gordon Farrell idolizes his captain, who represents everything he reveres. The threat of imminent death finally forces him to admit the strength of his feelings as he fights to save Bard’s life. With death stalking at their heels, they can only hope to live long enough to share more than a single incredible night. Fate seems to conspire against them at every turn. Still they cling to the frail hope that somehow their love will find a way.

Fire on Ice

It was an instant before Gordon registered the attack on his commander. Just an instant; almost too long. He gave throat to a howl of rage and pain, less coherent than the thoughts racing through his mind.No, nothing can happen to the captain. I can’t stand it. I won’t let it.


There was no room to aim, little use in firing, lest he hit Bard by mistake. He swung his rifle in frantic arcs, using it like a bat. He felt impacts jolt up his arms as he knocked snow wasps every which way. Someone just ahead heard him yell, passed the word and the whole unit came rushing back, primed to fight. As they usually did, the natives called off their attack and scuttled away, vanishing as quickly as they had come.


“We’ve got minutes to save the captain, maybe less. He’s losing heat way too fast. Somebody pitch a tent, two together if you can.”


Chapter 2