Ridley stepped back and surveyed the camp area. The three boys had been quite hard-working in clearing the snow and now the camp was surrounded by groups of snowmen and snow forts and other creations. Within its boundaries, they'd staked areas for designated purposes-- the largest for where tents would be erected, and other areas for food ( Read more... )

Kanaan settled onto the bench in the back of the jumper, smiling at Juvah next to him and the two Lantean warriors across from him. One other Lantean warrior sat in the front, as did Oramo and Marta. He had heard that they would be leaving as soon as Carson's machine had 'cleared the tower' and wondered how long that would be ( Read more... )

Ridley awoke to a warm, solid weight against him and a terrible throbbing in his ankle. He opened his eyes and smiled to see Tim there, a leg and arm thrown over him. Ridley still had trouble believing this was all real. His contentment, however, was marred somewhat by the overwhelming need to visit the facilities and the pain in his foot and ankle ( Read more... )

The morning had proceeded without incident and Ridley, Adam, and Belem had headed back to the jumper, arriving before the other teams. Ridley set out the thermoses of coffee, tea, and cocoa and the tray of sandwiches they'd gotten from the mess, ( and then sat down with his data pad )

Tim arrived at the jumper bay and started his pre-flight checks while he waited for the other members of the mission to arrive. He’d been able to get there early enough or maybe other folks were running late, either way he was nervous. His feelings stemmed entirely from Parrish and the Athosians. He couldn’t undo it and, really, he didn’t want to. ( Read more... )

The hunt to the mainland had been successful, having brought home four of the herd animals, already skinned and prepared for the travel home, the group walked to the Athosian area, the heavy bundles they were carrying placed carefully down on the floor ( Read more... )

Aren watched the various teams of Lanteans, along with Marran, head in different directions. He turned and gave his brother a smile, which broadened when Juvah walked up to them. Wullam rolled his eyes.

"Come. We will see how Belem wishes to conduct the hunt," Juvah said.

Aren scrambled after her as they gathered around the master of the hunt.

Ridley stood watching the jumper take off, still somewhat in awe of its silence in doing so, and then turned to Captain Hunter and Belem Sayeur ( Read more... )

Jack awoke with a groan and blinked in confusion. He was warm, hot even, sweaty, naked. Sore. God, was he sore! His head pounded in rhythm with his heart, his stomach churning. A breath ghosted across his face, sour with morning breath. ( A body was pressed up against his back )