clothing, running fingers through their hair. The ship’s hatch opened and a tall, strong man with short, bright orange hair, a tall fair-haired woman, and a bald, dark-skinned man strode down the ramp, looking impressive in their crisp uniforms and gleaming insignia.
The groups greeted each other. “My apologies for intruding,” the orange-haired man said. He seemed to be in charge. Probably the captain. “A balky fusion drive necessitated we put down for some repairs.” He stopped himself. “Engine…working bad,” he said, explaining with gestures and simpler words, as if Eriff’s father and the other Sandreem party were stupid rather than technologically backward compared to the rest of the galaxy. “We won’t be here long, a few standard hours. My crew will remain onboard.”
“Then please accept these blessings of our planet.” The disappointed Sandreemers presented the off-worlders with baskets of fruits, nuts, vegetables and ready-to-cook game. Another basket contained local handicrafts.
As soon as Eriff’s father and the rest left, the fiery-haired captain reached into a basket and pulled out a thick, limp, skinned eel. He showed it to the crew, and they all burst into laughter. He threw it into the underbrush with obvious distaste.
The fools! That was a female river eel, prized for its tender meat. One that size would have made rich, sweet filets for a dozen people or more.
Anger simmered in Eriff’s belly. The strangers thought they were better than the Sandreemers. Better than his father. Nothing was more important to Eriff than his family. To insult his world and his people was to insult him!
“Stay onboard,” the captain told his companions. He checked for a weapon on his belt. “I’ll have a look around.”
“I don’t recommend it, sir,” the bald man said. “I saw a few small life forms around the perimeter. I don’t think there’s anything dangerous, but better not to take a chance.”
“The only thing dangerous around here is the natives’ idea of fine cuisine. Did you see that thing? Goddess, a snake!”
“Sir, I believe it was an eel.”
“Whatever. It’s not going in my mouth. But this is.” He showed them a lumpy pouch. Eriff couldn’t see what was inside.
The bald man’s brow went up. “Picnic, sir?”
“You could call it that. I’ve been on this ship too damned long. Give me a secured perimeter, say one click, all the way around. That way you’re happy and I’m happy.”
“Yes, sir.”
The captain strolled away from the ship like he owned every square inch of ground. For a long time, Eriff mirrored his exploration from high in the trees. At several points during the man’s stroll, Eriff took aim with his bow. Stupid off-worlder, don’t you know I’ve got you in my sights?
By the stream, the captain stopped, closing his eyes and inhaling, as if Sandreem was the most beautiful place he’d even seen.
It is. No place in the galaxy equaled Sandreem in beauty; of that Eriff was sure.
The captain prowled more than walked, listening, smelling, seeing, but still he didn’t sense Eriff’s presence. He crouched by the stream, letting the water run over his hand to test the temperature. Coward. A Sandreemer would have jumped in with no hesitation.
The man stripped naked. This was no soft-bodied freight hauler; he was as fit as Eriff’s father. Soon the captain was floating on his back in a deep pool under a canopy of willows. His uniform fluttered from the gnarled branch of an ancient ebbe-apple tree. Under it was the pouch he’d brought along from the ship. “Picnic,” the bald man had said.
There was food in that box. Off-worlder food.
Eriff slid down the tree. Covered in shadows, he was a shadow himself as he sneaked up to the captain’s gear. A brush of his fingers over the man’s uniform and his amazing pistol sent a frisson of excitement up his arm. What would it be like, using a weapon like that to hunt?
A splash sounded from the pool. Eriff froze, his heart slamming against his rib cage. Thankfully the captain was still floating, unaware he’d soon be walking back to his ship hungry.
Eriff snatched the pouch and took it with him into the woods. He lifted the lid. The food had been kept warm somehow. It seemed to be a dish of layers of meat, pungent white cheese and vegetables, flat and brown and unfamiliar. He inhaled the aroma and shuddered in pleasure. Then he squished a finger into the food and brought a morsel to his mouth for a taste.
“Goddess,” he whispered. It was spiced with flavors he