The planet around them was alien; the star-charts claimed it was Earth-type G, but semi-desert. The crash landing had been unfortunate. But the planet had seemed beautiful and inviting from space, even though they had landed in a desert, bordered by distant mountains. It would be an easy matter to get to more pleasant surroundings and begin a life on this virgin world.

Darkness had fallen a few hours earlier and Jon Crayford built a campfire from the wood sections of the small space car that had brought them there.

He looked at his lone companion, letting his eyes rove over the woman's lovely figure. He couldn't have made a better choice. She would surely be an inviting companion in the coming weeks, months and probably years. Lean and intelligent looking, full bodied, full lipped and so wonderfully young; she was in the prime of life. At the time, though, there had been only one thought in mind: get a hostage. The escape from the Penal-Ship, which was taking him to Penalton Planet, had been impulsive, sparked by the unexpected trouble among the Ship's officers. He'd grabbed the first Citizen near him, threatening her with the small "shiv" he'd made from a short piece of metal in the Shop where they had been keeping him working during the trip.

Now, he edged closer to the woman.