A sci-fi story of James, a young vagabond who thought it would be easy money to work his way across the galaxy on an old freighter.

A shortcut through an unmapped system doesn't go to plan and James and the lion-like alien Crit find themselves fighting for their lives on an inhospitable alien planet.

And Crit's species are consummate carnivores.

Chapter 3:

Crit's still alive. James can't help but thank any and all gods that might be watching, but that'll have to wait.

One of the shots that killed the crew nicked the reactor and they've got about twenty minutes before the breach turns them into little more than heat and light.

Comments and critiques are welcome.