Ice Planet Barbarians

Vektal is confused as to why Georgie is uninterested in sex and worried that he cannot communicate his intent to take care of her. He attempts to tend to her injured foot, but she lashes out, striking him in the face. When he instinctively snarls, she recoils in terror, making him horrified that he has frightened her. He grows angry at the thought that someone must have harmed her in the past.

Vektal is fascinated by Georgie and wishes to engage in further sexual acts but recognizes that Georgie does not feel the same. He attributes this to her nonexistent khui and decides that this is a divine sign that he needs to learn patience, something he knows he lacks. Through gestures, they manage to exchange names, though Vektal pronounces her name “Shorshie,” and he notes that she pronounces his like “Huptal.”

Vektal is puzzled, as the sa-khui are the only intelligent species living on the planet. He deduces from the fine leather of Georgie’s boots that she must come from somewhere far away. He worries over her missing khui, which is necessary to survival on the planet. He vows to protect her using any means necessary.