Part seven of this peek into a blended family surviving on an alien planet.

Ben Fortunas didn’t believe in sleeping on a problem. Exhortations about the human brain needing rest made logical sense, but he could not “shut-down” with a mystery rattling around in his head.

Dremiks had once been covered with marshes and swamps. The war between the native Dremikians and their former masters, the Valtoza, destroyed most of the planet’s atmosphere, leading to the evaporation of all surface water. Deep underground aquifers still existed but pumping and transferring that water took precious time and energy.

Before Cassie could ask another question about the missing ship, someone—or something—pounded on the hut’s door. Ginny jerked and whimpered on Ben Fortunas’s shoulder.

Cassie muttered a curse under her breath as she pushed away from the futon. Ben stepped out of her way. He knew better than to get in her way when she had that look on her face.

Cassie shambled back from the kitchenette with a bottle in one hand and a mug in the other. Ben took the bottle from her and motioned with his chin toward the futon. “Rest.”

“I won’t argue with you.” The medical doctor slid down onto the thin cushions. She took a tentative sip of her tea, then sighed. “That’s nice. Where’d you find this recipe?”

Dr. Cassandra Ruger turned as her partner came through the door. Her springy black hair stuck out at odd angles from her braid, except for the sweaty strands plastered to her forehead and neck. Her usually light brown skin had a gray cast to it. Even her eyes—always so ready to sparkle with mirth—looked weary.