Iced Hearts

Samuel lived most of his life as a middling engineer in the Midwest. Once the Galactic Union(GU) arrived, life changed little, other than his wife of thirty years passing away from brain cancer. For years, he has lived as a recluse, trying to be forgotten about by others, left alone to fade away. He took a deal from the GU to let him do just that. He would man an outpost on the galaxy's far reaches, ensuring it functions without issue. He thought this was perfect, allowing him a quiet place to live the rest of his life, somewhere no one cared about what he did. Scarletra, a young, voluptuous Varintol woman, desperately wanted companionship. However, after fleeing from her tribe, her mother's wishes, and destiny, this was impossible. She had spent years in solitude and managed a meager, with only her carvings and the icy winds for company. One day, while out hunting, she spotted movement in one of the GU outposts. The prospect of meeting someone and escaping the glacial loneliness of her home filled her with hope. How will the curvaceous ursine alien manage to break through the walls of a stubborn old man who is determined to be left alone to die? Their path is fraught with obstacles-her family's scouts, the threat of megafauna, and a language barrier. The journey ahead is uncertain, but their encounter will change them both for the better and melt their iced hearts.