Aphelion

In agreement with a lot of what Bill said, the details of who was who and where were fuzzy, and I felt a lot of confusion about that.

My favorite part of the whole story was:

As Shannon put more weight on Daniel's chest, the horrific scene on the woven mat caught her eye. She looked from the dancing, sword wielding goddess in the weaving to the machete she held in her hand, to Daniel's body writhing under her bare foot.

The part I had the most trouble with was the outcome. It completely falls apart as a huge hole opened in an otherwise delightful plot. Shannon shoots Daniel -- with what will certainly be found as a crime gun -- then beheads him -- an unnecessary move in light of his condition -- leaves her bloody fingerprints on the idol -- and gets away with its contents -- and walks free in spite of all these other details, any one of which could have her in courts or jails for a long time.

In spite of that, I did enjoy the story, but -- please, Mr. Ryber, watch out for plot-holes.