A Matter of Taste

"A Matter of Taste" by L. J. Stecher is a science fiction story set in a future where humans explore space and trade with aliens. Mark Atkinson, an insurance claims adjuster, finds himself on the frozen planet of Sunder's Pride after crew members start vanishing due to strange alien activity. The leader of the expedition, Obadiah Jones, reveals that the aliens are kidnapping humans for their own reasons, putting the whole team at risk. Instead of giving in to the aliens' mind control, Atkinson uses his own tech skills and human understanding to find a solution. He cleverly works out a deal that saves human lives and keeps trade with the aliens going, showcasing the importance of mixing technology with human smarts when facing danger.