Moondust And Madness

by Taylor, Janelle

  She determinedly raised her chin and shoulders. She returned to the outer room and glared at the offensive camera. “I demand you tell me why I’m being held prisoner,” Jana stated angrily. “Who are you? What do you want from me? You have no right to keep me here or to spy on me!” No one responded. Fear, panic, and anger gnawed at her.

  Jana spat at the camera, again, “You’ll be sorry when the police and FBI catch you! You’ll rot in prison. How much ransom are you demanding from my lawyers? Tell them I said to pay you immediately so I can get out of here.” Still no reaction.

  Time moved on as Jana tried to show a brave mask of unconcern and contempt, but it kept slipping. She felt like a specimen under a microscope. Yet, strangely, she didn’t feel in mortal danger.

  On and on the impasse went until Jana thought she would scream from the mounting tension. How long had she been here? What was happening at home? What was stalling her release? Had Mr. Purvis, the executor of her father’s estate, refused to pay him? If Purvis dared to do anything that foolish and dangerous for her, she would start legal action against him! Would her captors kill her, even if they received the money they demanded? Surely not, or they wouldn’t be keeping her in seclusion! But how could she possibly guess what went on in the dark minds of criminals?

  Jana sat on the sofa, her back to the camera. She was silent for a time, thinking. Perhaps they were enjoying her little display of temper or jeering at her total helplessness. Perhaps they derived some thrill from watching her fear and panic, or felt some surge of power at her vulnerability. Perhaps if she tried to reason with them…She went to stand before the camera. She looked directly into the lens. She struggled to speak calmly this time. “Please, if you’re listening, tell me what you want from me. I’ll order my lawyers to pay you any amount of ransom. You can have all the money. Whatever it takes for you to release me…”

  She waited. No response. “Please,” she coaxed in desperation. “At least answer me!” Still nothing. Tears gathered in those beryl-colored eyes and slowly ran down her cheeks. In a quavering voice she asked, “Why are you doing this to me? Why won’t you answer me?”

  Security Chief Kyle Dykstra, who had returned to duty after the conference, sat watching the monitor and feeling remorse as he stared into her exquisite face. He was touched by her beauty and gentleness, her vulnerability and fear. He wished a thousand times he didn’t have anything to do with this despicable mission. As with most males his age, he had not given charls much thought, until this voyage.

  Being confronted by the realities made its cruelties and demands strike home. Kyle envisioned his mother or his sister or his beloved Karita as a captive mate to an alien stranger. Jana Greyson inspired anguish within him. He had made Jana’s surveillance tapes and helped capture her. He was plagued by the unknown destiny she was racing toward, a fate which he was assisting. It seemed so cruel to watch her suffer, but his orders prevented him from offering solace. She was a magnificent creature. She would be an excellent mate for the right man.

  Varian arrived to find Kyle staring moodily at Jana’s distraught face as she pleaded for someone to speak to her. Varian moved closer to get a better view. Kyle glanced at him and forced a wry smile.

  “She just wake up?” Varian inquired as he witnessed the trembling in Jana’s body. He knew what she must be feeling, just as he knew he could not explain the truth to her about Earth’s doom or his mission.

  “My relief officer said she’s been awake for hours. Sometimes those sedatives don’t last as long as expected. She was investigating her surroundings and noticed the camera. It’s natural to be frightened and to want answers in her situation,” Kyle explained.

  “Did you respond?” Varian felt a rush of desire as he watched Jana.

  “My orders are to observe, not communicate,” Kyle replied. “Her case is unlike the others. I wouldn’t know what to tell her.”

  Jana turned away from the camera. She could sense a powerful gaze on her, that same potent gaze of the man who had prevented her escape. If he meant her no harm, he would alleviate her terror. When the tears lessened, resentment replaced her fear. She ran to the bookcase and snatched up several books. “Stop playing cruel games with me! I want to go home. I’m tired and I’m hungry. And yes, damn you, I’m scared too! How dare you kidnap me and treat me this way! The least you can do is feed me and give me some kind of explanation for this crime!” She furiously hurled the books at the camera.

  Sparks flashed and a zinging sound filled her room as the books hit and deflected off some sort of invisible electrical field surrounding the camera. She gasped and moved back. One book was tossed against the lamp, shaking it. She had underestimated her perilous position and her foolish action had gained her nothing. Or so she momentarily thought…

  Varian watched her look of surprise at the effect of the books on the force shield around the monitor. Despite her fears, she revealed spirit, and he was impressed with the ravishing creature.

  A deep, clear voice addressed her in a commanding tone. It startled Jana. She could not judge where it came from; it was as if the walls themselves spoke to her. Kyle moved aside and curiously watched as Varian wielded his power like an artful club over the defenseless woman. He watched Jana bow to the authoritative imposing tone.

  Jana glanced all around her in bewilderment. Her gaze came back to rest upon the camera as if it were the speaker. Varian studied her expression as he spoke to her from the control room. “Calm yourself, Miss Greyson; you’ll be told everything very soon. I’m sorry if you were allowed to go hungry. I’ll have that error corrected immediately. I’m not playing games with you. Relax and rest.” He couldn’t resist teasing her. “If you behave yourself and do as you’re told, I promise you won’t be harmed. Do you understand me, Miss Greyson?” he pressed in a tantalizing tone.

  Jana was staring at the camera as if hypnotized by it. She nodded her head and softly answered, “I understand you. But when will you release me? Has Mr. Purvis refused to pay my ransom?” she asked in concern.

  “I’m not asking any ransom for you,” he told her.

  Her eyes blinked in confusion. “Then why am I here?” she asked.

  “All your questions will be answered later,” Varian calmly replied.

  “I don’t like being held prisoner by five men. Whose clothes and rooms are these? I want to be told the truth right now! I demand—” Rumbling, mocking laughter filled the room and silenced her.

  “I’m in charge here, Jana,” his firm voice countered. “You’ll be given answers when I say the time is right, not before. You are my captive, not theirs or ours. It would be most wise to settle down and cooperate.”

  “Cooperate?” she echoed. “How so?”

  “By obeying my orders, which I’ll reveal later,” he replied mysteriously. Varian was warmed by her reaction of relief to his claim of ownership.

  Jana frowned and sighed heavily. She could not force information from him. She had to relent. He had said she would not be harmed. Could she trust him? Cooperate? No ransom? Obey his orders? What orders?

  Varian noted reluctant acquiescence, but wariness was written on her face. “Relax, Jana. You’re in strong, capable hands,” his voice informed her. Yes, he had selected the right weapon and ruse. “You’ll be quite safe and happy in your new home. Trust me, Jana; I won’t let anyone or anything hurt you.”

  “Trust a kidnapper?” she scoffed, “Your words carry little comfort or credence.” But they did carry intimidation. New home?

  In that same lazy drawl which hinted of amusement, he roguishly jested, “So be it.” He issued orders for Kyle to pass along to Jana, then left, grinning mischievously, pleased with her and himself.

  Kyle watched his retreat and wondered at the odd scene he had just witnessed, Could it be possible that Varian was attracted to this beautiful alien? He chuckled, then scoffed at such an absurd idea.

  “Wait!” Jana shrieked. “Who are you? What do you mean, my new home? Where are you ta
king me? Damn you! This is a mistake! You’ve abducted the wrong woman!” Silence greeted her ears. Jana vexingly realized that if she were to give a voice and laughter and enticing traits to her stunning dream man, they would match those of her captor!

  Chapter Three

  The red light stayed on, but Jana was no longer aware of that potent stare. She looked for clues in his mysterious words. Then a different voice spoke to her. It was gentle and kind, but firm. The man informed her that food would come through the servo. He told Jana to bathe and relax before her meal arrived. Jana fired questions at him.

  Kyle refused to say more than, “Commander Varian Saar is in charge. He’ll have to explain matters. Be patient; you’re in no danger.”

  “Commander? Are we on a ship? Does this have anything to do with the government? Are you sure you have the right woman?” she probed.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Greyson, but I can’t respond to any more questions. Just follow his orders, and he’ll see you soon,” Kyle coaxed.

  Surely a name which sounded like “Zar” had to be foreign. Varian Saar, she rolled and savored the romantic name on her mental tongue. Jana eyed the camera suspiciously. “Is the bathroom monitored by camera?”

  Kyle grinned at her expression. “No, the bathroom is monitored only by a voice transmitter in case of an accident or problem.”

  “Merci, mon spectre. And you had best be telling the truth!” Kyle laughed easily and genuinely. “Call out if you need anything.”

  Jana flashed a stony glare and hastily retorted, “I can manage alone, thank you.” She went into the bathroom and studied the mirror with suspicion, finally deciding to test it just in case he had lied. She touched her forehead with the back of her hand and swayed slightly. She pretended to slide to the tiled floor in a faint. She lay completely motionless for a long time.

  Nothing…She called out, “Are you still there?”

  A voice came back at her, “Any problems?”

  Jana smiled to herself and sat up. “No, just checking—”

  What kind of tub is this? Let’s see if I can use this situation to my advantage. “Mister—” she began hesitantly, then paused. “What do I call you?” she asked, seeing if he would slip and give his name or a clue.

  Jana was surprised when he immediately replied, “Lieutenant Kyle Dykstra.” To avoid putting him on guard, she resisted more questions and stored his title and possibly foreign name for study later. “I don’t know how to work the water controls on this kind of tub.”

  “The buttons are temperature codes. The cold water starts with white and gets warmer as it deepens to gold. About button three is perfect. There’s an automatic cut-off valve when the tub’s three-fourths full.”

  “How ingenious. I would love to have a tub like this when I go back home,” she hinted to entice another clue, but Kyle commented no further.

  Jana undressed and slipped into the water. It felt like silk to her touch. In spite of her dismay, she was impressed by the luxury flaunted here. So far she had not been harmed or mistreated. She lifted the washcloth and looked for soap. She called out, “Lieutenant Dykstra? Where is the soap hidden?” she inquired, trying to sound friendly. “There is a button on the left side of the tub. Press it.” A panel opened to reveal soaps, bath oils and fragrances. She selected one which reminded her of a field of wildflowers in spring. She bathed and toweled off, then chose a mintgreen caftan. As she brushed her tawny tresses, a low swirling sound pulled her gaze toward the sunken tub, which was automatically emptying and rinsing itself. She stared in amazement and remarked, “And I thought I had all the modern conveniences…”

  “Did you say something?” Kyle’s voice rang out instantly.

  “I was talking to myself. An old habit I’ll have to break with someone listening all the time.” She heard him chuckle. In the other room, she replaced the books she had thrown at the camera. All she could do was wait. At least she wasn’t receiving the silent treatment anymore. A buzzer sounded. She curiously glanced at the wall unit, the origin of the noise.

  “Your dinner is in the servo,” Kyle politely instructed.

  She removed her first meal. The main course was an individual casserole which looked and smelled like a ramekin—a dish of bread crumbs, eggs, and cheese, baked to perfection. There was a salad of strange-looking lettuce and odd vegetables and a small dish of reddish-colored pudding. She realized one apparatus had supplied hot food and the other had contained chilled items. She wondered how the foods had been passed to her, as the units appeared self-contained. Kyle instructed her how to retrieve her beverage from the other device while soothing music filtered softly into the room.

  That feeling of otherworldliness touched her. Were these men foreigners? There was such a strangeness about them, and this place, this crime.

  Her stomach rumbled hungrily at the sight and smell of the delectable dishes. She cautiously began to sample the unfamiliar food. Even if it was drugged, she wouldn’t starve. It was marvelous and tasty; “a compliment to the palate” as Alex would say. Alex…Could he possibly…Surely not!

  What were her friends thinking? They had to know by now she had been abducted. Was she a hostage in a political situation? Had Andrea or another guest been their target? No, the men knew her name. She must have been missed at the party and later at home. But if these men had not demanded any ransom, how would anyone guess what had happened to her or where to look. Perhaps they had left no clues. Would anyone be able to find her and rescue her? Jana pushed the tray back with a sudden loss of appetite. Her back obscured her face from the probing eye of the camera. For a very long time she sat staring at her tray.

  Varian re-entered the control room and inquired, “Is something wrong with the food, Miss Greyson? I thought you were hungry.” Either Jana did not hear him or was ignoring him. “Jana!” the timbre voice boomed over the strains of an unknown melody.

  Startled, she turned and shrieked, “What?”

  “Is the food not to your liking? Would you prefer another dish?”

  Jana glanced at the half-empty tray and replied honestly, “No, it’s fine. How much do you want to release me? You don’t have to waste your time with this scare tactic to drive up the price. Two million? Five? Ten? Twenty million? When can I go home?”

  The beseeching look in her eyes touched him. Twinges of compunction nipped at his mind. He might as well tell her now. “You can’t ever go home.”

  Jana trembled visibly. “But you said I—”

  He cut her off, knowing what she was about to say. “You would not be harmed, but I never said released. I said no ransom would be asked.”

  “Why? Am I a political hostage for some terrorist group? I have no enemies that I know of. Probably some people dislike me, but surely no one hates me or wants me dead. If not for money, then what?”

  “You do not have enough money to buy your freedom from me. Besides, it’s too late to return you to Earth.” He ignored all misgivings as he spat out the brutal truth.

  Jana did not catch his last word for she was concentrating on his first, incredible statement. “Surely you know my estate is worth over a billion dollars! You can name any amount. I can’t identify any of you, so I’m no threat. Please…Anything…” she recklessly vowed in desperation.

  “Anything” aroused Varian to forbidden thoughts and feelings which he quelled with great effort. “My answer is no ransom and no release.”

  Jana could not trust her ears. She stared at the camera in stunned silence. She needed her life and freedom, not wealth. Who and what was this man? Had he captured her to fulfill some wild or sexual fantasy?

  A wealthy man often pursued for his fortune, he found Jana’s attitude about money pleasing. She had or was all a man could want or need from a woman. He wished he could explain about her planet’s imminent doom and her capture. If she knew the truth, he would be her hero, not her enemy, her champion rather than her abductor. But she had no idea of the horrors from which he had rescued her. He certainl
y could not confide the truth about this mission to a captive when he couldn’t even reveal it to most of his crew! Also, there was Ryker, always Ryker, breathing lethally over his shoulder. The evil bastard would slay this beauty with a smile on his face if Varian Saar dared to claim her!

  “Are you there?” Jana inquired. “What will it take to buy my freedom?”

  “This talk is futile, Jana. I will not release you. Don’t beg. Take my word, you’re heading for a safe and happy life.”

  Jana caught curious inflections on his words. Remorse? Anguish? Loneliness? Bitterness? Strangely, her heart went out to him. “Don’t you realize you’ve made a terrible mistake?” she reasoned softly. “You’ve kidnapped the wrong woman. You don’t want or need me for any reason.”

  “I don’t make mistakes, Jana; I captured the right woman. You underestimate yourself. Your estate is worthless compared to your own value.”

  She wondered if she should be flattered or terrified. “What amount would you consider fair exchange for my value?” she pressed scornfully.

  “There is none,” Varian murmured. “You are a priceless treasure.”

  Fighting for some logical explanation to this mystery, she suddenly accused, “Is Alex paying you to frighten me? Is this a trick to change my mind about marrying him? When is he going to stage his gallant rescue?”

  She heard laughter before her captor replied, “I assure you I am quite sane and this is no joke or mistake. As for your Alex, you’ve seen the last of him. You were smart to reject him, Jana. He didn’t deserve you.”

  This conversation was disconcerning. She struggled to display false bravery as she stated, “You won’t be so smug when the police find us.”

  Again he released that rich laughter which unnerved her.

  “Your police, FBI, CIA, and even your NASA are powerless against me, Jana. Don’t count on any rescue; there will never be one. You’re heading for a new home and life far away. Accept this fact now.”