Varian grabbed her hands as they were limply falling back to the table. He placed them at her sides. He caressed the soft skin of her arms as his wishful gaze roamed her face. “Sorry, little moonbeam, but I’m not your destiny.”
Tristan observed the gleam of desire sparkling in Varian’s eyes. He watched the way Varian fingered her golden hair and satiny skin and he caught the sultry tone in Varian’s voice when his commander teased, “I see our little Earthling is a flirt when her wits are dulled. Her face will match the sunset when she recalls her wanton behavior toward me of all men.”
Tristan dashed his hopes and pleasure. “I doubt she’ll recall.”
“Too bad. I would have enjoyed seeing her reaction when she realized she brazenly came on to the man she doubtless considers her worst enemy. Perhaps my appeal to her would have made her realize I’m not an evil monster,” he stated with a humorous chuckle. “Carry on, Dr. Zarcoff; she’s in capable hands now,” he teased, then left.
It was past the dinner hour, and Jana was dreaming that she was dancing with the handsome stranger. His mocking sapphire eyes held her senses imprisoned in a world of romantic fantasy. She ran her fingers through the luxurious mane of wavy hair, as dark and. shiny as an expensive Russian sable. She longed to taste those sensual lips again. Her fingers lovingly traced the strong angle of his jawline and wandered across his dented chin. His face came closer and closer to hers. As his manly scent teased her nose, she trembled in anticipation of his warm kiss. Just as he was about to press his lips to hers, his image faded and she was all alone—alone in a small, semidark room which glittered with golden shimmers. A minute red light gleamed. The sedative was wearing off. Jana opened her eyes. She glared at the surveillance camera in angry resentment of its untimely intrusion. She tried to sit; the throbbing in her temple prevented it. Her fingers touched the tender spot on her forehead, then withdrew quickly as she gave a low moan.
Jana turned her head from side to side very slowly. Where was she? She gradually recalled what had happened in hazy detail. Escape was definitely impossible. She had underrated the evil of her captor and her situation. Next time, she must be more alert and careful. She would bide her time until she had a better perspective of him and her imprisonment.
Tristan came to check on her progress. He had looked forward to this encounter. “I see you’re finally awake,” he remarked cordially.
Jana glanced in the direction of the vaguely familiar voice and face of the man who was approaching her with what appeared to be a genuinely friendly smile and easy manner. Did she know this man? she wondered. He had spoken in a clear and precise tone which carried a noticeable hint of gentleness. Had she been rescued?
Tristan smiled as he carefully checked her injury. “It’s doing just fine, Jana,” he stated. “How do you feel? A headache? Dizziness? Nausea? Blurred vision?” His tone rang with more than professional concern.
Jana stared at his mouth in open bewilderment, warning him of a problem. “You look distressed. What’s wrong?”
She hesitantly answered, “I don’t know…My eyes and brain aren’t working in unison. Your lips move differently from what I’m hearing, like a movie with the sound and picture running at different speeds.”
“No, problem, Jana. We speak different languages, that’s all.”
“But I can understand you perfectly,” she argued, confused.
“Because I’ve implanted a microtranslator in your aural canal. It instantly translates my language or any language you may hear into yours.”
“That’s impossible.” Jana said, fear teasing her mind.
“Perhaps on Earth, but not in our world. You see, the people of the Maffei Galaxy and our two adjoining galaxies are advanced a thousand years beyond your native planet. We all have embedded microtranslators. They’re necessary when dealing with so many different languages. Don’t let it confuse you or frighten you,” he entreated.
He sounded as if…Dread filled her. “Who are you? Where am I?”
“I’m the chief medical officer and head of research on this starship. You’re in my medical facility being treated for an injury. I’m from the capital planet Rigel in the Maffei Galaxy,” he calmly explained.
“Come now, Doctor, surely you aren’t going along with this ridiculous tale of my being abducted by aliens?” she challenged.
A troubled look touched his eyes. “It’s true, Jana. You must accept it.”
“And if I refuse to play along with this evil sport?”
“Your reason for being my patient should tell you how reckless that decision could be. Commander Saar is adamant about obedience.”
“Obedience!” Jana scoffed in astonishment. “Why should I obey a brutal criminal? He said he won’t release me. Why should I cooperate with him in any way? No!” she stated firmly.
A genuinely worried expression appeared on Tristan’s face. “I hope you will comprehend the futility of such rebellion. I know a great deal about you, Jana. Don’t make things rough on yourself by being reclassed as a disrupter.” He flashed her a winning grin, “Please don’t belie my high opinion of you.”
“I suppose your high opinion of me is that I’d cower in fear, or become a submissive and timid prisoner,” she said angrily.
“No, you’re very wrong. I was under the impression you would find the courage and wisdom to accept a situation you can’t alter. I expected your intelligence and curiosity to overrule any foolish pride.”
“So I’ll cower before that barbaric animal you call your leader? Grovel like some coward or simpleton?” Anger sparked in her eyes.
“Not grovel, Jana, merely accept his authority,” he reasoned.
“Commander Saar is a ruthless tyrant, and you’re all liars!” she cried.
“I understand your confusion and doubts, Jana, and even your anger. As incredible as it seems, it is true. If you’ll allow me, I’d like to help you through this adjustment. I hope you can learn to trust me, and like me. I’ve great respect for you and your abilities. I would give my retirement for a research assistant like you.” Tristan smiled at Jana.
“He said I could never return home. Is that true?”
“Yes,” Tristan reluctantly replied. “But you’re in no danger.”
“Then why am I treated so vilely?” she demanded.
“If I’m correct, you did provoke Commander Saar by attacking him and one of his men,” he admonished her.
“I only tried to escape or learn the truth. Any captive would have done the same, including your savage leader.”
Tristan again emphasized the facts. “You’re on a starship in the middle of space, Jana, so escape is impossible. We are Maffeians and we’re traveling back to our native galaxy. You must accept your fate and submit to Commander Saar’s authority. I should think your curious, probing, scientific mind would find this adventure a little bit thrilling and intriguing,” he suggested, trying another path to reach her.
“Thrilling to be a captive?” she protested. “You must be as insane as he is,” she stated quietly. “Perhaps it’s contagious madness, Doctor.”
“Think of it, Jana—other worlds, other races, advanced technologies, the unknown. Doesn’t that fascinate you at least a little?”
This man with his warm smile, gentle blue gaze, and sunny disposition affected her favorably. Jana pondered his words and reasoning. If he spoke the truth—but as a captive! Resentment flared anew within her. “Surely you jest, Doctor…”
“Zarcoff, Dr. Tristan Zarcoff, chief medical officer and chief research officer of the starship Wanderlust, at your service. Try to accept this situation, and work on adjusting, Jana, then you’ll be happier. If you find yourself in need of a friend, I’ll—” He halted and actually flushed and stammered in obvious embarrassment.
Seeing that blush, she warmed to him immediately. “You’ll what, Dr. Tristan Zarcoff?” she prompted.
He recognized the change in her mood. “If you’re not totally averse to the idea, I’ll be honored t
o fill that position.” His eyes twinkled with a merry gleam. He awaited her reply.
Jana thought of a sad-eyed but comforting hound dog. She smiled and answered, “As I find myself lacking friends at the present, I’ll accept your kind offer if you are serious.” Perhaps she would find a valuable ally in this genial man.
“Quite serious and delighted. Friends?” he offered.
“Friends,” she readily agreed. She asked, “What will this Commander Saar have to say about your fraternizing with the enemy?”
“Hopefully nothing,” he said, then laughed.
“And if he does?” Jana asked, pondering his motive.
Tristan lowered his voice to a secretive tone of conspiracy and replied, “We’ll have to make sure he doesn’t, won’t we? Take this and get some rest.”
Jana eyed the sleeping pill. “But I just woke up, Dr. Zarcoff.”
“I know, but it’s late. By morning, you’ll be fine. Come on, Dr. Greyson, don’t be a bad patient,” he teased and waited for her to take the pill.
In the commander’s quarters, a meeting was taking place between Varian and Martella Karsh. It was late, but the coordinator of the charl project was too distressed to sleep. Sensing a problem brewing, Varian had agreed to a private conference with Martella. He had assumed Martella was upset over Jana’s absence in class today, or more accurately the reason for it.
“Commander Saar, are you sure you want to proceed with this scheme for Ryker? Do you thoroughly understand the ramifications of what you’re doing, sir? If it suited his purpose, Ryker could slay Jana or a thousand women and feel no guilt. This plan to ensnare Ryker makes me nervous. So much deception for one delicate female and for one grim mission.” Many times during the last six weeks Martella had seen Varian enter the control room, where surveillance tapes were being made of impending captives, just to watch Jana, before this “Ryker bait” ruse had entered his mind. Now, after the trouble today…
Varian leaned back in his chair and studied the obviously worried officer. He reiterated several points. “You know she was selected and captured to serve as our cover, Martella. The other females will only draw regular attention to the auctions; we needed a goddess to justify obtaining the attention and presence of planetary rulers. I scanned those promo tapes on Jana which you sent out today. No man, however powerful, could resist attending our auction when such an angel will be displayed. Luring Ryker off Darkar so we can simultaneously accomplish a second goal won’t be an added burden to Jana’s adjustment or her role in our mission. She won’t even know she’s our accomplice.”
Varian shifted in his chair in an attempt to relax. “We’ve already discussed this with Nigel and Tris and Kyle. I thought everyone involved in this additional scheme was in full agreement, even if none of us likes using Jana for a dual ruse. But it’s a perfect plan, Martella. Jana has all of us to protect her, she’ll come to no harm from that demon. You’re a member of the Elite Squad, Martella; surely you recognize the importance of defeating Ryker Triloni, who we know is somehow plotting the overthrow of the Maffei Interplanetary Alliance. The Kadim personally chose you for this assignment because he has faith in your skills and loyalty. I need your help on this.” For the second time today, Varian was caught unprepared by a woman’s conduct; this time it was by Martella’s statements and turbulent emotions.
She did not back down from her sense of duty to Jana and herself. “Ever since our talk earlier, I’ve been worrying over this pit you’re digging for Ryker. Like all men, Ryker needs heirs. A charl would probably suit his needs and character perfectly, especially one like Jana, and more so if he thought he was stealing the woman he thinks you love or desire. There are so many hazards in your plan, sir. We shouldn’t do this to Jana; she’s too special. Whether or not she knows she’s helping us, we owe her.”
“Relax, Martella. She’s only a temptation, not a sacrifice,” Varian asserted confidently, noting the woman’s formality, as if she were registering an official protest against his offending order. He patiently went over the same ground he had covered in his talk with Nigel and during their joint conference this morning. He explained Jana’s “accident.” “She can help us accomplish two goals: defeat Ryker and execute our mission secretly. And if I can foil Ryker, I might find a way to encourage truces with Maal Triloni and Jurad Tabriz. As long as Ryker’s around to keep their hatred and hostilities burning, our world is in danger. Don’t fight me on this,” he urged the disquieted woman. “Help me make it work for all of our sakes. In return, I’ll help you any way I can with your pet project. Is that fair enough?”
“But not in time to save Jana from being sold like a piece of property. Isn’t there some way to avoid auctioning her? She’s such a valuable human. Can’t we release her for aiding us? Or couldn’t we pretend to sell her to someone who’ll protect her until the laws are changed and she’s freed? What about feigning a sale to Supreme Councilman Draco Procyon? She would be safe, and he wouldn’t have to actually pay for her. Her living with Councilman Procyon would keep Ryker or one of your other enemies from getting to her. You haven’t overlooked that possibility, have you?”
“No, Martella, I haven’t,” he confessed in a tone which unintentionally exposed his inner feelings. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s the effect of enemies on my life.”
Martella wanted to make a wild suggestion about Varian buying this perfect mate; she decided it was too soon to risk putting him on the defensive. Yet, she quietly asked, “Varian, what happens if Jana falls for your ruse to fool Ryker? What if we can’t change the charl laws in time to spare her or if we can’t entice Draco’s help?”
“Don’t fret, Martella; I won’t allow her to fall in love with me.”
“How will you prevent it? When you feign interest in her to seize Ryker’s attention, how do you think Jana’s going to react to you? Like all women do. Despite your good intentions and cautions, she’ll be hurt.”
Varian hadn’t wanted to think about this facet of his plan, for he knew how he would be compelled to deal with it. “I’ll give her reasons to mistrust and dislike me. The pretense need only be mine. I can make other people think I’m enchanted by her without her assistance or knowledge. Perdition! I don’t want her to fall in love with me! She doesn’t need that complication in her new life. And I don’t need it in mine. If Ryker suspected such feelings—”
“You know I trust you, and I wouldn’t disobey orders. But this time, I think you’re too close to the fire to see its flames. Look at her, Varian. Have you ever seen such a perfect specimen? This girl was born to mate with a very special man.” Martella’s gaze drilled into Varian’s, as she unwittingly dropped a stunning clue to her thoughts.
“I hope you aren’t insinuating what I think,” Varian scolded. He didn’t know why tremors swept over his muscular frame. “She’s a charl. Varian Saar can’t buy a mate! What about her alien blood in my sons?”
Having exposed her feelings, Martella did not back down. “What you really mean is you can’t risk claiming a mate which your brother will try to slay, right?” she boldly quizzed this unique man who had shared many days and perils with her on this and other Elite Squad missions.
Varian scowled. “I’ll reward Jana’s help, but nothing more. Forget this nonsense about Draco and secret plots to save Jana. Hear me, Martella? Get these crazy ideas out of your head.”
Martella eyed Varian intently. He was as brilliant and dangerous and powerful as a fiery comet, a man destined for even greater things than he had already accomplished. A man like Varian Saar attracted the attention and influenced the emotions and the fates of males and females, of friends and foes. Could Jana Greyson win this man’s love and acceptance? If so, could she hold on to them? Could she hold on to a man who was a blazing comet speeding across destiny’s heaven? Could she hold on without being burned painfully, or without being utterly consumed?
Chapter Five
Jana awoke early the following morning gazing up into the cheerful face
of Tristan Zarcoff, who offered her a warm, “Good morning. How did you sleep last night? And how does my favorite patient feel today?”
“And how is my only friend?” she said, testing his sincerity of yesterday.
Tristan beamed with pleasure. “Excellent.” He passed a black boxlike instrument over her body. It issued several clicks and bleeps. Tristan studied the digital readouts and grinned. “All vital signs are perfect.”
Tristan held the medical analyzer out for her to read. “That modern technology I spoke of yesterday,” he explained. “This little instrument is so sensitive it can accurately measure and record your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiration instantly. It can even detect mental and physical stress and report its findings in any language requested.”
Jana was impressed. “I’ll show you another of our modern scientific advantages.” He held up a mirror. “Look at your forehead.”
She did as he suggested. She stared at her temple, which bore no sign of any previous injury. She touched it, then winced.
“It’ll be tender another day or so. Tissues fuss about rapid healing.”
“How?”’ she asked in disbelief. “Have I been here longer than two days?”
“You came here yesterday. We have drugs that rapidly expel dead blood cells and fluid which cause the bruising and swelling. I returned while you were sleeping and sealed the laceration with a latron beam.”
She was amazed by his advanced knowledge, if she could believe her eyes and his words. She was not sure what to think anymore.
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