Moondust And Madness

by Taylor, Janelle

  Both men caught the countless daggers Susan sent in Jana’s direction at Nigel’s attention toward Jana instead of her. It took great self-control for the two men to keep from chuckling aloud.

  Just then the call for dinner was given. Tristan took Jana’s arm to lead her to the table. Before he could follow, Nigel’s arm was captured possessively by Susan. He had no polite choice but to lead her to the table and seat her. Susan was visibly annoyed when he did not take the chair next to her.

  Martella was seated at one end of the oblong table. She called out the names and ranks of the strangers present and the first names of those persons they had met previously. While she began the introductions to her right, Jana heard the door behind her open, then close. Another grand entrance for our dauntless commander no doubt, she mused in secret humor. Susan’s sharp intake of air caught everyone’s attention. Susan was staring at the latecomer. A sultry smile played provocatively across the redhead’s features. Her blue eyes sparkled with lust and warmth. Jana half turned in her seat. Yes, she had accurately guessed the reason for the furor.

  Jana’s eyes were drawn to Varian in his rich wine uniform trimmed in gold. The snug suit molded his enviable frame, revealing its perfect contours. His physique was sleek and hard, with well-toned muscles and appealing angles. His eyes were as blue and sparkly as tropical waters; his teeth were as white as clouds. Polished jet was no darker or shinier than his wavy hair. His skin was the color of golden sherry. The chest hair exposed by his V-neck suit was as dark and silky as his ebony head. So much character and personality were displayed in his bearing and confident expression. Clearly he possessed great force. This was a man who knew he was invincible and savored it. No doubt he could make the heavens tremble with the sheer force of his iron will. Yes, Varian Saar embodied power and passion. Jana pulled her gaze from the intoxicating image as those strange emotions broke free and ran wild inside her.

  “Good evening,” Varian cheerfully greeted them as he came forward in his confident stride, a devastating smile upon his parted lips.

  Martella Karsh jovially quipped, “I’m sure you’re all acquainted with Commander Saar. If not by sight, then definitely by sound.”

  What a magnetic sight he presented, Jana admitted. The captives’ reactions told Jana this was the first time they had viewed his magnificent features. It was easy to judge his effect on Susan Robinson; Jana fumed irrationally at the way that vixen’s eyes never left his face or frame.

  Varian seated himself at the end of the table, next to Jana. He began to his left as he spoke to each person, leaving Jana until last. He made light, genial conversation with his crew and polite comments to the young women.

  Kathy Anderson was too absorbed with the officer beside her to find a petrifying force like Varian Saar enchanting. The bewitched Ferris Laus was as nervous and timid as he was delighted, just as Kathy was.

  Susan was a different story. She did not try to hide or control the desire in her eyes and voice. Her bold look and sultry body language spoke of her skills and knowledge in the arts of seduction. Varian seemed to enjoy Susan’s interest.

  Stephanie Rojohn viewed Varian’s charm with contempt. Before her sat the epitome of woman’s downfall, a man who possessed the skill to make a woman his willing slave, then callously spurn her for that weakness. She had seen and despised his type many times before, but never in such a formidable opponent. For this, she hated him all the more.

  Jana forced her attention on Tristan, trying to drown out the disturbing situation. She could not rationalize her own emotions. Why should she even care how they acted? Jana suppressed the irritating and bewildering feelings deep within her mind. She sipped on the wine they had been served, allowing its strength to relax her inner tensions and soothe her frayed nerves.

  When Varian came to Heather Langdon, the young girl from Utah, she giggled and squirmed like a teenager on her first date. Her soft voice stuttered as she nervously replied to his light banter. Her doe eyes glowed under his warm gaze and attention.

  Jana observed her for a while. Heather was like a pixie, she decided with a smile. She watched Heather sigh and melt under Varian’s charm. Jana’s smile faded as she pictured this gentle child as charl to some alien male. Such a travesty was unforgivable. Anger filled Jana’s eyes as she pondered their fates. She had noticed Tesla Rilke’s close scrutiny and genial manner toward Heather. Jana wondered why he had been telling the impressionable girl so much about his brother Spala. If charls were “off limits,” why did it seem to her as if Ferris Laus was staking his claim on Kathy, and Tesla Rilke was doing the same with Heather for his brother!

  Jana glanced at Varian as she tried to comprehend why he had kidnapped such a childlike female. Varian had spoken with Tristan while she had been lost in her own thoughts. Now she found his Prussian blue eyes and full attention on her as she looked his way. She flushed uncontrollably and lowered her lashes as she pretended to retrieve her wine glass with trembling fingers.

  Damn, how she wished she could overcome this humiliating, aggravating habit of blushing. If only she could learn how to control it or stop it. She felt like a fool, a silly, green girl. Blushing before Varian vexed her. It seemed to give him some private insight into her thoughts. But one could not stifle an automatic, instinctive process of the human body. Why did Varian smell so good! Why did he have to sit beside her?

  “No warm greeting for me, Jana?” he coaxed just above a whisper.

  She bravely met his mocking gaze. “Good evening, Commander.”

  “Is that the best you can do, Jana? I thought you were accustomed to social dinners and light repartee,” Varian reproved her with a beguiling grin.

  “It should be apparent to someone of your great insight that I’ve never found myself in a similar predicament. In my sheltered life, I have not been asked to entertain enemies. Surely your excellent breeding will allow me time to adjust to this change in my lifestyle?”

  Kahala, if she wasn’t a vital force—amusing, exhilarating, and intoxicating! What a fascinating mistress she would make. “And what if I’m totally lacking in good breeding?”

  “And what if the sun turns blue tomorrow?” she saucily parried, then perceptively added, “Perhaps that quirk of nature exists in your world.”

  He chuckled. “I’m not certain, but I think you just complimented me.”

  She smiled innocently. “Really? Why would I do such a ridiculous thing? Perhaps you’re having trouble with English or a bad audiotranslator.”

  “I know we got off on the wrong foot, but do you find honesty so difficult?” Varian inquired with a rakish gleam in his sapphire eyes.

  “Honesty, no. Silly small talk, yes.”

  He understood the point she was subtly making. “Everyone has their place in the scheme of things, Jana. Each woman, despite her flaws, is desired by a man of similar character. Myself, I prefer a woman who is…”

  Jana was suddenly alert. He noted her interest and quickly dashed her hopes. “But of course you couldn’t be interested in my preferences.”

  “I think I have an idea of how your taste in women runs.” She gave herself away when she unconsciously glanced in Susan’s direction.

  Varian chuckled and shook his head. “You would have found my answer surprising. You underestimate my tastes. Right, Kara?”

  Second Lieutenant Kara Curri, the ship’s recreational and physical training officer, was a bright and witty Maffeian who possessed good looks, money, the man she loved, a pleasant and important job, and a good reputation. Kara laughed and responded, “Very choosy, just like my beloved Dario.”

  The two officers grinned in mutual admiration. Jana secretly delighted in viewing this easygoing side of Varian Saar. She wanted it to continue a while longer so she could study him. “And who is this lucky young man, Kara?” Jana asked to encourage the gay chatter which seemed to lessen her tension.

  “Dario Rhur, whom Varian left behind during this assignment,” Kara said with a pretty pout. �
��He doesn’t want to lose two good officers to marriage so he’s trying to keep us separated as much as possible,” she jested.

  “How cruel and heartless, Commander,” Jana softly rebuked him as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do.

  Varian grinned at her relaxed manner. “I see. You two conspiring against me, are you? Shall I charge you both with mutiny?” He chuckled and added, “No need to fret or fuss. Dario will join us soon. We’ll be picking up the rest of our crew along the way home.”

  Kara recognized the reasons for Jana’s high praise from Tristan and Martella. She grimaced as she thought of this enchanting creature as a charl. Jana should choose her own mate, as she had done. Only the survival of Kara’s world could justify such an action.

  Jana found it natural and easy to like Kara Curri on the spot. The Maffeian woman reminded her of Andrea. Andrea McKay…With this remembrance came a surge of despondency and homesickness. What was her friend thinking and doing? Jana lowered her head as she struggled to conceal her torment. She brushed at the unbidden moisture which threatened to break loose from the corners of her eyes at any time.

  Kara secretly nudged Varian, her eyes darting toward Jana. Something had suddenly dampened her spirits and brought sadness to her eyes. Varian leaned toward Jana and whispered to her. Under the protection of their close contact, he softly murmured, “Dry your eyes, Jana love. Emotions of such depth are private. I don’t think you wish to share your innermost feelings with the others. Is something wrong?”

  Jana lifted grateful eyes to his gentle ones. “You’re right. It’s just that Kara reminds me of Andrea, my best friend. When I think—” Her lips and chin quivered and more tears threatened to come forth.

  Susan spoke up at that precise moment. “It’s very rude to dominate the commander’s full attention, Jana dear. Please don’t bore him.”

  A protective urge gripped him. “Jana has something in her eye.” He smiled as he pulled her to her feet and toward a lamp across the room. He lifted her trembling chin with his left hand. His right hand tenderly pushed her hair aside. He stared intently into her misty gaze.

  “She certainly does, a starship commander,” Susan said with a sneer. Kyle flashed Susan a withering look. “Sorry. I forgot she has friends in high places,” she continued hatefully.

  “That would be wise to remember,” Kyle snapped in an ominous tone.

  The other officers present observed this curious drama with great interest, particularly one of the lieutenants. He lifted his right hand and pretended to be mopping away perspiration above his upper lip. His thumb pressed the tiny button on the inside of his ring several times as he prayed the miniature camera inside of it was getting clear pictures of Jana and Varian. These pictures would be priceless weapons he could use to appease Ryker’s and Canissia’s blackmail threats. He despised being forced to betray his commander, but he had no other choice. But he had no doubt Ryker would soon slay Canissia, just as he had no doubt Varian could slay his satanic half brother in their next fight. Surely when news of the real love affair between Varian and Jana provoked that devil to challenge Varian, Ryker’s defeat would free him of this treacherous episode.

  Varian used his napkin to dry Jana’s tears as their eyes held each other captive. This tenderness increased her forbidden feelings. At this moment, he seemed like the most sensitive and compassionate man alive.

  The verbal attack from Susan had instilled new determination. Jana smiled in gratitude. “I’m fine now, Varian. Thank you.”

  The way she had spoken his name was like a soft, loving caress. He smiled. “My pleasure, little moonbeam,” he murmured huskily. If not for his audience, he would have pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.

  Still dazed, she returned to the table where she conversed with Tristan on research and medicine over dinner. It was a constant struggle to ignore Varian and his increasing effect on her.

  Later Martella said Kara would be in charge of the rest of the evening and Jana was mildly surprised to find herself alone with Tesla Rilke and Nigel Sanger. She shifted nervously as she glanced at the two strangers in the empty room. Nigel returned from a side cabinet with an oblong brown box.

  Tesla called her to a side table and told her to be seated. He opened the box. “It’s called Laius. You have a similar game called chess.”

  A half smile appeared across her lips as she gazed at the board and figures, relieved to learn what sport this evening would entail. She could only pray Varian had spoken the truth about no intimate contact between her and the crew. She knew all too well that she was totally at the mercy of these men and their complex leader.

  On seeing her grin, Tesla commented, “I would venture you’re going to challenge me, Jana. If you beat me, you can play Nigel. But I will warn you in advance, he is the best on board.” He and Nigel exchanged genial grins.

  Jana nodded respectfully in Nigel’s direction. “What is Tesla’s rating?”

  “About number three, I would say.”

  “Who is number two?” she asked curiously.

  “Commander Saar,” came the reply she wanted.

  Jana brightened. If she could learn to beat Nigel, she could probably beat Varian. First, she had to beat Tesla. She knew she was good at chess, but was she skilled enough to take him in Laius? Time would tell.

  As he set the pieces in their appointed squares on the board, Jana recalled her father teaching her chess when she was nine. Until his death, they had kept a running competition, managing to swap victories evenly. Jana shook her head as if to clear the painful reminders of the past away. She would not share her grief or personal life with these two strangers.

  She directed her full attention to the board in front of her while Tesla Rilke explained the game to her. He was very skilled and the game progressed slowly for a long time. But Jana caught on very quickly. They had been playing for about fifty minutes when Tesla made an error in judgment. He thought to lure Jana into a trap. Instead, she cunningly captured a vital piece he had failed to protect. With it out of circulation, the game was over rapidly. The navigational officer looked at Jana with new respect. “Careful, Nigel, this woman is a crafty opponent.”

  Jana took a short break while Nigel set up the board for their match. Jana’s confidence had been boosted by her victory. When she rejoined them, Tesla handed her a glass of wine. She grinned and accused in a witty tone, “Trying to dull my wits, Tesla? How very unsportsmanlike,” she teased as the friendly rapport grew among the three of them.

  They all laughed as Tesla retorted, “Nigel needs all the help he can get to beat you. Give her the blue men, Nigel. Perhaps red is her lucky color. It would not do for you to knock over our ship’s champion.”

  She glanced up at Tesla to see how he meant that last statement. His grinning face told her the remark was innocently given. “Running scared?” She impishly mocked his genial warning to Nigel. Tesla nodded and grinned.

  “How would it look if you whipped the Wanderlust’s first officer?”

  Jana smiled at Nigel. “The same way it looks for the first officer to whip the ship’s commander.”

  The game began with vigilance on both sides. For an hour the game proceeded evenly, then Stephanie Rojohn returned. Her skin was glistening with beads of perspiration from her game of forsha, the Maffei version of tennis.

  Jana glanced up into her sullen face. Stephanie glared at the man across the table from Jana, then at the other one standing close by. Her features were an ugly mask of inner rage. “Is something wrong, Stephanie?” Jana asked.

  Stephanie curled her lips into a snarl. “What could possibly be wrong? We’re sweetly playing games and politely dining with the bastards abducting us! We’re stupid, cowardly fools! Why allow them to intimidate, humiliate, and enslave us this way?” she shouted in rising fury. “This ship is full of women, free and captive. We could kill these sons of bitches and escape!”

  “Stephanie!” Jana shrieked in alarm, suddenly afraid for the di
straught woman.

  The door opened. Stephanie was seized by two security guards in crimson uniforms. She fought like a demon-possessed maniac. She kicked, slapped, and clawed as she alternately screamed and cursed them. The two guards struggled with the enormous strength of the enraged captive.

  Jana watched in wide-eyed alarm when Tristan rushed in and sedated the thrashing woman. The men lifted her limp body and carried her away. “What happened, Tris?” Jana inquired as if she had the right to ask and be answered.

  “Seems Stephanie is very competitive and hostile to males who beat her in sports. You should have seen her light into Baruch! She was ordered to her quarters. The guards were to make certain she obeyed.” Tristan knew what this second rebellion would inspire: intimidation by scarfelli…

  “All that fighting over a lost game?” Jana inquired skeptically. “Surely there must be more to it. Will she be punished?”

  “I imagine so. The others said she just seemed to go berserk when he won. Could be a case of nerves from tension and fear. Relax, Jana, it cannot be helped. She was warned plenty of times. It won’t be a good example for the others if she gets away with something like this. She scratched Baruch pretty badly. I have to go tend him now. See you later.”

  “How would you men feel in her place—kidnapped, intimidated, enslaved? Taken from your home? She deserves understanding and leniency.” Jana pushed her chair away from the table and stood on trembling legs. “I’m sorry, Nigel. May I be excused now? I’m really very tired,” she said quietly.

  Nigel scanned her tense features. She seemed overly anxious to be alone. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I believe I have you for a science lesson.”

  “Fine,” she answered absently. “See you tomorrow.” She fled to her room and as quickly as possible was in her bed. After the lights had been lowered, she relived the entire terrifying episode.

  The path and choice were clear: either they could be submissive or be punished. But even enduring punishment would not alter their fate. It could make their final fate worse; Varian could sell any of them to horrible men, as he had jokingly threatened with her. Wasn’t his goodwill more important at this time than foolish, misplaced pride? Dangerous pride which they could not afford?