Moondust And Madness

by Taylor, Janelle

  He didn’t want to take her below today, not to confront Canissia Garthon. But he had no choice; Canissia’s father, Supreme Councilman Segall Garthon wanted to meet Jana, as did several prospective bidders. He couldn’t refuse such orders, as Jana was owned by the Supreme Council. No doubt he would receive a verbal reprimand for taking advantage of his vulnerable captive.

  He was deeply worried. He had decided Martella’s scheme could work, but what if his secret bid on her to be made by his friend Draco Procyon wasn’t the highest one? What if Draco wouldn’t take part in this wild and desperate plan of his? As for Varian Saar, he dared not attempt a purchase which would reveal his love to everyone. With Jurad and Taemin Tabriz and other extremely wealthy men making known their interest in Jana, Varian was scared for the first time in his life. No matter how much wealth and power a man possessed, another always came along with more. At least it didn’t seem as if Ryker or Kadim Maal Triloni were intrigued by Jana. If reports were accurate, Ryker had left the Maffei Galaxy for the Pyropean Federation. Suddenly a cold sweat attacked Varian. If Ryker was in league with Jurad and his son as Varian believed, Ryker would have known the two rulers were in the Maffei Galaxy awaiting Jana’s arrival. Ryker had lied about heading for Jurad’s palace. Was he still secretly on Darkar waiting for Varian to make a move?

  Varian brooded. He raged at his helplessness; for the safest path for Jana seemed to be a total separation from him, a seemingly brutal and heartless rejection. Her auction would be the highest form of betrayal to her. But how could he give up the woman he loved?

  Hours later on the planet Mailiorca, Varian met with a surprise; yesterday Supreme Council member Segall Garthon had left suddenly for Eire, native planet of Kadim Tirol Trygue and Varian’s last stop before Rigel. Varian surreptitiously made contact with Avatar Kwan while his beloved Jana was being displayed.

  Varian couldn’t relax during his conversations with friends. He knew Canissia was around somewhere today. He hated the thought of Jana being subjected to that vicious female. He hoped to get Jana away from the auction hall before Canissia revealed herself. Varian concluded that something devious was afoot, for Cass’s absence was very unusual.

  Years ago the redhead had been exciting and daring to Varian. She had learned the skills of seduction at a very young age. As the daughter of a Supreme Council member and he the grandson of the Kadim, as well as the son of the supreme commander of all Maffei Alliance forces, they had spent time together during their teenage years. Cass had been ravishing. Her looks, status, wealth, and sexual talents had made her a desirable companion.

  She now owned her own luxury starcruiser with a crew of ten. She roamed the galaxy, seeking pleasures and wild adventures, or sometimes seeking Varian. Over the years, she had become more and more selfish, daring, and spiteful.

  Canissia Garthon was not a creature for the average man to reject or defy, or for an inexperienced woman to challenge. For years it had been widely known that Varian Saar was her only weakness. And it had become apparent that Varian held no affection and little respect for the vixen though her aging father continued to encourage a marriage between them. He wondered if the vain Canissia was becoming concerned over losing her beauty and status; she was thirty years old and her father could die or be compelled to resign his Council seat, which would take away her high status and much of her power and wealth.

  Canissia was fearless. She had visited places some men feared to go. But Varian suspected Canissia had fingers in places they didn’t belong; dangerous, illegal places. He knew she had become acquainted with Ryker, Jurad, and Taemin during the last few years. Since those enemies were interested in Jana, he cautioned himself to be alert and polite around Canissia. If he was very nice to her, perhaps she would drop clues to his rivals’ plans.

  Jana was delighted that her performance on this planet was nearing an end. As she chatted with Avatar Kwan and Nigel, she noticed that a beautiful woman had joined Varian in the corner of the room. Jana could feel the withering heat from that redhead’s blazing eyes each time the woman looked at her. Jana tried to concentrate on the conversation with Kwan and Nigel, but her attention kept straying to Varian and his ravishing companion. As if dancing, the woman swayed seductively against Varian’s body as the two chatted, seemingly as if old and good friends. No, as if they were or had been closer than friends!

  When Canissia noticed Varian’s eyes frequently straying to Jana, she fumed. Despite Baruch Tirana’s claims of an emotional and sexual bond between the alien temptress and Varian, she had secretly hoped those facts were untrue. Outraged, she taunted Varian, “Careful, love, you are far too fascinated and charmed by your captive. She’ll never forgive you for selling her. Are you sure you’re ready to part with Jana?” she murmured.

  “If I were you, Cass, I’d be glad she’s a captive. Otherwise, she would give you plenty of competition,” he teased.

  “What’s so special about her?” Canissia asked, sneering.

  “Besides being exceedingly beautiful, highly intelligent, well bred, utterly charming, and totally satisfying—she’s obedient. Like it or not, Jana does what I say and when I say and where I say. Plus, Jana is marvelous company out of bed.” Varian flashed her a mischievous grin and chuckled wickedly as he baited her.

  The cunning Canissia altered her tactics. She licked her lips and shrugged. “Which reminds me, you and I have some catching up to do, my love. I don’t mind if you keep Jana around a while longer. You might enjoy having two different mistresses. You would be surprised how exciting it is to have two lovers who work together,” she hinted crudely. She wondered why Varian was not defending Jana against her insulting suggestions. Varian, she realized, was being too nice.

  “Never fear, Cass, Jana will soon be gone. Her auction is in two days.”

  “If you don’t change your mind and keep her a while longer,” the redhead stated skeptically. She hoped the tiny recorder in her necklace was working. She might make use of this conversation one day…

  Varian winked at Canissia and teased, “If I win Jana at her auction in two days, I’ll sell her and marry you.”

  Canissia eyed Varian intently. Her expression altered to as tonishment. “You’re serious about selling Jana. I must confess I thought you cared for her.”

  “Come now, Cass,” he chided her playfully, “You never believed that. Varian Saar wouldn’t buy a mate he can’t marry.”

  “Why don’t you join me tonight?” she invited.

  Varian smiled and shook his head. “Like you said, I plan to sate myself with that alien treat before her auction. Time is running out.”

  Canissia shrugged and kissed Varian’s cheek. Varian glanced across the room to find Jana’s somber eyes on him. He held that probing gaze until he was standing before her. He whispered in her ear, “I’ll explain that scene later.”

  Jana had not questioned his absence from their bed last night or his behavior toward the Pyropean rulers yesterday. She smiled guardedly and followed his lead. Was she being a fool? Jana realized how very little she knew about him. She could easily hate him for taking her so cruelly from Earth. She also realized only the planet Eire remained between this one and Rigel. The trap seemed to be closing around her like a spider’s web.

  Jana realized Varian was reserved and edgy, When they left the room, he silently escorted Jana to an awaiting shuttle and had the pilot take them miles from the city. The pilot landed, dropped them off, then left.

  Jana glanced around at the lovely setting, wondering why he had brought her here. So many warring emotions filled her soul. She didn’t know what he expected, wanted, or needed. She was careful to avoid eye contact. She was suspicious of this outing and this man, Their time together was almost over. Would he slay her here? Her fate didn’t matter, if he didn’t care for her, and if he did, how could he bear to sell her to another?

  Varian chuckled and jested, “Relax, moonbeam. I don’t bite, at least not as hard as you do.”

  Jana didn’t
smile. “Why are we here?” she asked bluntly.

  Varian didn’t reply. He led her to a nearby stream which was fed by a thundering waterfall. He strolled toward it with Jana in tow. He halted to watch its endless movement and intrinsic beauty. The silvery-green water was the clearest she had ever seen. The surrounding grass was lush and strange with its purplish-blue curly blades. A gentle breeze ruffled their hair and clothing. He guided her to the steep embankment near the cascading falls. Large rocks, clumps of needlelike grass, and mauve-colored flowers decorated the untamed hideaway. A heady fragrance drifted into her nose and brought a smile.

  Varian plucked one of the flowers and handed it to her. It resembled an English primrose. As she teased it under her nose, Varian told her, “It’s called a Talias. It’s very rare and exotic. It’s a crime to pull them.”

  Jana looked his way to discover he was telling the truth. “Then why did you? A man of the law should obey the laws,” she admonished.

  “Sometimes laws must be broken or ignored,” he moodily replied as he stared across the meadow beyond the stream. “Sometimes they’re wrong or old.”

  “Why, Commander Saar of the Alliance Force, whatever the law, patriotic citizens must obey it,” she responded, to elicit further conversation on this curious topic.

  Varian walked to the edge of the stream near the base of the falls and sat down. He crossed his legs and picked a blade of grass. He finally replied, “I’ve always fulfilled my duty, no matter the cost.”

  Jana walked downstream, then halted to stare at the beauty and tranquility which surrounded her, wishing it would share some of its serenity with her. A long silence followed, a silence’ which grew heavy. When Varian stepped up behind her and encircled her slim waist with his strong arms, she feared he would detect the fierce pounding of her heart. When he pulled her close to him and nestled the side of his face against her silky hair, Jana fought to master her wild emotions. Desperate longing and sadness filled her. She needed and wanted this man; she loved him.

  Jana abruptly pulled away from him. “I’m starving. It’s past lunchtime. When did you tell the shuttle pilot to come after us?” she asked.

  Varian pretended to be unaware of her fears and emotions as he struggled to control his own. He wanted nothing more at that precise moment than to make tender and consuming love to her on the grassy bank, to remain there with her in his arms, to hide from the world with all of its duties and responsibilities.

  Varian pulled out his communicator and called his ship. He issued several orders and asked a few questions. He patiently waited for them to be obeyed. “The advantages of superior technology,” he hinted as he gestured toward a suddenly materializing picnic basket, which appeared as if by magic. “Energy and mass displacement can be rewarding at times.”

  Varian picked up the basket and opened it. He removed fruits, cheeses, crackers, wine, and two glasses and spread them on the grass. “You may be seated, moonbeam. What’s your pleasure?” Varian served Jana, then himself. He tried to lighten her gray mood with jokes and smiles.

  A stabbing thought pierced her mind: if her owner lived in a remote or private area of this alien world, she might never see this man again. She cautioned herself not to spoil this day. “I had forgotten your superiority. You are amazing, Rogue Saar.” Jana sipped a heady wine.

  Varian finished eating and stretched out on his back. He observed her for a time, then teased, “Do you always eat so slowly?”

  “Must you always eat so swiftly? Slow down and enjoy your food and companion.”

  Varian drew her down beside him. “I had another way in mind to enjoy my companion,” he quipped. “Notice, no dessert was ordered? I seem to recall missing my treat yesterday, in fact for two days this week.”

  “Did you expect a treat each day, you glutton?” she teased.

  “Naturally. I’m always starving. My appetite for you increases with each passing day. You sorely deny my needs.”

  “You can’t blame me for your weakness. Perhaps I should lock you in your quarters and seduce you every four hours,” she suggested with glimmering eyes.

  “How about every hour?” he playfully retorted.

  “I doubt even my lusty Rogue Saar has that much hunger and stamina.”

  “Shall we put him to the test and see?” he ventured as he propped himself up on his elbow and gazed down into her face.

  “I suppose part-time is better than nothing. My education is still sadly lacking, and class is nearly over. Why not?” she responded.

  He leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers. He whispered hoarsely, “Don’t, Jana. For today, forget about Eire and Rigel. Just be with me.”

  “These next few days and stops are easier for you to ignore than for me. Sometimes this episode is more like a dream than harsh reality. I can’t decide if I wish the auction were postponed or pushed forward. The closer we get to Rigel, the greater my fears. I—”

  Varian pressed his fingertips against her lips. “Don’t say any more, Jana.”

  Jana pushed away his hand, then sat up. In a ragged voice she told him, “Sorry, I forgot you don’t want to hear about my insignificant feelings. We’d better get back to your ship; it’s getting late, very late…”

  Varian had come to his knees. He seized her forearms and drew Jana against his chest. In a strained tone, he asked, “What are you so afraid of, Jana? Do I make you upset today?”

  Jana looked up into his impenetrable gaze. She searched for a sign of something she needed to read there. Her eyes shone brightly with a threat of tears which didn’t come. She lowered her gaze. “First, you tell me to hush; then, you ask me to explain my feelings. I don’t understand you at all, Varian. What go you want from me? I’m trying my damnedest to get through this affair with a little pride and dignity. Don’t try to strip off my thin mask.”

  Varian abruptly seized her and seared a passionate kiss over her mouth. He forced her lips apart to accept his fiery assault. When Jana tried to twist free, his hands imprisoned her head between them. His kiss became rougher and hotter.

  Jana’s senses reeled and swayed traitorously. She helplessly yielded to his embrace. Her hands encircled his waist and she pressed against him.

  Varian lifted her and carried her to the grassy bank near the stream, then lay down beside her. And as Jana’s mind spun wildly and madly, his tall, lithe frame covered her burning flesh. Just when he had her trembling with intense need, his communicator buzzed loudly and persistently.

  “What is it?” he snapped into the instrument.

  “Varian, I think you’d better return now. Something’s come up which concerns you,” Nigel said, radioing from the ship.

  “What happened, Nigel?” he questioned, not ready to leave this spot.

  “Are you sure you want this over the communicator?” Nigel hinted.

  “Evidently it’s private and important, so I’ll take a stroll.” Jana stood up and walked to the rushing waterfall, which would block out their voices.

  Varian glanced at her slender back and grimaced. “Go ahead.”

  “The Galactic Gem discovered your agent’s body on the beach at Eire.”

  It was ironic, Varian thought grimly, that his father’s old ship was involved, the same ship which had witnessed the treachery of Princess Shara thirty-two years ago. “Any sign of his partner?” he inquired, fearing for the life of the second agent whom he had sent to Darkar to unmask Ryker. Surely. there was no hope for the agent’s survival. Did this also mean that there was no hope of Ryker not guessing his ruse? It could even get worse if Ryker believed Jana was Varian’s willing accomplice.

  “None yet. Ryker knows about your scheme, Varian.”

  This news was staggering. “Yes, but how much? We’ll come on board immediately, Nigel. Give orders to get us to Eire as fast as possible. I’ll meet you in your quarters; we’ve got some plans to make.”

  In fifteen minutes, Jana was soaking in a bubble bath. She knew something awful was happening. Nigel�
��s message had upset Varian. She had never seen, or ever expected to see, him so deeply worried.

  Varian asked Nigel, “Was there anything on Vejar’s body?”

  “Nothing but an empty satchel chained to his wrist.”

  “How was he slain?’ Varian had to know.

  “Both jugular veins were slit from jaw to collarbone. Wait a minute,” the first officer told him, “another coded message is coming through now.”

  Varian awaited the news which he was sure to come, and did. “Dohler’s body was just found on Rigel. That’s a body at each of our remaining stops. I think Ryker’s message is loud and clear. I have Star Fleet base checking on the air traffic around both planets for the past two days, but I’m sure it’s a waste of time. Ryker is too clever for such a simple slip-up.”

  Varian inhaled wearily. It had taken him two weeks before his trek to the Milky Way Galaxy to persuade the leader of the Star Fleet, Supreme Commander Sard, and his grandfather Kadim Tirol to try to ensnare Ryker. He had convinced them Ryker might drop his rigid guard while Varian was away so long. Then, in case the two agents had not found a way into Ryker’s secret complex, he had rashly used Jana as a decoy to lure Ryker off Darkar. Perhaps that was the folly that had piqued Ryker’s curiosity and alerted him to Varian’s treachery. Now both of the men secretly assigned to Trilabs were dead. That meant no evidence to unmask or arrest that deadly enemy anytime soon. Both officers’ faces had been surgically altered and their false backgrounds had been prepared by experts; so how had Ryker discovered their identities or suspected their mission? Varian had lured Ryker off Darkar for several days, but had Ryker covertly returned home, after claiming to be heading for Cenza, to find the two Elite Squad agents sifting through his files? Or had someone betrayed Dohler and Vejar to Ryker? Canissia was many vile things, but could she be a traitor? The timing of the two murders and the placement of the bodies were what alarmed Varian, as they had Nigel Sanger.