No one was in sight, on land or water. Not even a footprint could be. found. It was like being the only person alive in a strange world. Jana walked on until she found the path which rambled up the cliff and into the secluded area where Varian, so the servant had explained, should be swimming in a lagoon surrounded by unusually shaped boulders and odd vegetation. Jana moved silently. She had to make certain he was alone, and in a proper mood to see her. She came to where he had deposited his clothes and possessions; oddly, they were far from the water, concealed from the lagoon view. There was a utility belt like the one he had worn that long-ago night in Andrea McKay’s garden; attached to it were a communicator, a holster with a laser gun, and two other items which she didn’t recognize. From the possessions piled near the rock, he had arrived dressed and armed, or planned to leave that way.
Jana cautiously.peeked through the heavy foliage between her and the water. She saw Varian, clad in fiery red swim trunks, his body glistening with beads of water and his sable hair dripping with them. Something about his stance and expression seized her full attention. Jana leaned to her right and scanned the area in front of him. Jana froze in terror. One stranger approached Varian’s right side and one swaggered toward his front; both were armed.
“Well, well,” the man before Varian began scornfully, “what do we have here, Ensign Keetamon? Can it be the illustrious Commander Saar?”
“Looks like the dirty bastard to me, Captain Koch,” the other man retorted.
Ominous lights danced in Koch’s eyes, for it was his own hunger for vengeance he would feed today, not Prince Taemin’s. He would snatch the beautiful alien for the prince, but Varian Saar must die! He grinned wickedly. “I’ve been waiting a long time to catch you alone and unarmed. Out for a private swim?”
“What do you want, Koch? Spit it out, or use that laser gun. This is the first and last time you’ll have the advantage over me,” Varian stated.
Jana’s heart nearly stopped as she comprehended the gravity of this event. Her mind reeled in fear and panic as she stared at the stocky captain and his accomplice, both of whom had guns leveled on her love and sounded as if they intended to use them. Jana’s gaze touched on the communicator. Since she did not know how to use it, she decided it was best to leave it alone. Pressing the wrong button might cause a crewman to respond and give away her presence. If only it had words and not symbols on it, she would know which button issued a silent emergency alert.
Her gaze slipped over the two items on Varian’s utility belt and she tried to figure out their use. No luck. That left only one choice, the weapon. She soundlessly took it from the holster and hurriedly studied it. Symbols again! Which one meant “stun” and which one meant “kill”? Jana was frightened, but she knew she might not have any choice but to use the gun, for Koch was enraged by Varian’s contempt for him and his dangerous position.
“Still trying to play the fearless rogue, I see,” Koch snarled. “Why, you might as well be naked, Saar. No weapons, no courageous crew, no one to save your miserable hide from me. Aren’t you even a little bit scared?”
Varian chuckled. “Of you, Koch, and that little flesh sucker of yours? How did you find me?” he questioned, relaxing his rigid posture.
“I was hoping to snatch that pretty piece you just purchased. I figured you’d come running to rescue her, then I’d have you by the balls. I’ll get her after I finish with you. I’m giving her to my friend Taemin. He has this nasty itch for her. She must be some tasty treat to have so many men craving her. Does it make you squirm to know Keetamon and I might take our fill of her before we pass her along to the prince?”
Despite the fact she was alone, Jana blushed at Koch’s lewd threats. So, the prince’s intentions hadn’t been honest when he had alleged his desire to obtain her for marriage! Lust and revenge had been his motives! Jana could think of nothing worse than having these two males touch her, except having them slay her love. Now she understood Varian’s concern over her safety, even to the point of pretending to betray her! She comprehended his charades and her fake auction! His precautions asserted his deep feelings for her.
Like it or not, accept it or not, Varian Saar, you want me and need me!
Jana suddenly recalled the identity and use of one of the other weapons on Varian’s discarded belt: a disintegrator. She had seen it at work that night in Andrea’s garden. There was only one button on that lethal instrument. There could be no error in its use. Her frightened gaze shifted from one weapon to the other.
Jana made her decision, then prayed urgently for victory. All she needed was to get Koch. During the excitement, Varian could attack the second foe and easily defeat him. Jana was cognizant of one intimidating reality: while she was battling Koch and before Varian could reach the second male, one of the two villains could shoot and kill her. With Varian’s life at stake, that didn’t matter to her. She wrote a quick three-word message in the dirt, then rubbed it away. If she was slain saving his life, that could inspire guilt in Varian. Amaya’s ghost and remorse over her were enough burdens for him to carry. During her distraction and plotting, Varian had asked Koch a question which Jana didn’t hear, but which wouldn’t have halted her impending action anyway, because she didn’t know this frightening predicament was a trap for Captain Koch…
As Koch stepped toward Varian and pointed the laser gun directly at his heart, he started to respond to Varian’s evocative taunt. But Jana panicked at Koch’s threatening moves. She jumped from behind the concealing vegetation and fired the laser gun at the villain, striking him in the left shoulder and stunning him. The force of the blast knocked the captain backward and into the dirt. The eerie noise of the weapon shattered the heavy silence just as a melee broke out around her: Kyle, Nigel, Ferris, and another security man leaped from hiding places. Keetamon’s attention was drawn from Jana to the approaching men, and crazed, he fired wildly in several directions. Varian flung himself to the ground; Jana screamed and raced forward at the sight of her love going down. Keetamon shot and killed the man beside Nigel.
Jana halted her run so swiftly that she almost tripped and fell. Varian was getting up and casually brushing off his sandy body. Ferris was kneeling over the dead ensign. Nigel checked Koch’s condition while Kyle guarded Keetamon. With a stormy black scowl on his face, Varian began to stalk toward Jana, who was frozen speechless by his grim expression. When Varian reached her, he roughly seized the laser gun from her shaking hand and glared furiously at her.
“You best get the hell out of my sight before I do something I’ll regret,” he warned. “How dare you follow me! And spy on me! You’ve ruined everything with your intrusion. I was a damn fool to retrieve you.”
Jana blanched white. Her misty gaze slipped past his taut frame to the two men on the ground, one unconscious and one lifeless. There was nothing she could say or should say at this turbulent moment. All she could think about was that her action had slain a man and cost her Varian’s acceptance. Jana turned and walked away, heading for the rugged cliff and beach.
Nigel joined Varian. “What was Jana doing here? She could have gotten killed. Are you sure you should let her return home alone?” Nigel asked.
“If I don’t, I couldn’t trust myself to speak wisely. Why was she spying on me? Stars forsake me, Nigel! I’ve got to find a way to get Jurad off my back. A few more minutes and Koch would have betrayed his connection to the Tabrizes. Once we had those charges against them, Jurad and his evil son would have been forced into a new truce, at least into backing off for a while! I would even bet Koch knows there’s something brewing between those two princes. If he could have connected Ryker to Taemin…Damn! It’s too late now. We’ll only be able to hold Koch and Keetamon on lesser charges. I thought Jana would be safe here. If I keep her, I’ll only get her killed, or worse. I’m a selfish man. I should have listened to Draco when he warned me to do what was best for Jana. What now, friend? Draco’s getting married next week, and we’ve got a difficult assignment.”
“Didn’t you see Jana’s face?” his first officer scolded. “She’s almost in shock. You shouldn’t have lashed into her like that. She needs comforting,” Nigel advised.
“I can’t go after her right now; you do it for me. I’ve got to decide how to handle her and our arrangement. No more rash and selfish mistakes. She risked her life to save mine. She didn’t know you men were protecting me. It would have been perfect revenge to let me die. I wonder if she would have reacted the same way if she had known about that secret document which sets her free and makes her my sole heir if I should meet with an untimely demise.”
“You’d best pray Ryker doesn’t discover those two secrets. But I don’t think anything could have prevented her from doing what she did, thinking she had to save you.”
“I know, Nigel. Trouble is, next time, a foe could get her. Kahala, I’m weary of battling so many enemies. What should I do, Nigel? Keep her and risk her life every day? Or let her seek happiness and safety without me?”
Nigel grinned. “I know you really love her and want to protect her. I’m glad she’s yours, my friend,” he declared.
“Don’t be, Nigel. Unless I can work things out and make a truce with some powerful men, I can’t keep Jana. If she learns the reasons behind our missions to Earth, especially if I have to go ahead with that Stardusting project, she’ll never forgive me. I can’t even tell her I’m doing my best to save her planet and people! Secrets surround me like black shadows. Stardust and shadows, which is the lesser of two necessary evils?”
“You still want me to go after her?” Nigel asked.
“I’ll go. Take care of matters here. See to my uniform and weapons,” he added as he hurried down the path. He almost raced home, to find no Jana. He questioned the servants, who hadn’t seen her return. He searched the house and gardens fruitlessly. His heart beat wildly; had there been a third assailant, one who slipped through their trap?
Suddenly Jana appeared, slowly walking toward the house from another path to the beach, having taken a long walk in the opposite direction. Sighting Varian in the walkway, Jana bravely strolled past him without stopping.
Varian whirled and started to shout for her to halt, but he let her go, then followed her to the suite they shared. When Jana turned and looked at him, Varian told her, “I’m sorry, Jana. I spoke to you in anger. I’ve been trying to get Koch for a long time. He was about to confess something which would have incriminated him and another enemy.”
“Your security man, is he…dead?” she queried.
Varian started to lie, but changed his mind. “Yes, moonbeam. But it wasn’t your fault. Nigel said they were about to rush out when you did. Believe me, Jana, I think it would have gone the same way even if you hadn’t been there. If fact, I think Koch or Keetamon would have gotten me. Did you realize Koch’s gun fired beside me the moment you shot him? I honestly don’t think it was reflexive. Accept my word or not, but you saved my life. And you were brave and generous to do so. Kahala, woman, don’t make this harder! I’m not used to giving apologies or explanations. You could have gotten killed out there, and what would I do without my priceless treasure?”
Jana let the distressing matter pass without further discussion because she was aware of how much this apology pained him. In time, Varian might reveal more of himself to her. That night, they slept pressed against each other. Each was aware of how close death had struck.
Varian awakened Jana the next morning to give the bad news. “I have to leave for a short assignment. I might get back here for a day or two before I head out again. If not, stay close to the house and Tirol.”
Panic seized Jana; she had the terrible feeling that something dangerous was about to take place. “Don’t go, Varian. I’m afraid for you.”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry about me. I can protect myself.”
When Jana started to rise to see him off, he insisted she stay in bed and go back to sleep. As he reached the door, he stopped and turned. “I’ll have a surprise for you soon, a long trip. And I won’t accept any resistance. At last, we’ll both find peace and our lives can be settled.”
When he was gone, Jana went to the built-in dresser in the next room. She rummaged through her things until she found the ring he had given her. She stared at it for a moment then pushed it on the third finger of her left hand. Inexplicably, it gave her comfort. She went to Varian’s dresser and opened one drawer at a time. She fingered his garments and fantasized about his return to her. She found a picture which baffled her: Amaya Trygue with a handsome male who favored Varian enormously. His older brother? Galen Saar? But why did Amaya look a beautiful forty? Jana examined the two images closely; Varian favored both! She called to mind every clue concerning the people involved in this mystery.
Jana dressed and raced down the steps, nearly falling in her excitement. A servant was cleaning the study when Jana crossed the room to Amaya’s portrait. She asked, “Is this Tirol’s daughter?” When the servant replied yes, Jana asked, “Was she in love with Varian or his brother Galen?”
At first the servant was confused, for she had returned from a holiday this morning and did not know these facts had been withheld from Jana for her protection. She explained, “Amaya Trygue was Commander Saar’s mother. She was married to Supreme Commander Galen Saar, your owner’s father.”
“But that would make Tirol Trygue Varian’s grandfather.”
“You did not know the Kadim is Commander Saar’s grandfather?”
“How were his parents killed? Wasn’t it here seven years ago?” she probed.
The woman looked nervous, wary of Jana’s queries. “It is forbidden to speak of that time. You must not mention it to them.”
Jana examined the portrait again. His mother and father…She recalled her first conversation with Tirol; she reflected on the bond she had noticed between the two men. She called to mind that talk overheard between Nuala and Tarina, then sifted through the two confrontations with Jurad, whom she now suspected had intentionally misled her. Perhaps Jurad was friends with Ryker, Shara’s brother or cousin.
Some facets to this mystery were still wrapped in obscure shadows. She wondered why no one had revealed Varian’s relationship with Tirol. The Kadim’s grandson, his only heir…Was there no end to Varian Saar’s status? When he returned she would demand some answers. The mystery had gone on for too long.
It was the next day before Tirol returned with Supreme Commander Brec Sard and Supreme Councilman Draco Procyon. It was late, and Jana should have been in her suite. She found herself trapped in the solarium until the men passed it and headed for Tirol’s study. Jana shivered at overhearing part of their conversation.
“Are you sure it’s safe for Varian to go to Darkar?” Draco asked.
“Yes, it’s all been arranged. He’s the only one who can settle matters with Ryker. After he returns from his mission, he’s going to Jurad and Maal and do the same. It’s time the Saar name was cleared with the Androasians and Pyropeans, if that’s possible. It’s been seven years. Shara can’t haunt Varian forever. If it doesn’t stop, either Varian or Ryker will be slain.”
Brec agreed with Tirol. “You’re right, sir. Only Ryker has the key to settle those matters. You both know Jana Greyson increases the tension between them. What does Varian plan to exchange for the truth and his help?”
“Varian’s determined. He’s willing to do whatever is necessary to end these conflicts. I’ve given him letters for Maal and Jurad. With luck…” The voice faded as the men entered the study and sealed the door.
Jana determined she wouldn’t speculate on those statements. She must wait until Varian returned and clarified them. She crept upstairs, took a sleeping capsule, and went to bed.
“Varian!” Canissia called out to halt his departure from the Elysian Restaurant on Rigel.
The starship commander turned and demanded before Canissia Garthon could speak, “Have you seen Ryker lately? Or heard where he is?”
“You’re sear
ching for Ryker Triloni?” she questioned.
“It’s Alliance business, and he’s vanished,” Varian responded cryptically.
Canissia knew about the “Alliance business” from her father and she also knew more about Varian Saar’s personal plans than he or anyone could imagine. “Where’s your little alien charmer? I heard you barged into Draco’s and snatched her back for ten mill. Isn’t that showy even for you, my love?” she teased slyly. For the first time, Canissia was threatened by another woman. Jana was a rival, to be dealt with quickly and permanently. “She isn’t bad, love, but you’ve had better, much better, women beneath you.”
“Such as Councilman Garthon’s daughter?” Varian jested. He knew he had to disarm this sly witch before she would release any information.
Her seductive voice purred, “Naturally. You know we two are destined as mates. Our day will come. Tell me, love, what do you find so fascinating about this alien creature?” she quizzed, covertly taping the conversation. Later she would splice this talk, and one day soon, she would have the opportunity to torment Jana with lies! She knew Varian was trying to elicit information from her, so he would be very nice and unknowingly cooperative with her spiteful trick!
Varian knew how vain the redhead was. He must use that flaw and her craving for him against her. To do so, he must fool her about Jana. “You’re a woman, Cass; you know how wily females can be. Jana’s a challenge to me. She’s the first woman I’ve ever encountered who refuses to succumb to my charms and prowess. Maybe it’s that alien chemistry which makes her immune. You know how I detest defeat on any level.”
“I would venture it’s more your treatment of her which repels her,” the flame-haired vixen suggested. “You did capture and abuse her. Even if she is of an inferior species, she does have feelings, love.”
“Maybe that’s why she keeps calling me all those nasty names: rogue, space pirate, savage barbarian, evil slaver, and other choice devils and ranks.”
Moondust And Madness Page 40