Tesla returned and Jana was placed inside the Spacer. “Hurry, Tesla. I’ll be waiting for you.” Again, the spacecraft lifted off and flashed skyward.
Varian sighed in relief. If anyone could save Jana, it was—A blinding flash of light was followed by a thunderous boom as a massive explosion seared across the sky above their heads. “My God, Nigel, the Spacer…”
“Communications are still out, Commander. Too much interference.”
“Keep trying, Kyle. I have to know if she made it to the ship before…”
Nigel worked with his small communicator, but only static reached his ears. The men on the surface waited and watched tensely. And prayed.
On the ship, Braq Volsung took over the helm. “Get those communications working fast! The commander will be frantic. Any news on the Spacer?”
“Read-outs indicate she was destroyed. Tesla didn’t make it back, sir.”
“What happened?” Braq shouted. “The commander said not to send anyone down unless…Forget it, just get that last Spacer to Darkar. Something’s wrong, and I’ll take full responsibility for disobeying orders.”
Tristan connected the facial mask to the adapter by Jana’s ears. He turned on the safety valve and pre-set the regulator for one liter. Jana’s lungs instantly expanded with the sudden rush of enforced oxygen. The automatic resuscitator kicked on, forcing her lungs to inhale and exhale ten times per minute.
Varian arrived at that moment and shouted, “She’s breathing, Tris!”
Tristan shook his head. “It’s the unit, Varian. It breathes for her.”
Varian stared at the cardiac monitor. There was a flat white line traveling steadily across the screen. Tristan followed his tormented gaze. “I can’t restart her heart until she’s received one-fourth liter of Isoprenaline and one hundred cc’s of Ambazine. The Ambazine will counteract the drug Shara gave her. The other one is to stimulate her vital signs. All I can do is wait and work carefully. Kahala! We’re following the same process which saved Shara.”
Time seemed as endless as space. Its passage was a merciless tormentor. Varian was too aware of the waning time schedule which Tristan had mentioned, yet he coaxed his friend to hurry.
“I can’t rush these drugs or this procedure. That could be just as fatal as the Drendazine if not treated properly. We’ve got three hours. With luck, she’ll make it.” Yet, Tristan wasn’t sure of his timing.
“Luck? Where was luck when I needed her the most! The fates be damned!”
Tristan scolded, “Consider it damn lucky Shara gave her Drendazine, and not some poison! Fates be blessed for giving us this chance to save Jana! Go get something to drink. Better still, get some sleep. You’ll need it later. Even if I pull her through this critical period, she’ll be out for another day.”
“Sleep? I can’t sleep until Jana is out of danger.”
“You could try! At least get out of my way,” Tristan said.
Varian moved aside, but refused to leave the laboratory. When the Isoprenaline container was empty, Tristan ordered another one to replace it. He picked up the cardiac stimulator and attached it to Jana’s chest. He ordered his technician to set the control voltage for four hundred millivolts of electrical current. She pressed the switch. Nothing. Varian’s heart thudded as he watched the unchanging flat white line. Had he come so close to a miraculous second chance only to be denied it? Fear gripped him.
“Increase the current output to five hundred millivolts. Hand me a cardiosyringe,” Tristan ordered, his own tension mounting.
Varian watched in horror as Tristan inserted the long needle directly into Jana’s heart. “What the hell are you doing?” he shouted in alarm. Beads of perspiration formed on his brow and upper lip.
“Direct cardiac puncture…I’ve got to get this straight intothe aortic valve,” the older man mumbled. He was worried, and it showed.
Varian winced as the needle was withdrawn. Blood followed its exit and pooled between her breasts. The technician pressed the switch again. The line dipped and jumped spasmodically. Within minutes, Jana’s heartbeat was sending out a rhythmic pattern which the machine forcibly continued.
“No respiratory distress. Vital signs steadily improving,” was Tristan’s encouraging report.
The waiting was nerve-racking. Varian paced and sat, to jump up and pace again. Braq Volsung called him to say all ships systems were now functioning properly. There was no explanation available yet for the Spacer explosion which claimed Tesla Rilke’s life. Varian ordered a full inquiry. He gave Nigel Sanger command of the bridge while Kyle Dykstra reported that all was under control on Darkar, and an Alliance security force had arrived to keep it that way.
Tristan Zarcoff and Varian Saar talked quietly while they waited to see if the treatments would save Jana’s life. “You know it was crazy to meet Ryker alone. He could have killed you,” the doctor admonished his friend.
“What good am I as a leader if I can’t defend myself, my crew, and my ship? Ryker didn’t know about our new weapon which would fit unnoticed down a man’s sleeve. He was insane, Tris. He was wearing a uniform just like mine. You should have seen the look in his eyes when I shot him. I was going to stun him. But when I realized Ryker could only be freed through death, I ended his madness and misery. It was like killing a part of myself. This scar itches like mad. Can you laser it off as easily as you put it on?” He returned Tristan’s smile. “He wanted me to get inside his secret complex. He knew Shara would be waiting to slay me, if he failed to do so. That’s why he revealed the release code. He never imagined I would use his deceitful disguise. I nearly stumbled when I saw his mother there.”
Tristan inhaled deeply. “I feel as if we’ve been traveling through the past.”
“Dr. Zarcoff” his assistant called to him.
“What is it?”
“The timer has lapsed, sir, and the patient has not stabilized.”
Varian surged forward to Jana’s side. “Come on, Tris, please…”
“Stay calm. We could have miscalculated the time and amount of drug.”
“What if it was sooner, not later?” Varian speculated in dread. When Tristan continued to examine Jana, Varian repeated his question.
“I heard what you asked. I’m doing all I can! If she had been working in my lab, this wouldn’t have happened!” Tristan snapped nervously. “I’m sorry. This woman is special to me too. I hate to see her life end like this. By damn, she deserves better! She’ll stabilize soon or…it won’t matter.”
Varian dropped into the nearest chair. He covered his face with his hands. His mind was numb, his heart heavy. Nearly one hour had passed when Tristan slapped him on the back. When Varian eyed him strangely, Tristan smiled and reported that all vital signs had stabilized. Jana would survive.
Varian jumped up and shouted with relief. He went to stand over Jana and watch her face slowly return to its natural glow. The oxygen mask had been removed and she was breathing on her own. He gazed into her serene features with intense longing and deep love. He needed to hold her, to kiss her, to speak with her. “How long before she arouses, Tris?” he inquired.
“Can’t be certain. Drendazine is a very perplexing chemical. Probably hours,” Tristan said, dismissing his assistant.
“I’ll wait here. I need to see her the moment she opens those lovely eyes. I have a question to ask her. Stars above, I love this woman.”
Tristan chuckled. “You need rest. I’ll let everybody know she’s going to pull through. Looks as if we have a wedding on the horizon.”
“Only if Jana agrees. I’ll never control her life again. I’ll tell her she’s free, then ask her to accept me as her husband.”
“After you clear up her bond to Ryker, what if she says no?” Tristan teased.
“I’ll use my infamous Saar charms on her,” Varian replied. “Just as soon as we complete this mission to her world, I’m going to persuade her to marry me. She can wait for me at Grandfather’s on Eire. With Ryker dead, we can have
all the supplies we need for our assignment, and Jana’s world can be saved. We have just enough time to load the supplies and take Jana to Grandfather before leaving.”
Tristan departed as Varian stretched out on the nearby bunk to rest and wait. His muscles ached from the tension of the last hours. He was near exhaustion. The green lenses had been removed, but his blue eyes were streaked with red. The darkened shadow of his unshaven face scratched the hand which lay across his mouth. He realized he must be a fearsome sight, but he didn’t want to leave Jana’s side even for a quick shave and shower.
Varian wanted to see her the instant she awakened. He must confess his love and propose marriage. He must put all the lies between them to rest. He rested his arm over his heavy eyes to shield them from the overhead glare. Fatigue took possession of Varian Saar.
Tristan smiled when he came in later to find his friend in deep slumber. Varian had been through a terrible ordeal with Ryker, Shara, and Jana. Tristan returned every thirty minutes to check on Jana’s vital signs and condition. Several hours had passed since her crisis and she was holding her own. He was pleased when Jana moved and sighed. It wouldn’t be long now. He left again.
Jana slowly opened her eyes and blinked in confusion. She yawned as if arousing from a nap or night’s sleep. Her baffled gaze took in the life-support unit and the medical laboratory…of the Wanderlust. She winced in discomfort at the soreness in her limbs. She was so groggy. She lifted the clear lid of the unit and forced herself to a sitting position. She hesitated while her spinning head settled itself.
Shocked, Jana saw Ryker asleep on the bunk not far away. What was he doing here? Where was Varian? She wanted her sable-haired love, not that blond monster! Why wasn’t he in chains? Where was Shara?
Tristan entered to find Jana swaying beside the unit attempting to stand. “What are you doing up? You scared ten years off my life. I’ll wake Varian.”
“He’s alive?” she murmured. “Then why is Ryker here?”
Tristan rapidly related the facts of the past few weeks, especially her near call with death only hours before. “I think we should awaken Varian and let him finish this explanation, he’s been out of his mind since you vanished. He never gave up hope. You lie down.”
“No, Tris. Let Varian sleep. We’re both out of it right now. We can talk later..If I don’t lie down, I’ll be on the floor shortly.”
“He’ll be furious if he learns you came to and I didn’t wake him. Your face should be the first thing he sees when he opens his eyes.” Jana grinned weakly. “How about I join him over there?” Tristan chuckled. “That’s a damn good suggestion.” He helped Jana over to the bunk where she eased down beside Varian and gradually snuggled close to him. She winked at Tristan and closed her eyes. Varian was sleeping on his left side, as usual. His arms automatically embraced Jana and he sighed peacefully. She rested her head in the hollow between his chin and shoulder. She inhaled his familiar manly scent and smiled.
Tristan dimmed the lights and pressed the music button to low volume. He grinned and whispered softly, “I’ll lock the door until you two send for me. I think I’ll get Nigel to join me for a drink.” Tristan left humming softly. Tristan ran into Nigel in the passageway. “How is she?” “They’re both fine, or will be soon.” Tristan told Nigel he left Jana nestled in Varian’s arms. “He’ll be mighty surprised when he wakes up. I sealed off that lab. I believe they’ll need a little privacy…” The men exchanged smiles.
Varian’s warmth radiated to Jana. The security of his arms soothed her. She smiled as her left arm went around his waist while his legs imprisoned hers. Soon, she too was fast asleep.
Hours passed. Varian stirred from his slumber. He gazed down at the silky head resting on his shoulder, her hand across his side and her legs captured between his. He feared he was dreaming. He glanced from the life-support unit to Jana to the sealed door. Varian grinned. Tristan was very wise indeed.
Varian assumed the doctor had placed Jana on the bunk as soon as she was free of danger. He wondered what she would think when she awakened at his side. As her hand fell over his chest, he looked at the marriage bracelet which had bonded her briefly to his half brother. How would Jana feel about Ryker’s death? How would she react to being a free and rich widow? Fear gnawed at Varian, for he had no hold over Jana if she didn’t want to stay with him.
Varian tenderly brushed aside a few straying locks of silvery gold. What had Ryker done to her? He gingerly touched the bruises on her cheeks. “Oh, Jana love, how can I make you understand I love you?”
Jana shifted and moaned. Her eyes slowly opened, her gaze joined with his. “You look terrible, Varian Saar. Is this any way for a starship commander to dress? No shave. Wrinkled, dirty clothes. Blond hair?”
Varian didn’t ask, How did you know it was me and not your husband, Ryker? He smiled and informed her, “I’ve been rather preoccupied with saving the life of the woman I love. You gave me the scare of my life, woman.”
“Shara told me you were dead. I’m damn glad you aren’t,” she replied.
“You’re free, Jana, a Maffei citizen. I can’t hold you by force any longer. I can even understand if you don’t want to stay with me,” he said.
“But I’m not free, Varian,” she refuted.
He misunderstood. He lifted her arm with the marriage band and grimaced. “You’re a rich and powerful widow; Ryker is dead. You own Darkar and Trilabs.”
Jana’s eyes teared, for she felt a surge of anguish for Varian. “That isn’t what I meant. Your hold over me doesn’t require legal papers. I only married Ryker to survive long enough to escape back to you. I was praying it was a ruse and you wanted me. I love you, Varian Saar. Does that matter to you?”
“You’re serious? Don’t tease me, woman,” he warned.
“Surely you don’t believe I’m immune to the Saar charm?”
“I need you, Jana Greyson of Earth. Can you forgive me for being so obstinate? I know I have plenty of explaining to do, but it can wait a while, Right now, all I want to do is hold you and give thanks that you’re alive and beside me.”
“Where else would I be, Rogue Saar?” she teased, cuffing his chin. “By the way, I know the combination to Shara’s safe. From what she said before trying to dispose of me, there is evidence inside to clear your family name and honor with Maal and Jurad. I’m sorry about your brother’s death.”
“You never cease to amaze me, woman,” he murmured.
“I hope I never do,” she retorted with a sultry smile.
Varian’s lips claimed Jana’s and painful shadows receded. His strong hands closed possessively around his golden moonbeam, vowing to never allow her to slip through his fingers again. “This is how it should be for us, my love, magic and rapture in each other’s arms: We’ve been assailed by the forces of moondust and madness, but the gods and fates have taken pity on us.”
Varian felt a joy and contentment which he had feared were lost forever as Jana snuggled closer to him. Their lips met; their hungry bodies joined; their minds united with love. The storm was over, all but for the rising storm of raging passion. Tonight, the gods smiled on Jana Greyson and Varian Saar. Time seemed to cease for the Earthling beauty and the alien starship commander as they succumbed to the intensity, magic, and power of a love which reached beyond the planets and stars themselves.
Moondust Rapture
As the sated Gods gather to watch mortals below,
The Fates laugh joyfully, for only they know:
Two hearts joined by love, Aliens no more.
Light conquered Shadows; fiery passions soar.
Moondust has settled, Madness has fled;
Magic and Rapture rule in their stead…
JANELLE TAYLOR has won many awards for her writing, and has had six New York Times bestsellers. The University of Georgia’s library houses a collection of her books, manuscripts and papers. She lives in Evans, Georgia. She loves to hear from her readers; you can write to her c/o Zebra Books.
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eISBN 978-1-4201-2752-2
PINNACLE BOOKS
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Copyright © 1986 by Janelle Taylor. Published by arrangement with author.
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First Pinnacle Books Printing: November 1992
Printed in the United States of America
Moondust And Madness Page 48