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.
Tristan observed her mingled look of doubt and admiration. “It’ll take time to trust us and accept us, Jana. I knew you’d find this procedure interesting.” He handed her a turquoise robe.
“Yes,” she admitted as she slipped it over a matching gown.
“Walk around. I’d like to see if you’ve suffered any side effects from your injury or the drugs. I’m glad your chemistry varies little from ours.”
After a few minutes of exercise, she remarked, “I feel fine.”
“Let me show you something in my lab. I think you can be of some help to me for a change.” Tristan was eager to learn if Jana was as skilled as he believed. Besides, he and Martella needed a way to help Jana avoid her impending fate. Jana obediently followed his lead.
He went to a surgical table and pointed to a small furry brown creature. “They’re similar to Earth’s spider monkeys. He’s carrying a virus I need to cure. Problem is, I’m having trouble getting a veinal cannula inserted. These old hands aren’t as steady as they used to be.”
“Don’t you have an assistant who can do a simple veinal cannula?”
“My staff is on leave,” he answered, as feigned irritation filled his tone. He sighed in mock exasperation. “I cannot seem to manage adroit microsurgery anymore. Nor can I seem to find a competent assistant. I may have to resort to euthanasia. He’s a hazard to the other specimens.” He watched to see what her reaction would be.
“You can’t do that!” she shrieked in dismay. “I could easily insert the cannula for you. It would be cruel and unnecessary to destroy him.” Jana eyed the little creature with pity. Her interest and attention were snagged. For a time, she ignored her predicament.
“You would do it for me?” he questioned slyly behind a pleased grin.
After sedating the animal, Tristan handed her a pair of surgical gloves and a lab coat. Jana seated herself and pulled them on. Depending on a power-lens magnifier to give a distinct and enlarged view of the working field, she worked quickly and skillfully with the scalpel.
“Do you infuse heparin to prevent clotting, Dr. Zarcoff?” she questioned, without looking up as she was totally immersed in her work.
“A similar drug, Jana. It’s in the smaller syringe. The dextraphine for treatment is in the larger one.”
She obeyed his instructions, pressing very slowly and evenly on the syringe. When three units had been given, she switched off the Y-connector. “Do you want me to infuse the dextraphine?”
“Yes, four hundred cc’s.” He was observing her work with intense pleasure. She was indeed highly talented. Even he could have done no better. What an assistant she would make…
Twenty minutes later, Jana stated simply, “That’s it. Will he require further infusions or do you want me to close him up?”
“He’ll need one more dose in four hours. If I have any trouble, I’ll send for you. That was excellent, Jana. You’d make a fine surgeon.”
Jana flushed at his compliments. “I faint at the sight of human blood,” she quipped, half in truth and half in jest. “I’m certain patients would not care for their surgeon passing out in the middle of delicate operations. I’ll stick to research, my first love.”
Tristan chuckled. “Too bad. I could use a good surgical assistant.”
“I doubt I was abducted for my medical skills, Doctor.” Jana removed the red-splotched gloves and lab coat. “What now?”
“After that beautiful piece of microsurgery, you must call me Tristan or Tris. All my friends do. You’ll be returned to your quarters this morning. The rest is up to you and the commander.” Tristan was eyeing her intently.
“I see, back into that tyrant’s clutches?” she hinted coolly. How she wished she could remain in this research lab with this genial doctor.
“You rest until he sends someone for you,” Tristan instructed.
Jana glanced at his medical equipment. Even if he had lied about the spaceship, she definitely was on some type of ship—very sophisticated, elaborate, and expensive. This mysterious commander was undeniably wealthy, powerful, and ruthless. Jana began, “I wish I could—”
A stirring voice which she could never forget cut into her wistful sentence and seemed to fill the entire room. “I see our capricious Earthling is better this morning. You can work miracles, Tris.”
Varian crossed the room with grace and ease. Tristan noted the involuntary stiffening of Jana’s body and the panic which flooded her features. She visibly paled at simply hearing Varian’s voice behind her.
Jana turned to face her antagonist. Her startled eyes widened. Her mouth uncontrollably dropped open in disbelief. He was not wearing his concealing vizard this morning. She stared at the magnetic, handsome face of the man approaching her. Only in her dreams had she ever seen such overwhelming perfection. Jana’s heart fluttered madly. He had the bluest eyes she had ever seen, the color of very expensive and precious sapphires. They glittered with vitality. His sensuous smile could have dispelled the darkest gloom of night. A lock of ebony hair fell casually over his left temple. He was very tall, for she had to look up at his face. Jana stared into his smiling eyes, which revealed a fiery passion for life. He was magnificent. Wits, fears, and reality momentarily fled her mind. Without realizing she was speaking aloud, she murmured in astonishment, “You’re the man in my dreams…”
As his hand caressed her cheek, Varian’s broad chest rumbled with zesty laughter. “I hate to disappoint and disillusion you, little moonbeam, but you saw me while you were semiconscious yesterday. I helped Tris with your injury, after I was rashly provoked into creating it.”
“I don’t recall seeing—” she halted as she comprehended what she had just said. Her face reddened and she hastily lowered her gaze to his firm, muscular chest. He wasn’t a fantasy! If she had seen him twice while drugged, how much of her “dream” was real?
Jana flinched as Varian brushed her hair aside to check her forehead. “I see you’ve performed your usual excellent job, Tris.” He secretly observed Jana as he took much longer than necessary to check her. “No sign of injury. No scar. Perfect…”
His touch burned like hypnotic fire. She trembled, bewildered and alarmed by her ridiculous behavior and wild thoughts. She hurriedly jerked away from him. “No thanks to your brutality!”
“Please don’t provoke another show of my power and loss of temper.”
Jana looked up at him. Despite his mellow voice, there was a warning gleam in his blue eyes. “Are you forbidding me to speak?” she asked curtly.
“Not at all. I’m only advising caution and temperance in speech and actions.” Varian caught Tristan’s humorous grin over Jana’s shoulder.
“That will be all, Tris. I’ll see to Jana,” he said in a brisk tone.
Tristan’s grin broadened. “Yes, sir, Commander Saar.” As he passed Jana on his way out, he smiled and offered a warm and grateful “Thank you, Jana. I’ll be seeing you very soon.” To Varian he said, “She hasn’t eaten yet. Will you have Kyle or Ferris see to it for me?”
Amid Varian’s confusion at the doctor’s order, Jana returned Tristan’s friendly overture with a dazzling smile. “Anytime, Dr. Zarcoff. I really enjoyed it,” she murmured as if speaking to a good friend.
Varian witnessed the transformation of bitterness and resentment into softness and charm which her smile so vividly revealed. She watched Tristan’s departure with apprehension, as Varian watched her with new interest.
“Why won’t you release me?” she asked. “What is it you want from me?”
“As soon as you’ve dressed, I’ll escort you to your quarters,” he casually announced, as his gaze engulfed her body.
“Dressed?” She glanced down, suddenly aware her robe was hanging free. “Oh-h-h,” she cried. Her hands grasped the satiny material and overlapped it, trying to shield her halfexposed chest.
He chuckled. “You have absolutely nothing to hide from me, Jana. I am well acquainted with all of your numerous charms.”
Her gaze flew up to his mocking eyes. Her frosty glare bored into his molten one. “You’re despicable!” she said.
He sent her an engaging grin. “You’re absolutely right. In fact, most people think I’m far worse. But you’ll have to change; I’m afraid you’d prove too distracting to my crewmen attired in that flimsy gown.”
He motioned to some clothing she had not noticed. She was begrudgingly grateful for this small concession to her dignity, wisely suppressing the surly words which threatened to spill forth. As she picked up the green caftan, she realized he made no move to leave. She cast suspicious eyes toward him. “Where do I change?” she demurely inquired.
“Here,” he stated, a devilish half smile playing across his lips.
She paled. “H—here?” she stammered. “But surely you’ll leave?”
“Why? I’ve seen you nude before.” That piece of horrifying information came as an unexpected shock, even though it was something she should have realized sooner.
She flushed again, to her great dismay. “I will not undress in front of a total stranger. How dare you treat me in this vile manner.”
“Either you do it, or I’ll do it for you. And if I’m forced to rip that gown from your lovely body, you’ll return to your quarters that way, regardless of the temptation to my men.” He could see the fires of rebellion burning blightly in her eyes, fires he must extinguish.
Jana wisely decided not to provoke this man. She lowered her head in shame and started to undress. Varian seized the front of the dressing gown, his massive grasp rumpling and closing it. “It isn’t necessary to finish this test, Jana. I simply needed to learn if you would now obey orders, no matter what they were. You have five minutes to change. I’ll wait outside.” When her head jerked upward to verbally assail him, he shook his head and warned, “Don’t do it, little moonbeam. You just won my forgiveness for your defiance yesterday. Don’t make a new strike against yourself. I don’t want to hurt you, but I must have your obedience.”
As Varian and Jana approached the elevator which would take them to deck one where her quarters were located, an intercom issued a call. As Varian answered the page, she eyed him intently. He commanded attention anywhere and anytime. Like her beautiful stallion Apache, he evinced power. Jana was alarmed by the strong and compelling attraction she was feeling. She was bedeviled by this mysterious and complex male.
“Sir, we’ve picked up a radiation belt in our path. It wasn’t there on our way in. I advise a course change as soon as possible.”
Varian was aware of Jana’s gaze locked on him. He would give her the chance to learn firsthand of his command, the reality of her situation, and the impossibility of rescue or escape. He also felt a curious need to impress and disarm her. “I’ll come to the bridge, Lieutenant Rilke.”
Tesla Rilke’s confusion at Varian’s odd reaction was shortlived. Changing course to avoid peril was a common occurrence requiring merely the commander’s permission and not his personal attention.
Varian headed for the elevator with Jana in tow. He issued a verbal order to the computerized panel: “Bridge.” They moved sideways, then upward. Only a faint hum was detectable to her ears. The door opened and they stepped out into a huge, semicircular open area.
Jana took in sights and sounds which could stagger the imagination. She had never seen a more complex conglomeration of computers, panels, and instruments. Crew members were either concentrating on their individual tasks or chatting lightly in jovial tones with those nearby. She froze at the unbelievable sight before her.
The crew came to alert when Varian appeared. Jana instantly noticed the high esteem and admiration on the faces of the men and women before them. She was reluctantly impressed by his reception and rank.
“As you were,” Varian cheerfully stated.
The crew returned to their prior tasks or conversations—all but one male who surreptitiously observed Jana and Varian. Varian headed toward a man standing next to a videoscreen. Jana mechanically followed, but Varian behaved as if she were not present. He pretended to study the screen before him as Tesla Rilke gave his report and suggestion in a muffled tone.
Jana was only half listening. Her attention had been captured by the large window spanning the front wall of the bridge. She went to it and stared outside. The panorama was breathtaking. The heavens were an intense blue-black with hints of indigo. Off in the distance, vivid and harmonious hues of blue, red, and green cloudlike formations dappled the skies. They seemed adrift in a dark sea filled with millions of glittering points of light. She was stunned and enthralled.
Jana remained motionless, as if hypnotized by the infinity before her. Space…that terrifying word drummed loudly inside her brain. This was not an elaborate and imaginary charade; it was all too real to be ignored. There were too many people and too much evidence for her to deny. She was being taken to God-knows-where by aliens, for some unknown reason. She trembled at the missing facts. A scientific study of human biology on Earth? Living specimens? Unless these aliens were disguised, they had been created in the same physical mold as Earthlings. But why capture her to study? Why? she wondered.
Varian joined her at the transascreen and stood very close to her, too enchanted by her to notice the probing gaze of one of his lieutenants on them. She would present no further problems, Varian decided. He relaxed. His ploy was working perfectly. “I see you find our view spellbinding, Jana.” She instinctively nodded agreement. “Perhaps awesome and terrifying?” She only nodded again as she continued to stare at the vastness before them.
To emphasize his power over her, he lightly stated, “We are bound for the Maffei Galaxy where the Maffei Interplanetary Alliance consists of thirteen planets. Each planet is ruled by many zartiffs, much like your kings or presidents on Earth who govern certain areas. These men report to an avatar, the head ruler of each planet. Those thirteen men make up our Maffei Alliance Assembly, which answers to the Supreme Council of three men who rule our entire galaxy.” He slipped his arm around her waist as he continued relating facts to her. “The Supreme Council is all-powerful, especially its leader, the kadim. You have no one on earth to compare our Supreme Council or kadim with; those three males are feared and envied and their word is law or death. Right now, the Supreme Council consists of Councilman Segall Garthon, Councilman Draco Procyon, and Kadim Tirol Trygue.” Although he knew she could not absorb so much information at a time like this, he went on casually to list the planets and their avatars.
He took a deep breath. His tone lowered as he revealed, “I’ve lived in space much of my life. Yet I always find it mysterious, overpowering, and exhilarating. I can imagine how it must affect someone who’s never seen it beyond the surface of her world or on a videoscreen. Do you still doubt my truth, Jana?” he asked without a trace of sarcasm and brusqueness.
She lifted sad eyes to his and studied the softened lines in his handsome features. He was such a mercurial creature. Why shouldn’t he be kinder and calmer? He had won. She grudgingly admitted, “Your truth seems to be accurate, Commander Saar. How can I intelligently argue against such evidence?” Her hand slowly motioned to the view surrounding her, inside and outside the ship. “Yet it’s so incredible and confusing,” she confessed.
“The world outside your Milky Way is immense, Jana. Our two neighboring galaxies are the Androas Empire, ruled by Kadim Maal Triloni, who’s also royalty, and the Pyropean Federation, which is controlled by Supreme Ruler Jurad Tabriz. Most of the time we live under wary truces, but frankly I don’t trust either man.” To her surprise, he suddenly smiled and said, “I had counted on your superior intelligence and keen perception to convince you that I spoke the truth.” He tenderly and unknowingly caressed her cheek as he spoke to her.
“You win, Commander,” she stated in defeat. Before she could speak the question still foremost in her mind, his words and actions had beguiled her.
“I never doubted that victory for a single minute, Jana,” he remarked confidently in an almost seductive tone. His deep blue eyes seemed to mesmerize her. His lack of harshness and conceit prevented any surly retort. “Let’s go. I have another problem to check on in security control.” He grasped her hand and guided her off the bridge of his ship, still unaware of the officer who was spying on them for Varian’s worst enemy.
As they entered a room filled with small monitors, Jana immediately realized the purpose of this room. Her wide eyes glanced across multiple screens as softly muted feminine voices reached her ears. She viewed many rooms with numerous females—all being observed and held captive. Her head jerked around as the young officer on duty began to speak with Varian. In a way she was glad to have faces finally attached to voices. For the moment, Jana was too dazed by the heavy influx of facts to think clearly. Her concept of reality was being challenged and defeated, by a masterful creature who seemingly controlled her life.
Unaware of her presence, Kyle Dykstra launched into an explanation of the problem at hand. He pointed to one screen in particular as he talked. Jana’s eyes followed his line of direction as she listened. “It’s Sylva Omanli, sir. She’s demolishing her quarters again. This time she attacked her roommates. They’ve screamed for help. I’ve tried to reason with her, but she refuses to obey. Do you want me to send her below to security?”
Varian stared at the screen. Martella had warned him that some women might never surrender to this new fate. She had told him that sometimes harsh punishments were mandatory. A rebellious charl’s attention must be secured before she would settle down. Varian hated being forced to punish any captive, but this one’s conduct was wearing thin, and this was one charl mission which could not allow problems to breed! A muscle twitched in his right cheek. He leaned forward, his full attention claimed by Sylva. His blue eyes narrowed and hardened as he watched the temper tantrum the dark-haired, ivory-skinned Uranian was throwing.
Jana also focused on the same screen. She observed the wildness of the female in question. Three others were huddled in a corner. As Varian turned on the audio control switch, Jana could not believe the obscenities and vulgar speech coming from that lovely woman, nor her volatile temper. She appeared uncontrollable!
Sylva had yanked covers from all the beds and shredded them. There were books and food tossed around, objects broken, furniture overthrown, and clothing scattered about the room. The quarters were devastated.
Varian issued a frigid command to Sylva, who chose to ignore it and his ominous tone. He threatened her with several terrible and wicked punishments. She still refused to halt her destruction or verbal torrent of abusive, crude language. When the others shrieked for rescue, Sylva attacked them like a crazed Amazon warrior.
“You are no longer a princess, my dear Sylva. Your world of Uranus is far behind you. You are under my control! You will halt this destructive behavior at once! If you disobey, you will pay greatly. Cease this stupidity instantly!”
Jana’s mind reeled at those stunning clues. Wasn’t this an expensive way to obtain servants? Her gaze scanned the monitors. No man needed this many female slaves! Did he intend to sell most to pay for his trip? Jana observed the handsome man in a new light: arrogant slaver.
Varian furiously snapped off the audio control. “Tell Ferris to confine Sylva to the brig. Send Tris to care for the others. Our rebellious and crude little Sylva is in for an unexpected awakening! Come on, Jana,” Varian commanded, annoyed with all females at that point, as he was unaccustomed to defiance or dealing with slavery.
Kyle whirled and grinned at Jana. His emerald eyes sparkled and his brown hair lay in unruly curls. The line of his almost square face was broken by a cleft in his chin. Thick, long lashes and a winsome smile completed a look of youthfulness.
“I’m glad to see you’re all right. I was worried about you.” Kyle failed to note the black scowl and knitted brow of his commander.
Kyle’s friendliness took Jana by surprise. Perhaps she could enlist another valuable ally. “So, we meet at last, mon spectre. I see you are quite human after all.” Her eyes were enlivened with wit and animation.
Jana caught Varian’s displeasure with his officer’s amicable behavior toward her. She had seen too many people and too much evidence to deny her plight. She wanted to study the quicksilver nature and power of her captor. And, she had an overwhelming urge to pique Varian in some innocent way. To her great satisfaction, it seemed to work.
“I said let’s go, Jana. I think you have more important matters to concern yourself with, Lieutenant Dykstra,” Varian commanded sternly.
“Yes, Commander. I’ll see to Sylva right now, sir,” Kyle replied.
Jana thanked Kyle for his concern, then walked out the door. Kyle suppressed the smile from his lips, but not from his eyes.
Varian caught her elbow and firmly guided her along the passageway. They took the elevator to deck one, then went down another passageway. Jana didn’t have time to notice her surroundings in the rush. He halted and pressed a button and the door to the gold room swished open.
Varian gallantly stepped aside and waved her in. Jana sighed in relief as she heard the door close. She was startled as Varian’s voice severed the silence. “Kyle, turn off this monitor until further notice, except for instructions or messages.” Varian breathed deeply and loudly.
“Yes, Commander,” came Kyle’s apprehensive reply.
Jana anxiously watched the red light on the monitoring camera as it went black. She slowly turned to face Varian. She had not expected him to remain with her. Her eyes leveled on his steady and unreadable gaze. Ten- thirty in the morning was too early for a confrontation, especially on an empty stomach, before a cup of coffee! She waited tensely.
Jana decided to display intelligent respect. After a long and unnerving silence, she ventured a tense “Yes, Commander Saar?”
He stared at her in moody observation. “First of all, Jana, don’t try to inspire trouble or resentment aboard my ship. I should warn you of the danger to any man should you successfully turn his sights from duty and loyalty to me, as well as the great danger to yourself. You will wisely restrain yourself from deceiving my crew with false behavior.”
Jana flushed with embarrassment and anger beneath his partially astute accusation. “I didn’t realize it was dangerous to be polite. Is that all, sir?” she inquired courteously to calm her agitation.
Varian chuckled skeptically. “Since your accident prevented you from attending the general assembly yesterday, we have a few matters to settle. You do recall my promise to answer your questions?” he hinted. “Hopefully you’ve learned by now that I’m a man of my word.” He caught her relief on hearing the purpose for his visit.
“I also hope you’ll decide to accept your fate and obey my staff’s orders so I won’t have to intervene on your behalf again.” He indicated for her to sit beside him on the sofa. She ignored his directive and sat on the bed across from him. He chuckled mockingly. He noted the way she blushed and shifted uneasily beneath his intense scrutiny. Like a Southern summer night, his voice was lazy and mellow when he spoke. “I’ve taken about four hundred women from your planet and around one hundred from the planet Uranus, as Earth was more populated and civilized,” he asserted. “The disruptive wench you just observed is Sylva Omanli from Uranus.”
Jana did not intend to question him now about Uranus, for she was more interested in his plans for her. Yet her shock at the large number of captive females was impossible to conceal.
“On this return voyage, all captives will be instructed on the politics, social customs, geography, and history of my world. I hope these lessons will enable each of you to adjust quickly and comfortably to your fates.” Thinking it better for her to hear his news in a strong and angry mood, he chuckled impiously as he added, “It will most assuredly increase your value.” During the last hour, he had realized how gentle she was and he knew he must toughen her for all of their sakes; yet he dreaded doing so.
She stared in bewilderment. “Our value? I don’t follow you. Why educate prisoners? What are your plans for so many women?”
Holding his own disgust in check, Varian quickly outlined the charl system as sanctioned by the Supreme Council. Jana’s eyes widened as he was speaking. He didn’t have simple slavery in mind! Knowing she did not want to hear his answer, she still had to ask, “Surely you don’t intend to sell us and breed us like animals?”
“Children are vital for race survival, Jana. Besides, mates provide our citizens with joy and families. As soon as we reach my galaxy, I’ll hold an auction on each of the thirteen planets which I mentioned to you earlier. You’ll be sold last on Rigel, our capital planet.”
Her mouth dropped open as she inhaled sharply. “You actually kidnapped us to sell as…slave-mates? How can you be so evil?”
“We need women,” he stated. “Cooperate, and it will work out.”
Jana stared at him in resentment. Now she understood Sylva’s fury. After months of captivity, Sylva knew the truth and still fought its acceptance. They could call it anything they liked, but it was selective breeding…She shuddered. “You can’t do this. It’s evil and wrong!”
He shook his sable head, wishing she knew the truth about the real reasons behind her capture, and wishing he didn’t have to hurt her and use her. “This practice is legal in my galaxy, Jana, and for years was essential to its survival. It was my government, the Supreme Council and Alliance Assembly, who established the charl practice. They sent me on this mission. I’m a commander for the Maffei Interplanetary Alliance Star Fleet—our highest form of law enforcement. I am also a member of the Star Fleet Elite Squad, which reports only to the Supreme Council,” Varian proudly informed her, wanting to impress her with his great power and status.
This fact settled in quickly. “I should have guessed you are a man of power from your arrogance. But what gives your people the right to enslave others? Or you the right to abduct them?”
“We grant ourselves that right,” he responded quietly. “We have the power, skill, and knowledge to do as we wish. When we’re threatened by enemies, we conquer them. When we discover a need for survival, we fill it. Soon, we hope there will be no reason to continue this practice,” he admitted.
Jana shuddered to think of herself in a satanic alien’s clutches.
“You should feel honored, Jana. You’re the gem of my collection. You’re the most beautiful and tempting creature I have encountered anywhere,” he rashly confessed. His smoldering gaze engulfed her beauty and her startled expression.
“Me?” She questioned his incredible statement. “But you claim to have five hundred women on board.”
He laughed as he nodded yes, revealing a beguiling gaze which caused her to flush with warmth. “Does it make you nervous to be ranked as the prize trophy of my assignment?” he teased her.
She was to be sold and used by a stranger! Jana raged at his callous attitude toward her dark future. “You bastard! You sorry excuse for a—”
He frowned as he scolded almost tenderly, “Careful, moonbeam. Your naughty words change nothing.” He didn’t like the fear and aversion in her eyes. His darkened scowl suddenly dissolved into a compelling smile.
Jana struggled to quell the fury which was raging a battle with desire within her. She had foolishly allowed his good looks and charm to befuddle her. He was a tyrant first, an enchanting man second; she must not confuse their order again. Jana’s gaze helplessly traveled his face and body, clad in a snug uniform whose shade intensified the color of his eyes. Nothing could be as dangerous as becoming fascinated with him as a man. Yet how she wished he were like her dream lover…
Jana aimlessly paced to dispel her unruly thoughts. It hadn’t been wise to sit facing him! He stirred so many strange emotions within her: hatred, terror, rage, desire, and another intense one she could not yet name. She felt at odds with herself trying to comprehend and control all these feelings. Hot tears coursed down her warm cheeks as she berated herself for cowardice and fear. She felt helpless. Jana called, “I’ll be back in a minute,” then hurried into the bathroom for privacy to vent her torment.
Varian let her go, knowing the brunt of his news had ripped into her heart. But why was he so moved by her anguish? Why didn’t he reveal her fate and leave her alone? Why hadn’t he sent Martella to carry out this unpleasant task? He leaned back to await her return. If anyone needed him, Kyle knew where he could be found.
Jana sank to the cool tile floor in despair. She lay her head on her folded arms upon the vanity chair. She was doomed. Tears and pain came to her as she thought about her shattered life and lost friends. But why me? One look at him and his crew and thousands of women would have volunteered to go home with them! Never go home. She moaned as if in physical pain. She wept for the loss of her home, friends, and world. She cried for the loss of her identity and freedom, elements which slavery would surely deny. She wept for the torment she would endure, for she knew accepting this new existence would be difficult, if not impossible.
“Jana, do you want to finish our talk later?” he asked, unsettled to see how deeply she was suffering.
His intrusion on her grief stopped her tears. She requested a moment to freshen up. She wished he had not seen her in such a weakened state. She must repair her appearance and let him finish his say. To battle him would provoke a long and more painful meeting.
“I’ll be waiting,” he stated in a pleasant tone.
Within minutes Jana returned. Before she could pass by him, Varian grasped her hand and seated her reluctantly beside him on the sofa. She sat rigid, facing straight ahead. Her aquamarine eyes revealed her inner sadness, her rosy cheeks displayed the strength of her emotions.
His next statement shocked her out of her pensive mood. “It would prove pleasant and beneficial if we were friends instead of foes, Jana. We will be working and living very closely for many weeks. Perhaps a truce?”
Jana jerked her head in his direction and glared at him in disbelief. “Friends? Us?” she taunted sarcastically. “It’s utterly impossible!”
“What do you have to gain by being hostile?” he reasoned gently. “I don’t want this change to be any harder on you than necessary. I want you to be happy. There’s no reason to quarrel or battle all the way home.”
“It is your home, not mine, Commander Saar. Become friends with the ruthless tyrant who kidnapped and enslaved me? It’s totally absurd and insane!” Her eyes glittered with contempt when he chuckled at her words.
Hoping to clarify his character in her mind, she said, “I offered you millions of dollars for my release. Surely you cannot hope to receive more than that for my sale? Why did you refuse?” Jana quivered with alarm as she wondered whose slave she would become. Why sell the “most beautiful and tempting” female he had “ever encountered, anywhere” to another man? She eyed him critically.
“Use that superior brain of yours, Jana,” he softly admonished her, guessing her line of thought from her revealing gaze. “What value does your paper money have to me? Besides, I couldn’t leave you behind, now could I? To have ignored such rare beauty would surely have been more criminal than my wicked actions,” he purred in a lazy, sexy drawl. His sapphire eyes glimmered with an unreadable, disquieting light.
She ignored his last two statements without realizing he had spoken the truth. Her eyes flickered with enlightenment at his first words. “That’s why you easily refused so much money. I thought it was because you—”
“You thought what?” he prompted, his curiosity piqued.
“You were super rich.”
“I am.” He hid his disappointment when she did not say, Because you wanted me. Kahala help him because he did! His ruse to feign an attraction to her to entice Ryker’s attention had a peril which he had overlooked: she was nearly irresistible. He had assumed he could use her in his scheme without creating a romantic bond between them. Now, he wanted her, and it appeared she wanted him. He had told Martella he would behave badly to prevent Jana from falling in love with him, but did he want to carry out that promise? If he allowed this attraction to strengthen, eventually she would be hurt. Besides, these interrelated missions were hazardous enough without complicating them with a real obsession for her!
She focused curious eyes on him. “Then why all this?”
“I’m a Star Fleet officer, Jana. I have a duty to my Alliance Force and Supreme Council. The plague,” he gently reminded her. Their eyes met. He laid his arm across the top of the sofa and watched her intently.
An idea came to Jana’s mind. “Is there any way I can earn my freedom since my money has no value to you?” She missed the astonished look which lit his eyes when he misconstrued her question and meaning.
“Are you so desperate to avoid the pampered life of an elite charl that you would offer yourself to your captor?” he asked in astonishment. Would the Council chastise him for taking this woman as a temporary mistress, if he dared to lie and claim it was part of this trap for Ryker? He instantly scolded himself. He could not do that to himself, his government, or to Jana! Far worse was the suspicion that he would be unable to part with her afterward, and if he didn’t defeat Ryker, Jana would be in mortal danger from that evil bastard.
She gasped, “You thought I—Never! I was referring to work, not whoredom!” she finished in heated anger.
He chuckled to hide his feelings. “A natural mistake. After all, what else could you do aboard a ship of mostly men to earn such a large amount of money?” As he spoke, he twirled a lock of her silky hair around his finger.
She pulled it from his feather-light grasp and snapped, “I could work as Tristan’s assistant,” she informed him. “He said he needed help.”
“You could what?” he asked, wondering what those two had connived during their brief contact in sick bay.
“I can learn everything about your world. Tristan believes I have the skill and competence. Ask him!” she boldly challenged.
At a loss for an appropriate answer, he taunted, “So now it’s Tristan, is it? First Kyle, now Tristan. You do work fast, don’t you? Who’s next?”
She rose in anger. “You don’t believe I can do it, do you?”
“I’m well aware of your great capabilities, Jana. I probably know you better than you know yourself.”
“Then why do you continue to harass me?” she asked.
“Perhaps because I love to see flames dance and sparkle in those caritrary eyes when you’re very angry,” he murmured huskily.
“Caritrary?” she questioned, enchanted by his magical gaze.
“It’s a precious gem found on the planet Caguas. It’s a fusion of green, blue, and lavender. It changes color according to heat and light. It’s rare and valuable, like you. I’ve never seen anyone with eyes this color.” He caressed the area just below her left eye as he mentally sank into those colorful pools.
“I’m rare and valuable?” she inquired, unable to quell her feminine curiosity and vanity. She was lost in the depths of his bewitching eyes.
He smiled, then shook his head to regain control of his wits. “Take my word for it. I’m considered a connoisseur, as you will no doubt learn.”
She unthinkingly concurred, “I’m quite certain you are.” They stared into each other’s eyes for a long time. “I take it you aren’t married?”
His hand reached out again to caress her cheek. For a heart-stopping moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. She secretly and unexplainably wished he would. But he did not, nor did he answer her last question.
Jana shook her head to clear her crazy thoughts. He was most disarming. “Do you ever take men as slaves?”
“When we first allowed alien societies to enter our world, it nearly proved fatal to some of our outlying planets when a dissident male scientist created the virus which devastated my world by killing off so many women. He did it intentionally: no women equal no offspring and eventual death to an entire race. Thankfully he failed. Never again will we be so foolish, trusting, or kindhearted. Tris should have known better than to suggest you could work with him; the Council would never allow it.”
She listened, trying to puzzle out this strange and complex man. His moods were hard to fathom. If the situation were different, she would think him overwhelmingly appealing. He put every man she had ever met to shame. “So that’s why you’re afraid to let me work in Dr. Zarcoff’s lab. If you know me as well as you claim, surely you realize I would never do such an evil thing, in spite of your abduction of me.”
Varian observed the way her gaze roved his features and frame. Her darkened eyes and parted lips left no doubts as to her train of thought. He dismissed the temptation to point this out to her or to take advantage of it. She was most assuredly unaware of her own thoughts and actions. “Do I look like a man who fears anyone or anything?” he probed, and she shook her head.
Varian had leaned toward her and was smiling. His fingertip playfully traveled down the bridge of her nose and teased around and then over her satiny lips as he said, “Don’t worry about being bored, Dr. Greyson. You’ll have plenty of studies to occupy your time and energies. You’re already two days behind your group.” He lifted a curl and tickled her nose and chin with it. “Perhaps you prefer my private tutoring?”
Spellbound, Jana smiled and she could not resist lifting her hand to caress his compelling face. The contact between them was intoxicating, as was his intense gaze. Her fingers roamed his striking features, but it was his mouth which enthralled her. Unable to stop herself as in her two dreams, her hand slipped around his neck and’drew his head downward. The moment their mouths met they embraced and kissed feverishly. What little control she had retained during the last few minutes was lost. Several long kisses ensued. When his lips trailed to her ear, she murmured dreamily, “I knew you couldn’t be evil. I knew you couldn’t sell me.”
Varian realized his error and stiffened. At last he spoke to dispel the heated aura surrounding them, an aura of intense passion which was rapidly becoming very uncomfortable and alarming to him. “Perhaps I had better set the record straight, Jana. All charls are off limits. No one has permission to touch you in any way. To do so is a violation of my strictest orders. Be careful how you behave around my men. I wouldn’t want you tempting them like you just did me. From your surveillance tapes before your capture, I hadn’t noticed you were a seductress. I won’t make that mistake again. Do you understand me?”
Recovering her wits and poise, Jana’s face flushed red. “Pardon me if I misunderstood your provocative behavior, Commander Saar. It seemed as if you were the one enticing me. You, sir, are most contradictory.”
He cautioned, “Watch yourself, Jana. My crew members are normally loyal and wise, but you are a very tempting female. Women often do vengeful things without ever stopping to think of their tragic consequences.” His tone was almost accusatory and most insulting.
“I don’t care to be a temptation to any of your men,” she retaliated, then added, “Nor to you, sir.” He chuckled humorously, his blue eyes taunting her. “Tyrants, roguish criminals, and evil kidnappers have never held any interest for me, so you need not fear my temptation or advances!” she vowed, her own eyes filled with fiery, dancing lights.
His chest rumbled with amused laughter. “You don’t say? Tell me, Jana, you honestly don’t find me the least bit tempting and attractive, not even when you kissed me moments ago or when you flirted with me while you were dazed in sick bay?”
She shielded her guilty gaze with lowered lashes. “Those were mistakes. How could I possibly find a man like you the least bit tempting or alluring?”
“You forgot attractive and charming, didn’t you? Tyrant and rogue, am I?” he jested. He shoved the straying lock of hair from his forehead.
“I find gentlemen with manners more appealing than barbaric rogues!”
“Like your Alex?” Varian taunted mischievously. “I know everything about you. Forget him, my love. It’s unwise and futile to pine for a lost lover, especially one as unreachable and unworthy as your Alex McKenzie.”
“He isn’t my Alex, and I am not your love!” she snapped sharply, oblivious to the cause of her sudden fury: that potently enticing aura of his.
“And that distresses you, little moonbeam? Is that why you asked if I was married? Is that why you were trying to bewitch me?”
“You egotistical, asinine rogue! You must think every woman you meet will be struck dumb and speechless by your fantastic looks and abundant charms! Don’t hold your breath where I’m concerned, Commander! I find you totally disgusting and repulsive! I pray you won’t be tempted to keep your gem, your prized trophy! I would just as soon be enslaved to some vile demon as to a bastard like you.”
Varian captured her face between his hands and forced her to look at him while he responded deceitfully. “There are those who vow I pass for a devil. An experiment can be arranged to test the validity of your claim. I know several men who can truly qualify as the vile demons. Would you care to discover if you prefer their company over mine, little moonbeam?”
It was foolish of her to taunt him with her very existence. He was not a man to challenge or call a bluff of this magnitude. She promptly backed down. “I’m sorry. I spoke rashly and stupidly. Please don’t—” Tears filled her terrified eyes. Had she pushed him too far?
Varian was flooded with unexpected pangs of tenderness and remorse toward her. He gazed into her frightened eyes and said, “I was only teasing, Jana. I’m sorry; that wasn’t kind or fair. I have no intentions of destroying a lovely flower in such a brutal and unforgivable manner, not even to prove to you I have the power to do so. However, I might be tempted to do so if you pull another stunt like you did yesterday,” he warned in a light tone as he held up his bruised hand. “Try not to brand me again.”
She pinkened, but vowed softly, “I promise…”
“Then we understand each other?” he inquired. She nodded yes with doubtful eyes. “Any questions or comments?” he probed.
“None that would change anything,” she murmured.
“There will be another conference at five o’clock, in two hours.”
“Is friendship among the captives off limits too?”
“Not if it doesn’t interfere with your training. You might be helpful with some of the others,” he remarked mysteriously, then threw her a husky “See you later” and a devastating half smile. He grinned as he left, having noticed the way she had flushed red.
Jana glanced at the camera; no red light or response to her call. She checked the servo for a meal. Perhaps her guard would return soon. Minutes later Jana was almost dozing in a bubble bath when the door swished open and Varian entered. Jana squealed and sank to her chin in the concealing water. She stared furiously at him.
Varian set a tray by the tub, hunkered down, and grinned roguishly. “I recalled you hadn’t eaten and didn’t have your monitor on. See you later.”
Jana watched him depart without a backward glance. Would that man never cease to amaze and confound her! As she ate, Jana bathed, then dressed in a pink silk dirndl whose soft hue complemented her tanned complexion and sunny hair. After she had completed her makeup and fixed her hair, she turned from side to side to view herself. The midcalf-length dress revealed slender and shapely ankles. She quickly finished her grooming by dabbing on a hint of subtle fragrance here and there.
Her captor’s handsome image stayed in her mind as she recalled his many compliments. If she had to become a charl, why not Varian Saar’s! There were similarities in their backgrounds and stations. If she must live and mate with an alien male and bear his children, who better than that virile and intoxicating man! Jana finished dressing just in time. The signal was given. Another moment of truth had finally arrived.