When his daughter hesitated and looked worried, Varian asked again, “Who is it, Amaya? What evidence do you have?”
“No proof, Father, just suspicions; and you aren’t going to like them.”
“I’ve never known you to be wrong before.”
“I wish—and hope—I am this time, but I doubt it; and Jason agrees. Since our villite knows our actions and secrets, he must have a traitor or a clever spy among us. It has to be someone with access to security codes and procedures and prior knowledge of our plans, someone who would have a means to send out undetectable reports. It’s Renah Dhobi, Father.”
Varian gaped at Amaya, then Jason, then Amaya again. “What?”
“We believe it’s Renah. We’ve studied the files and dates, and it all makes sense. Officer Fein was killed in an alleged accident just after her old ship was decommissioned because too many ‘accidents’ rendered it too expensive to repair. Those incidents landed Renah on the Galactic Wind just before the first episode occurred on Darkar with your replica, that followed her visit there with my brother. I think she must have learned the shield lowering and complex entry codes that day and passed them to her leader who used them and your duplicate to raid Trilabs.”
Amaya spoke slowly and clearly. “She ensnared Galen from the start, for the purpose of eliciting information during … private moments. Perhaps the villite gave her a formula with which to enchant Galen, as Shara Triloni did to my grandfather long ago and wreaked havoc in our world and family. Renah has contact with you—Supreme Commander of our forces—Mother—one of our chief researchers, especially on the virus project. Those connections provide her with the means to sneak information from both of you, or from Galen after his visits with the two of you. She has access to undetectable communications from Security Control aboard the ship, so she can pass along our secrets without us knowing. She suddenly appeared in Maffei four years ago after the Space Rover mysteriously was lost; that left us no way to challenge her identity claims, except by DNA tests, which she must assume we would never attempt since she’s become almost part of our family. Because of the high position she’s obtained in Star Fleet and on the Galactic Wind and with Galen, she’s been involved with the events on Caguas, Zandia, Balfae, Mailiorca, Zamarra, and Rigel: privy to our thoughts and actions before, during, and after those assaults. An attack occurs at Star Base as soon as she returns and learns about the new code.”
So far, Varian could not argue her points.
“Renah leaves for Earth to supposedly help seek clues about our virus, and the research complex is destroyed so no comparisons are possible. When she’s sent to help defeat the nefariants on Balfae, they kill themselves before our forces can reach them, as if they knew our team was approaching. And remember she knew about the toxic fungi which doesn’t exist in our galaxy. I know she’s appeared to help our side on numerous occasions, but we believe those were tricks to conceal her true identity and role. Also, she had no choice but to participate or risk exposure. And what better ways to win our trust and to earn an accepted place among us? Think about what she’s done, where she’s been, and what she’s had access to since she entered our lives and world. Jason and I have watched her carefully since meeting her on the voyage home; there is something about her that makes us uneasy.”
Amaya placed her arm around his shoulder. “With two simple and quick tests, we can make certain. Blood and tissue samples will reveal her race, be it Maffeian or not; and will prove if she is the Dhobis’ child, as their medical histories are on file. Interrogation with Mother’s new truth serum will compel her to answer any and all of our questions; Rendelar will not protect her from its power.”
“Do you realize what you’re asking of me, Amaya? If she is innocent, Renah will hate us; she will reject Galen. My son, your brother, will never forgive us for suspecting and interrogating her. Renah, our spy …”
“If I did not believe this with all my heart and mind and the survival of our world was not at stake, Father, I would hold silent until I gathered hard evidence. There is no time left to do so; victory demands swift and desperate actions. You asked me and Jason to search for the truth and we think we’ve found it, but speed is crucial. If Renah learns we suspect her, she could panic and vanish. Only you and the Kadim have the authority to issue the order needed to judge her. I realize this is hard for you to believe and accept, as you have known Renah longer than we have. Perhaps she found herself in a trap from which she could not escape after being given this wicked assignment. Perhaps she didn’t know the extent of their plot. Perhaps she truly loves Galen and has tried to help us without her leader’s awareness, or ours. We will not learn her motives or his until she is questioned. I know you can’t make a swift decision, so think about it. Can I bring you anything to drink?” After her father shook his head, Amaya went to the servo to obtain refreshing liquids for herself and Jason.
Varian almost leapt from his chair and stalked to the transascreen to stare outside as he deliberated the stunning news and pondered how to handle it. If Amaya was right, this plot went into motion years ago. But how could sweet and gentle and intelligent Renah be a part of such monstrous evil? He hated to imagine the repercussions if he agreed to interrogation and she was innocent; or worse, if she were guilty. That reality would crush Galen, and it would torment Jana. Yet Amaya and Jason were right: the survival of their world and people were at stake. He couldn’t forget how Renah had behaved oddly on certain occasions, such as avoiding public commendations and wanting vital ideas to appear as Galen’s or remain a secret. She had entered their lives just before chaos broke loose, and she was in the midst of most episodes. She possessed all of the information the villite needed for his strikes against them, and she had the perfect means and opportunities to pass along new facts. As incredible as it seemed, it all made sense. Though his choice was hard, Supreme Commander Varian Saar made the only one possible.
Kahala help you, Renah Dhobi—or whoever you are-if you have used and betrayed my son’s love and aided our enemy in this vicious threat.
Varian turned and looked at his daughter and her future mate. They were holding hands and patiently awaiting his difficult decision. He knew, as Amaya’s father and superior, she would obey his order. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “I’m proud of you two; you did a superior and swift job. Bring Renah to your mother’s laboratory as quickly and quietly as possible, and if you can, without Galen’s knowledge. They’re staying at Pandar Tower and might be together this moment. If so, trick her away from him. I’ll meet you at the lab so we can carry out this matter before the day ends.”
“I’m sorry I had to be the one to deliver such bad news, Father.”
“I know, Amaya. But if you’re right, only you could have guessed it. Renah has gotten too close to us for us to suspect her of such treachery. I pray. it isn’t true, but somehow I fear it is.”
An unsuspecting Renah headed for Jana’s laboratory with Amaya and Jason. “Galen will wonder where I am when he finishes his shower,” Renah worried. “Perhaps I should have left him a message with yours.”
“That would spoil the big surprise we’re planning for him,” Amaya said with a light laugh. “Mother and Father are waiting for us. After we finish, we’ll summon him immediately. This won’t take long. Do you miss him already? I know I miss Jason every preon he isn’t with me.”
Renah sat beside Amaya in the bubblelike tube taking them toward the research complex. “He’s such an important part of my life; I can’t imagine one without him in it.”
Renah glanced at the scenery they passed but didn’t really notice it. Her mind was in a turmoil because she had made a difficult decision. Tomorrow she must confess the truth to Galen and take her punishment, as she could no longer play her deceitful and wicked role. As soon as they were aboard the Galactic Wind, she would send that shocking news to her parents and give them time to escape with their lives. Then she would expose herself to Galen so he could halt this madness she had helped create. One last night with you, my love. “Yes, it would be agony; but sometimes we suffer terrible losses from events beyond our control.”
Amaya perceived the anguish in Renah’s voice, but she had a duty to perform. “You mean, like the tragic accident that took away your parents?”
“Life can be short and cruel at the moment one least expects defeat.”
Amaya gave the girl’s hand a gentle squeeze to disarm her. “Don’t worry, Renah; you have a wonderful life ahead with Galen. He loves you more than anyone, including his family; that’s how true love should be.”
Renah gazed into Amaya’s eyes, ones whose color matched Galen’s. The resemblance between the twins was strong and compelling. “Does he?”
Amaya responded with undoubtable honesty. “Yes, Renah, I swear. He’s never loved and will never love anyone as he loves you.” She noticed how her words caused the other woman’s eyes to mist in odd sadness, and she could not deny the truth and sincerity of Renah’s reply.
“I have never loved and will never love anyone as I love him. I will do whatever I must to make certain he is never harmed.”
The automated transportation vehicle halted and the clear side panel opened for them to depart. Jason stepped from the seat behind them, then assisted the two women. They passed through tight security at the entrance and on the second level. They approached Jana’s laboratory and pressed the call button. The door swished open and they went inside; Amaya kept talking to distract Renah. Just as it was closing, Renah, Amaya, and Jason were seized by strangers. Others held Jana and Varian captive nearby. A man came forward and placed an infusion device against Renah’s bare arm. A soft hissing sound was heard as a drug was injected into her flesh.
Before Renah could resist or argue, she was completely dazed. The last thing she remembered was the man stepping to Amaya to do the same, or so she thought as blackness claimed her mind and weakness her body.
The android caught Renah before she collapsed to the floor; he placed her on an examination table as ordered.
“Prepare her for questioning and do your other tests while I return these units and erase their memory banks,” Varian said. “After we’re finished and she awakens, she won’t have any recall of this being a trick. If she’s innocent, we’ll say we were attacked by enemies, resisted after she was unconscious, and the enemy self-destructed as usual. If she’s innocent, no one will know the truth of what happened here except the four of us. For Galen’s sake, that’s necessary. I’ll return soon.”
Jana, Amaya, and Jason gathered around the table.
Jana looked at her daughter. “Are you sure, Amaya?” she asked.
“Yes, Mother, I am.”
“Then we have no choice. I’ll get started on the tests. Turn on the tape machine so everything will be recorded for Galen to watch later.”
Amaya obeyed, and Jana rolled a medical apparatus to the table. She lifted Renah’s arm and inserted it into a circular band. She set the controls to draw blood and to take a tissue sample. The automated instrument began its painless tasks after sterilizing the areas involved. When a buzzer sounded, Jana removed the tube and microscopic slide, walked to another unit, and inserted them in separate slots. She programmed it to analyze her entries and to compare the date with the Dhobis’ records, then waited for the results in silence and dread.
Amaya and Jason stood nearby without talking. Neither could decide if they should pray for positive or negative answers. Renah’s innocence would be wonderful, but guilt would supply them with the means to unmask and defeat their enemy. Jason slipped his arm around Amaya’s waist and drew her close; she rested her head against his chest and quivered in suspense.
Jana’s gaze roamed the serene face of the unconscious girl as their past visits and talks filled her mind. She thought of the anguish her son would endure after Renah was exposed to him, and her heart went out to him as if he already knew the harsh truth. She feared her son would never be the same after this devastating episode. She recalled how she had felt when she believed for a time that Varian had betrayed her; those events long ago almost had ripped out her soul, and they had caused great sufferings and her near death at the hands of his half brother. Only Ryker’s demise and Varian’s love had freed her from that dark and perilous trap which a vengeful woman had dug for her. She and Varian had confronted and thwarted evil, hatred, greed, and revenge; they had escaped lethal enemies and their deadly snares several times. Could Renah have a justifiable motive, as Varian had had years ago?
As the medical analyzer indicated completion of its studies, Amaya replied, “We’ll know the truth very soon. Check the blood and tissue readouts.”
Jana did so with visible reluctance. She stared at the results on the screen, then glanced at her daughter in confusion and sadness.
“What is it, Mother? Are we wrong?”
Varian returned as their daughter asked that question and joined his wife at the testing unit, as did Amaya and Jason. “What is it, moonbeam? Have we made a terrible mistake or discovered a much needed fact?”
Jana’s astonished gaze locked on Varian’s entreating one. “She isn’t the Dhobis’ child; it’s medically impossible. She’s part Maffeian and …”
“What else?” her anxious husband coaxed.
“Part Pyropean,” Jana murmured just above a whisper.
“Pyropean?” Amaya and Varian echoed together.
“Are you certain?” Varian asked in surprise.
“Positive, my love; there is no error.”
Amaya reasoned, “Why would the Pyropean Federation attack us? We have a treaty with them. Auken Leumi is a good man and wise ruler. He wouldn’t dare challenge us.”
Jana said, “Perhaps he isn’t part of the plot and threat, Amaya.”
“Your mother’s right. Give her the truth serum, moonbeam, and let’s hear who’s responsible and why.”
She glanced toward the monitor and spoke as if her son were there to hear her words. “I’m sorry, Galen, but our world is in grave jeopardy and we must do this deed.”
“He’ll understand, moonbeam; we can’t let our people suffer and die, even to spare our son from grief. Continue.”
Jana infused the new serum into Renah’s vein. “She’s ready.”
Varian leaned over the prone female. “What is your name?” he asked.
In a soft voice, she responded, “Renah Tabriz.”
Varian and Jana gaped at each other across the table.
Jason and Amaya exchanged quizzical looks.
“Who are your parents, Renah?” Supreme Commander Saar asked.
“Prince Taemin Tabriz and Canissia Garthon Tabriz.”
Varian and Jana stared at each other in disbelief and shock.
“That’s impossible, Renah: Canissia Garthon is dead; she was killed in an accident long ago. How could you be her daughter?”
“She is alive. She was rescued before the ship exploded.”
“How? By whom?”
“By Yakir, Raz of Seri, a galaxy beyond Androas. His scientists were testing a long-range teleporter beam to use during emergencies for rescues when it was impossible for their ships to reach an endangered vessel in time to save its crew and cargo. They reasoned that if the process failed, she would be dead anyway, so they were not risking her life. It succeeded and she took refuge with Yakir in the Serian Empire. They became close friends.”
Cass alive and plotting revenge for all these years … “How did Taemin join up with her and become your father?”
“Mother begged Yakir to search for him in exile and to reunite them. Yakir complied. They became mates, and I was born to them.”
Varian looked at Jana, who was pale and shaken by this news. It was as if two enemies had arisen from the dead to torment them again. Both had tried to slay them in the past and both had failed. Now they had returned. “Why were you sent to Maffei?” he began his questioning. “What happened to the Space Rover?”
“I came here to help obtain justice and retribution for crimes against my parents. The Space Rover was destroyed after its files were stolen for my training and to establish and protect my stolen identity. I was told her crew was taken to a planet in Seri to live in captive freedom by Yakir’s command.”
“Do you mean, training to become Renah Dhobi?”
“Yes.”
“Was there a real Renah Dhobi aboard?”
“No, but that was never reported to the Maffeians.
“Is Renah your real name?”
“Yes. In Serian it means Seed of Beauty. Yakir named me.”
“Why are you helping your parents in this vicious plot against us?”
“I love them. I do not want them slain. I was taught from birth to hate the Saars, their friends, and the Maffeians. I was trained to help them acquire justice and retribution for crimes committed against them.”
“What crimes?”
“For the destruction of my grandfather, Councilman Segall Garthon. For bringing about my father’s exile. For using and betraying and trying to murder my mother. For their many sufferings and losses as results of greed and treachery on the part of the Saars and their friends.”
Varian and Jana listened to the many lies Renah had been told, then gazed at each other in shock. They needed more facts.
“How did we destroy your grandfather?”
“He was coerced into leaving the Council to save my mother’s life when Varian Saar threatened it. Grandfather died in shame and sadness.”
“Explain this in more detail, Renah.”
“The Saars, Kadim Trygue, and their friends wanted control of Maffei. Grandfather resisted and battled their desire to take over this galaxy; he stood in their path to victory. To get rid of him, they used my mother to force him to remain silent and to withdraw from the Council. They put Breccia Sard in his place and Varian took command of Alliance forces in Sard’s place. Draco Procyon took Kadim Trygue’s place as ruler after Varian’s grandfather died. Suran took Draco’s place on the Council. They are all friends and traitors who now rule Maffei. Sard helped Varian many times, so they punished him by slaying his son when he could not be reached. Suran’s planet of Zamarra was attacked when he could not be reached. Draco is being proven an unworthy and helpless ruler since he cannot be reached. Other Maffeians are being punished to hurt those who aided my parents’ enemies and who allowed them to remain in power.”
In her drugged state, Renah was compelled to respond in honesty. “My mother tried to gather evidence to expose Maffei’s threat and to vindicate Grandfather; Varian pursued her and attempted to silence her with death by exploding her escape vessel. He also wanted her dead for other reasons. She was to marry him before he went to Earth and found Jana Greyson. Jana was not a temptation to him until many Maffeian males craved her; then he wanted to keep the alien for himself. He could not because of their laws, not until he was able to change them. He pretended to auction her to Draco, and his friend agreed to hold her for him until he could lay legal claim to her. Jana knew of Varian’s lust and greed and evil. She asked Mother to help her escape, and Mother did so. But Varian had found a sly way to get her freed because he would not take a slave as a mate. Kadim Trygue pretended she saved his life and earned her freedom. Mother knew Jana was free, but she wanted Varian to suffer loss and humiliation such as she had endured when he discarded her before everyone.”
Amaya glanced at Jason who was listening intently to the tale.
Renah continued. “Mother took Jana to Ryker Triloni’s planetoid because she knew Varian and his friends could not land there without Ryker’s permission, not even by the Kadim’s order, as Ryker was the only man above his law and reach, and they dared not challenge or offend Ryker. Jana mated with Ryker for protection and spite toward Varian, and Ryker accepted her because he needed an heir and knew Varian was obsessed with her. Mother believes Ryker was murdered so Varian and Jana could mate and could get control of Trilabs. Mother suspects Jana was freed so she could get close to Ryker for those purposes. She said Jana’s price for assistance was abolishment of the charl laws and practice. Jana was to get them Trilabs and mate with Varian in exchange for her freedom and that of all other charls, most of whom were from Earth. Mother realized Jana had tricked her into helping her get rid of Ryker, get control of Trilabs, and take Varian from her. Varian also wanted to get rid of Mother because he realized she knew those evil secrets and would expose them. Varian told Mother he was only using Jana to get what he wanted and needed for himself and his people, but when he bonded to Jana, Mother knew he had lied. She showed me tapes of the bonding plans between Varian and herself, so I knew she spoke the truth.”
Varian and Jana realized which faked announcements she meant.
“Renah, how did we get your father exiled?” “Varian and his side wanted and needed a truce with Jurad and Pyropea, but Father stood in their way because he didn’t trust them and had too much influence over his father and people. They made Prince Taemin appear to be a villite and traitor who was out to kill his father, take over Pyropea, and provoke war with Maffei and perhaps Androas. My parents were friends for years before the real trouble began. He told me of their wicked plans to destroy him and have him banished, since a prince cannot be slain or imprisoned. Their ‘evidence’ was so cunning and strong that Father lost everything he loved. He tried to warn his friend Ryker about their treachery, but Ryker did not believe anyone would dare to challenge him or attempt to slay him. He was wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
“They needed to get rid of Ryker and get control of Trilabs, and they needed a truce with Effecta Maal and Androas. As with my grandfather, father, and their people, Maal Triloni and the Androasians were too influenced by his grandson and heir, and they were nearing intergalactic war with Maffei. Ryker wanted war and conquest as punishments for his mother’s humiliation and betrayal by the first Galen Saar, my Galen’s grandfather. My parents told me how he seduced, promised to wed, and discarded Ryker’s mother for the first Amaya—Kadim Trygue’s daughter. Galen charged that Shara had tricked and drugged him while en route to become Jurad Tabriz’s mate. But Shara had her revenge; she killed Galen and Amaya. My parents say that all Saar men use and betray women to get their wishes, as Varian did with my mother. She said rumor proved the son of Varian was the same, but that is not true of Galen. My parents said Varian and his friends helped Maal’s rival assume control of Androas. By the time Varian and his allies finished their evil work, they said, they controlled Maffei; had truces with Androsia and Pyropea; had gotten rid of Ryker, Maal, my grandfather, and my parents. Now, Varian’s friends and allies are in total control of the Tri-Galaxy, with Varian as the head of all military forces and has them convinced he’s perfect and all powerful.”
“What are their goals, Renah?”
“Those are many: exposure of past crimes and the real villites, justice dispensed to their enemies, vindication of themselves and Grandfather, retribution for their sufferings and losses, and the return of their good names and properties and former status in their worlds.”
“Do they believe such violence and crimes will obtain those goals?”
“Only part of them, but that is acceptable to them.”
“What is the thrust of their plot?”
“In the beginning, it was to expose and punish the Saars, their friends, and Maffeians who allowed their sufferings to occur; to destroy the intergalactic truces and isolate Maffei; to obtain retribution through theft, and to vindicate themselves of past crimes. It changed after I was in place.”
“Changed? How? Why? When?”
“Why, I do not know. When, after I was carrying out my duty to them and had entrapped myself. They did not tell me about the lethal virus. They did not tell me about attacks on the planets. They did not tell me innocents would suffer and die. They did not tell me revenge was their major goal.”
“Why do they use Earthlings as thralls?”
“To hurt Jana Saar, and to turn Maffeians against her and Varian. Also, Raz Yakir would not allow his people to invade another galaxy. He gave them a ship, supplies, weapons, but no forces. They voyaged to earth and collected evil men to enslave and use. I did not know about the females or the virus carriers until a contact alerted me not long ago. I did not know the Earthlings would die.”
Varian continued his interrogation of Renah.
“How does the mind block work?”
“I do not know; it is a creation of the Serians, an advanced race.”
“Is there a cure for either strain of the virus?”
“No. Not unless Doctor Saar and her staff find one.”
“How does their cloaking device work?”
“On a different frequency.”
“We tried another one, so how can that be true?”
“I told them to change it after Amaya Saar suspected the truth.”
“Why did you tell them?”
“So my parents would not be attacked and killed.”
“Are they on the ship now?”
“Yes.”
“Where are they orbiting and striking next?”
“I do not know.”
“Where is their secret base located?”
“I do not know.”
“Was Fein murdered so you could get aboard the Galactic Wind?”
“Yes, but it was supposed to be only a crippling accident.”
“What were the attack plans for Caguas, Zandia, Mailiorca, Zamarra?”
“I was told Caguas and Zandia were for obtaining supplies and money to finance and fuel our forces; I did not know they were to be destroyed. Mailiorcan majee were to be endangered but also not destroyed. I did not know about Zamarra’s threat until it occurred. I did not know about the toxic fungi beds until Galen’s team wandered into them.”
“Was it your mother Jana saw after her head injury?”
“I believe it was. Raz Yakir knows how to shapeshift.”
“Is that how someone impersonated me on Darkar?”
“Yes, my father.”
“Why did Taemin go there?”
“I was told to obtain needed chemicals and weapons, to copy Ryker Triloni’s formulas for reproduction, and to insert a computer virus in that system to render it useless to the Maffeians. The last two objectives were impossible because of safeguards and failsafes.”
“How did your parents get our secret codes and procedures?”
“My mother learned them from her father long ago when he was a member of the Supreme Council before he was destroyed by Varian Saar and his friends. I reported the ones for Darkar and the changes after my return from Earth because I knew they could not breach upgraded security and it would trick them into believing I was not a traitor to them.”
Varian asked her to explain her last words. “I have been secretly giving Galen Saar and his side assistance. I was going to confess everything to him tomorrow so he could halt the plot.” “Why would you confess to Galen?” “Because I love him and cannot let him and his family be harmed. They are good people; perhaps they have changed over the years. Galen’s love and acceptance have changed me. “
“Why haven’t you told Galen the truth?” “At first I believed my parents’ teachings and hated the Saars and their friends who had wronged them. I came to love and desire Galen, and to like and respect his family. I have made other friends and learned many things about Maffei, things which caused me to doubt my parents’ words and motives or to suspect they were mistaken. If I confessed, I feared Galen would hate and destroy me and my parents. I wanted to cease my evil and to escape before he discovered my betrayal, but I had no way to leave Maffei. And I knew if I vanished, I couldn’t continue to aid Galen and protect him. If I abandoned my role, I feared they would do terrible things out of anger. I realized matters were worsening and only I could halt this madness by confessing all to him. I betrayed my parents to aid his cause, but I knew it would not matter to him after he learned the truth about me.”
“Will your parents punish you for your betrayal?” “I do not know, because they are consumed by hatred for the Saars and their friends.”
“What is your deepest desire in this tragic situation?”
“To make it all only a bad dream so I can keep Galen Saar and the existence I have found here, so I can become a part of his family, so this evil will cease to exist, so innocents will suffer and die no more. I wish my parents could forgive and forget and survive.”
“How can you accomplish those goals, Renah?”
“I cannot; it is impossible. To halt this evil plot, I must lose Galen’s love and respect and those of his family. I am doomed. It is too late. I have committed too many crimes.”
“Won’t your good deeds and assistance matter to the Saars?”
“No, for I have misused and betrayed them, and many have died.”
“Would you ally with the Saars against your parents?”
“I cannot help kill my mother and father.”
“But they are wrong and dangerous; they have misused you.”
“Yes, but they are my parents and I love them.”
“Why did you decide to make a confession tomorrow?”
“Because I feared more changes in the original goals. I feared more families of leaders would be slain. I feared more virus would be introduced and spread, and more planets attacked. I feared they would make another attempt on Galen and his mother.”
“What attempt did they make on Galen?”
“They ordered me to infect him with the virus while en route to Earth.”
The Saars and Jason exchanged horrified looks. Jana paled in fear.
“But you didn’t do it, did you?” Varian asked in dread.
“I could not. I love him. I sneaked the vial to him for his mother to use to find a cure. I feared they would try to infect him in another way.”
“Who came up with the idea of the virus? Why?”
“Mother, but Father agreed with her. I don’t know why.”
“When did you learn about the virus? How did it make you feel?”
“After it was spreading. I was angry with them. I was forced to admit they would never give up their goals unless exposed and chased from Maffei. I was going to contact them tomorrow with the news I was confessing to give them time to escape before I did so. Raz Yakir offered them refuge if they wanted to return to Seri after exacting their revenge.”
“How do you contact them?”
“From Security Control on the Galactic Wind; I have a secret code and frequency to use, and transmission on a security device is undetectable. Other times, they sent messengers to me while I was on Rigel.”
“Did you tell them Amaya Saar was on Earth?”
“Not until we were leaving for Earth and I knew they could not beat us there to capture and harm her, which they would have attempted earlier if I had disclosed her location. I could not, though we were strangers then.”
“You don’t know when or where or how they’ll strike next?”
“No.”
“Why did you accept and carry out this mission, Renah?”
“I believed my parents’ words and thought I was right to help them. I was trained from birth for my role and never questioned or defied them.”
“Varian, either I need to give her another infusion or she’ll awaken soon,” Jana said. “Do you have more questions for her?”
“None that I can think of at the moment. Amaya?”
“None, Father; I think you covered everything.”
“Why don’t you summon Galen and view the tape with him?” Jana suggested. “Then you two can decide on a course of action. We must move ahead quickly before they discover her exposure. I would like to awaken Renah and tell her the truth about her parents and the past; she deserves that much for all she’s endured and the help she’s given us.”
“I agree. But I think Galen should hear the truth, too. Sedate her while he watches the tape. Afterward, you can speak with her in the conference room, and Galen can witness it through the observation screen. I think he should hear both sides before he and Renah speak privately.”
“I hate to imagine how this terrible news will affect our son.”
Varian held Jana in his arms for a minute as he murmured, “So do I, moonbeam, but Renah is guilty, no matter her motives.”
“What will happen to her?”
“Only the Kadim can judge her and decree punishment.”
“But Draco doesn’t know her and love her as we do,” Jana pleaded. “She was caught in a trap her parents created with lies and held there by love for them.”
“I know, but Draco is our ruler and she is guilty of many crimes.”
“She’s changed since knowing Galen and us. She’s contrite and she helped us. Will she lose her life or be condemned to a penal colony?”
Varian grimaced. “I don’t know, moonbeam, but both are strong possibilities. We’ll have an answer from Draco before nightfall.”