Part 17 (1/2)

Each time the noises disturbed her slumber, she would remind herself of what they were trying to do and would pray again for success. During lulls of the noise when chemicals were being added and the lasers were cooling, she would nap in spurts and dream of Ryker.

Four days of nerve-wracking and body-wearying work were required until the last largest fragment was shattered into harmless chunks. For many, including Varian, it was days and nights of short naps, swift or no shaves, quick meals, no lovemaking, and rapid changes of clothes.

When the shouts of victory sounded in the Wanderl.u.s.t and over the communications system from other s.h.i.+ps, he was exhausted. Yet, he was ecstatic to know that Jana's world was safe from catastrophe. Surely when she discovered he and not Ryker was the one who had led this Earth-saving mission, she would be grateful to him, and perhaps lenient toward him for his critical ruse. At present, she hugged him and praised him.

Varian leaned over to the communications panel and said to all the men: ”Together we accomplished a great deed. On behalf of me and my wife, thank you for your hard work and cooperation. To the families, friends, and loved ones of the four men and one woman who died on this glorious mission, we extend our sympathies. I think everyone should relax tomorrow before heading to Rigel with victory flags flying high. A celebration would be in order and, I'm sure, appreciated by your crews. Thank you and good night. Ryker Triloni out.”

Varian turned and looked at the officers and crewmembers on the bridge of his s.h.i.+p. He wished his friends, especially Nigel and Tris, were here to celebrate with him and Jana. He smiled and asked, ”Well, is everyone too tired to party tonight?”

Kurtz was put in control of navigation of the s.h.i.+p while almost everyone headed to the appropriate areas for celebration. The officers and two guests entered the Stardust Room, while crewmembers partied in the crew mess hall and rec room. Varian wished everyone could have fun together tonight, but rank was never cast aside for any reason. And in his disguise, he had no authority to change the situation.

Jana liked the elegant setting and allowed her gaze to take in its beauty. The decor was intended to give one the feeling of dining on an open terrace beneath the stars and moonlight. There were scenic outdoor murals on two of the side walls, while the remaining two were of a transparent gla.s.slike material. The ceiling was a retractable panel that could be moved aside to reveal the heavens. Small pin-size bulbs were mounted in such a fas.h.i.+on as to blend unnoticeably with twinkling stars overhead. The remaining fixtures, furniture, and decorations were a careful harmonizing of amber, sky blue, and forest green. Soft music seemed to come from every direction at the same time. Muted laughter and quiet chatter filtered between the dreamy strains. The room was filled with gaiety, excitement, and tranquility-all of which Jana was feeling at that moment in her husband's arms as they swayed to romantic music.

”It's over, it's really over,” Jana murmured. ”Earth is safe. And it's because of you, my husband. How can I ever reward you properly?”

Varian, his wits dulled by fatigue and her nearness, grinned and said, ”I'm sure I can think of a way you can thank me properly, Moonbeam.”

Jana wished he wouldn't call her by Varian's pet name for her, but she didn't chide him, not tonight of all nights. Later, she would ask him to check on what would happen to her people on Anais. ”It's like an early Christmas present for everyone on Earth, a miracle, the miracle of life. Do you know how wonderful you are and how lucky I am?”

”I can say the same thing about you, woman.”

After a few dances and delicious meal, he said, ”If you've partied enough, can we leave? I'm too tired to hold my eyes open another minute.”

Over three weeks later, Jana and the blond alien were standing in the planetarium bubble atop the s.h.i.+p and gazing into s.p.a.ce. After several days of rest and recuperation, Varian had been so relaxed and jubilant that this ruse would be over soon that he had been much too romantically attentive to Jana. Yet, he had promised himself he would not take heragain as his half brother and, hard as it had been, he had kept his word.

Despite that physical denial, Jana had been drawn closer and closer to ”Ryker” and had finally begun to feel as if she had conquered her past with Varian. She leaned against the clear transascreen and gave a dreamy sigh. ”I believe we've come to trust each other enough to say anything within our hearts and minds. Am I right, my husband?” ”Of course you are, love.”

”The past is finally over, Ryker, for both of us. I'm free of Varian, and you said you've taken your last revenge on him. All that stands ahead of us is a happy future. I love you and want you, only you. I believe you feel the same way about me. From this day forth, it's just the two of us.”

Varian's heart almost stopped beating as he heard those alarming words. A sensation akin to sheer terror washed over him when he realized he had carried his Ryker ruse too far. He had planned one last visit to Maal's before arranging Ryker's ”death,” confessing all to Jana, and starting over with her. He realized he could either let her join in on the remaining task or he could go see Maal alone. Either way, he had to tell her the truth before it was too late, if it wasn't already.

”Jana, there's something important I must tell you.” She turned to face him fully and smiled. ”What is it, my love?”

He decided to blurt it out then explain. ”I'm-”

”Prince Ryker, there's an urgent call for you, sir.”

”Urgent?” Varian murmured, then stepped to the panel and said, ”This is Ryker. An urgent message about what and from whom?”

”From Prince Taemin Tabriz,” Chem replied.' ”He says it's important.”

Varian glanced at Jana in confusion as he asked, ”He asked for me?”

”Yes, sir.”

”How did he know I was aboard?”

”I don't know, sir. Shall I put him through?”

”I'll take it in Commander Saar's quarters. Tell him to stand by until I get there,” Varian told him, as the line on his desk was protected in case Chem thought he should listen in on the odd communication.

”I'll tell him, sir.”

Varian looked at Jana. ”Wait for me here; I won't be long.”

”How would Taemin know you're here?” Jana asked in confusion.

”Grandfather must have told him to prevent an attack on us or to boast about me taking Varian's place and his s.h.i.+p. I'll see what he wants from me.”

The blond was gone before she could ask why he couldn't take the message in front of her or why he wanted to be alone when he heard it.

When Varian finished talking, with Taemin, he summoned Martella to his quarters and explained the astonis.h.i.+ng situation.

”You can't do this, Varian! It's too dangerous. Ryker didn't make any plans like these with Taemin; you came up with the idea of taking your place on this mission. How did he get such information?”

”Maal has to be behind it.”

”Are you certain you have Ryker's grandfather fooled?”

”Positive. And Ca.s.s's s.h.i.+p is under surveillance at Zenufia. It has been since shortly after she gave our shadows the slip.”

”Canissia is cunning and daring. Don't underestimate her evil.”

”With Moonwind's type of system, any message from Ca.s.s to Taemin would have been detected by our sensors. At first, I suspected Taemin was removing us from danger before attacking the group, but I doubt that's his motive with those chemical lasers mounted on our s.h.i.+ps. Taemin said he had something vital concerning both of us to discuss with me. He refused to give any clues over the air. It could be a revelation of an imminent or future attack on Maffei. He did say he had a foolproof way to get rid of my 'worst rival and his only kin.' How can I protect Grandfather and myself if I don't learn where those threats will rear their ugly heads? Imagine what I can accomplish, Martella. I have to go and discover what he's up to. I'll get him in a talkative mood that will supply information about his past or future plots. It'll give us leverage against him and the Pyropeans when treaty time comes. We need that truce badly or Taemin will keep things stirred up. If he isn't stopped or weakened, he'll find a way to use Ryker's death to his advantage. I would be stupid to pa.s.s up this chance to get evidence on them and to coax them toward a truce. You report to Grandfather and Brec, and tell them not to worry about us.”

”Us? You really are taking Jana with you?” As he nodded, she reasoned, ”That isn't wise or safe. For many reasons, Varian. Including the fact that this will stall your confession to her. You were going to tell her everything after a final visit to Maal to show him you returned safely and to impress our strength on him. You know that must be done; Maal is sure to have the same suspicions Jana had. Another delay has me worried. This ruse is taking too long.”

”I'm worried, too. Talk about sorry timing, I was about to begin my confession when this cursed call came in, but I only got one word out of my mouth. As soon as we leave the Tabrizes, I'll tell her everything. If she doesn't understand and won't aid my final ruse with Maal, I'll go there alone while Nigel keeps Jana on Darkar. I can't confess the truth tonight, not with her heading into Taemin's perceptive presence. She believes I'm Ryker and she's half in love with him. Her behavior will help dupe Taemin. Between our new marriage and her beauty, that devious prince should be distracted enough not to guess it's me. If I told Jana the truth, her reaction would surely expose us because she wouldn't have time to adjust to my confession. And I certainly can't tell her then leave her captive on this s.h.i.+p. Kahala help us for the unmerciful demands this is making on me and Jana for intergalactic peace!”

”Are you sure you know what you're doing, Varian? Please refuse. She could make a slip and endanger both of you.”

”d.a.m.n the stars, I have her completely fooled, and that scares me, Martella. Right now, I have her closer to him and more in love with him than with me. But how could I logically explain coming to Cenza alone and not bringing her when she's aboard? Ryker promised Jurad a visit weeks ago. If I don't accept, I might not get another chance with them as Ryker. I must halt Taemin's threat and power. If his s.h.i.+p wasn't nearby, I would have said we'd visit later. As much as I hate to take her there, it would seem too strange to leave her on the Wanderl.u.s.t with a Maffei crew and heading for Star Base where Varian is supposed to be. If that lookalike cyborg was used a few times at a safe distance as we decided, everyone should believe I never left Rigel and Altair. As soon as we're gone, inform Nigel about this predicament and tell him to place the other s.h.i.+ps on alert status. Tell him to keep an eye and ear open enroute and at Taemin's, in case anything goes wrong and we need help.”

”How could you get a message to him if problems or dangers arise?”

”I'll find a way; I always manage to get myself out of trouble.”

”This time, you'll have Jana as an additional complication. If she's in peril, it could cost you your lives. I'll make sure Nigel doesn't lose contact with you two. I just have a terrible feeling about this situation.”

”You can distract yourself from worry by handling that other matter. You and Tris take care of the return home of the Earthlings on Anais. While I'm gone, send everybody back except Andrea McKay. Take her to Darkar with you. Before Jana and I arrive there, she'll be told the truth, all of it. Maybe knowing her best friend is safe and awaiting her will soften her heart toward me. Use those mind implants and none of the Earthlings will remember their misadventure. And don't forget to embed those medical cures in Dr. Martin's mind. We can share that much with them.”

”What did Prince Taemin want?” Jana asked. ”Your talk took so long.”

”To extend an invitation for us to make an official visit to Cenza. Our s.h.i.+p was picked up on their tracking system and he knew we were aboard. It seems Grandfather boasted of my action to him and warned off any attack on the fleet by letting Taemin know we're aboard. He has a s.h.i.+p waiting nearby for us. After our visit, he'll have an escort take us home; the Wanderl.u.s.t and others will continue on to Star Base.”

”You accepted? We're leaving with his men?”