Varian glared at Taemin. "How dare you two plot against me and my wife! I suggest you and Ca.s.s watch yourselves carefully, and don't either of you expect to make any future purchases from me. If the Moonwind or any Pyropean ship comes near Darkar, it will be attacked and destroyed by my automatic defense system. And tell Ca.s.s that if I ever see her devious face again, I'll remove whatever remains of her beauty with acid. If either of you try another trick, I'll play a few videotapes from my private collection across the Tri-Galaxy. I doubt you or Ca.s.s want certain, if any, people to hear and view you while revealing your dirty and dangerous secrets."

"Explain your meaning, Prince Ryker," Jurad demanded.

"I'll leave that up to your loyal son, for now. Remember my warning and hear me well, Taemin, harm Jana or me and you're dead. To you, Jurad, watch your son with keen eyes. Prince Ryker Triloni signing off."

Jurad locked his gaze on his son's face. "What did he mean, Taemin?"

"I do not know, Father. Perhaps he has become as mad as his mother was at the end. Since he met that Earthling temptress, he has changed. He fears some man will steal her from him, so he sees evil spirits and threats where none exist. Because of a wild delusion, he has made peace with his half brother and Maffei. I do not know how Varian and the Alliance accomplished such cunning deceit to turn Ryker against us, but it has worked, for the present. The day will come when Ryker learns it is we who are his true friends and allies. Be patient, Father, and trust me."

"What of the Garthon woman? Perhaps the treachery was her doing."

Taemin had speculated on that idea himself and did so again for a moment. He knew now he should never have allowed Canissia to convince him of such a crazy tale. Even if Ryker and Varian were near-twins and Ryker's treasured wife was Varian's cherished ex-lover, it was reckless for the Maffeian starship commander to kill the Androasian prince. After seeing them together while shaking hands and talking on the viewer live and before many witnesses, he concluded that an impersonation ruse was impossible. Taemin finally answered Jurad's question. "If it was her doing, Father, I will find out soon. And if it was intentional deceit, I will slay her."

Enroute to Tartarus in Androas, Jana remarked, "At least your cyborg trick duped Taemin like it duped me on Auriga. Whatever you said or did to cause Canissia to doubt you, he has to be convinced she was mistaken."

"With luck, those two are at each other's throats and will stay out of our way. That will give us time to finish our tasks with Maal and on Darkar."

"If you take all the secrets from Trilabs, what value will it be to me?" Jana asked. "With it, I have the wealth, power, products, and knowledge to help my people on Earth."

"That isn't possible, Jana. The products are from plants, minerals, and animals located here, not on your world. Those formulas would be useless to your people."

"Not if I make them here and transport them there. I can afford it."

"And create an imbalance of power on your planet? For your country to have such things would entice attacks from others, those called terrorists, to steal or take them from America. Advancement and progress on any world must come at its own rate, by its own hands, from its own caring. Can't you imagine the fears you would evoke by revealing our existence? Your bargain with me was for a limited supply of knowledge, not for the continual feeding of it to your people. That would create chaos."

"Are you sure you trust me to carry out my end of the bargain? Have you forgotten I have just cause to betray you and seek revenge?"

"If you toss me away, Moonbeam, you will miss me and my love. Where would you ever find another love as perfect as ours? Find a man who loves you and needs you as I do? You're too intelligent and tenderhearted to throw away what we have. You could never love or respond to another man as you do with me. Think of what we have, Moonbeam, and how we make each other feel. Think of the good times we've shared. Don't they count for something? We've learned a lot and both matured. I've made mistakes, but I've learned from them and from almost losing you."

"You have lost me, so face that reality. You did the tossing away, not me. You are the one who didn't allow what we had-had, Varian-to count for anything. If our love was so perfect, you wouldn't have slain it in such a cold and calculating manner. What I am is too experienced to trust you again with my heart."

"Haven't there been times where you've unintentionally hurt someone because you did what you knew you had to do for the good of everyone involved? What kind of man would I be if I went against my conscience or didn't do what I knew could save so many lives and obtain peace? If you'd tell me why what I did was so wrong, perhaps I can understand your feelings and thoughts better and make up for wrongs you believe I committed against you." Her expression warned him that his last sentence was another mistake, so he hurried past it. "I know you don't like being tricked. But knowing what you do now, tell me what I could have done differently to accomplish my goals without losing you, my greatest personal treasure."

"This isn't the time and place to be thinking about us, about Varian Saar. It's vital to your charade for me to keep seeing you as Ryker. I can't if you constantly remind me of your true self. If you don't back off, you'll have me calling you Varian by mistake and that could ruin everything and cost us our lives. This ruse has cost us plenty, so don't make it fail by thinking about me when it's too late to matter."

"Jana, please lis-"

"No, Va-Ryker, I've heard enough today. I can hardly wait to see Andrea," she began as she changed the topic to a safer one. With wisdom, he allowed her to do so.

Maal gaped at the green-eyed blond as he related his facts and suspicions about Taemin and Canissia. "We must not trust the Tabrizes again, Grandfather. No doubt they hoped to slay us and blame the Maffeians to provoke you against them. They know we're leaning heavily toward a new treaty and refusing to join them to war against the Alliance. They know I am the one trying to persuade you toward peace. But don't worry, Grandfather, I will take care of them when the right time comes. First, they will endure my painful pinch by being cut off from Trilabs."

That revelation stunned the older man, but another did so even more. "How could you make peace with the son of the man who betrayed and destroyed your mother, my daughter?"

"That was many years ago, Grandfather, and we've both changed. To hate for so long and so deeply eats into a man until it is he who is destroyed, not the enemy. We have lived and fed on thoughts and plans for revenge until that meal has grown sour and expensive. On Rigel, I had a talk with Varian. Just as I am not to blame for Mother's deeds against the Saars and Trygues, Varian is not responsible for the deeds of his father against us. I have grown weary of our private war; it is past time to end it. We are half brothers: we carry the same blood and genes. There is a bond between us which we have both denied and resisted. To do so is self-destructive. He reminded me of something long forgotten: Galen never denied I was his son, and he did plead with Mother to let him raise me. Surely you recall it was you and Mother who refused, and he had no choice except to honor your wishes. Our parents are dead and buried, as the past should be. Before the Tri-Galaxy, Varian claimed me as his brother. Am I less of a man than he is? Could I have refused to accept his offer of peace?"

"What if he lies, cherished flame of my soul?"

"There is but a slim chance he fooled me. In our deepest of hearts, Grandfather, we do not know what happened between my mother and father years ago. Only they knew the truth and it is buried with them. Varian did not accuse Mother of being to blame because he does not know the truth, either. It is only natural for him and Tirol to accept Galen's words, just as we accepted Mother's. Perhaps it was a cruel twist of fate and neither Mother nor Father were at fault. Perhaps even they didn't know the truth. Perhaps a chemical in the food or water worked a tragic spell on them. We know such things happen, Grandfather. Whatever took place between them, it is over for me and Varian."

Maal had always suspected his beloved, but selfish and defiant, child was to blame for ensnaring Galen, but he could not admit it aloud even now. "So you have made up your mind to push for a treaty with the Alliance?"

"Yes, Grandfather, for many reasons. They risked a confrontation with Pyropea to rescue us; they saved our lives. During the voyage, I discovered that Maffei is much stronger than we realized, too strong and well trained to challenge recklessly. It will also prevent a rebellion among our people. I am convinced Varian and the Maffeians are sorry for the past and that their offer of peace is sincere. I will not tell you what to do or say, Grandfather, but I urge you to sign a treaty with them for everyone's sake."

Varian paused a moment for those suggestions to sink in before he added, "Taemin will seek revenge on me for exposing his black deed. If anything happens to me, look to him, Grandfather, not to Varian or Maffei. But do not worry too much as I will guard my back and my wife well."

Maal reflected before answering. "I will wait, watch, and listen, cherished flame of my heart. I must have time to think on this matter and on your change of position. I have never known you to be wrong in the past, so there must be value in what you advise."

"That is good, Grandfather, because we all need fresh beginnings."

As Maal and Jana chatted, Varian thought about his impending talk with Agular to expose the breach with Pyropea and strengthen the ties to Maffei.

Enroute home, Jana asked, "Do you think we convinced him to go for the new treaty?"

"I hope so, Moonbeam. We did our best. You were perfect."

"Thanks. So were you. If your ruses with Maal and Jurad don't succeed, you have the journals and tapes to use for blackmail."

"If I can obtain treaties without using them, I will."

"Why? Don't you want them to know your father was innocent?"

"As you've told me over and over, many people have been hurt by the past, and I think they've been helped by my ruses. If I don't have to use that ugly evidence, it will prevent more pain. Besides, instead of settling them down completely, discovering such a horrible truth could provoke them again- especially Maal when he learns about Shara and Ryker."

Jana was surprised by his intentions, and she was warmed by his kindness. "You like Maal, don't you?"

"Let's just say he isn't totally to blame for his feelings and actions. He had Shara and Ryker provoking and duping him at every turn. The same is true with Jurad; he had Shara and Ryker and Taemin doing the same to him. He suffered a great humiliation before the Tri-Galaxy by what she did. He loved her and wanted her, so naturally he hated my father for stealing her even if it wasn't his fault. I know I have the power and means to clear my father's name, but the price could be destruction of all I've worked and sacrificed for to achieve. Father would understand and agree." He didn't think it was wise to remind her there was another reason to keep his evidence concealed: many of Maffei's secrets were revealed and discussed on those tapes and pages. Many of them were entwined with portions he would need to use to persuade Maal and Jurad of the truth. He also noticed how Jana responded favorably to the motive he had mentioned for withholding them. It was selfish and even deceitful, but he didn't want to destroy any progress he was making with her.

"Is my part over? Is that all you needed from me?"

"Not until Ryker is killed in that mining accident on Caguas. You'll have to play the grieving widow when we take his body home to Maal. That will be your last a.s.signment, Jana, then you're out of this situation."

"What if Maal still points a finger at you instead of at an accident or at Taemin?"

"I have an alibi arranged: Varian Saar will be a long way from Caguas."

"The cyborg again?"

"Until I can switch places with it and visit Jurad."

"You're going to see Jurad and Taemin? As yourself? Why?"

He explained the importance and motive for his "official" visit.

"You two being seen in different places at the same time should cover you when the news breaks. What about me? I'll be a widow, Ryker's heir. You know the leeches will come out of the walls to try to suck me dry."

Varian caressed her cheek. "I promise you, Moonbeam, nothing and no one will harm you again, not even me."

"Good. Now, make love to me."

"What?"

"We did agree to be allies and lovers and friends, didn't we?"

"Yes, but you've been pushing me away."

"I told you why, so I wouldn't forget you were Ryker before we saw Maal. After we reach Darkar, you'll become Varian again so I don't have to worry about that problem anymore. Besides, I have to test your pull on me before I reach home and everything gets crazy."

"You want me? Now?"

Her hand reached up to caress his taut jawline and to trace the fake scar there. "You know I've never stopped wanting you in that way."

That physical contact and her mood called out to him to accept her offer to share herself. The ship was like a warm coc.o.o.n that encased them in a romantic haven that drew them together. It also separated them from the outside world that threatened to yank them apart and destroy their beautiful bond. Their pull on each other was too great to resist, and neither wanted to do so. Fate had drawn them together, parted them, and reunited them. Their hearts and lives had been changed by meeting each other: souls bound as one spirit, hearts beating until eternity with love, and bodies burning until infinity with desire.

Varian captured the hands that were stroking his cheeks and pressed them to his lips. As his gaze remained locked with hers and he absorbed her mood, his lips and tongue played sensuous music in her palms. He stepped closer to her to remove all s.p.a.ce between them. His arms banded her receptive body and his mouth seared over her ear. It murmured sweet and pa.s.sionate endearments before drifting down the silky column of her throat. He felt her tremble and sway against him, as aroused as he was. His hands removed her nightgown and robe with speed and agility, then discarded his boots and pants. Pressing their supple frames together, he savored the touch of her tawny flesh against his tanned body.

Jana's arms encircled his waist as she used her torso to caress his. As if on cue, her fingers buried in his blond hair as his slipped into her tawny tresses. Their mouths meshed to share a kiss which stole their breath and ignited their smoldering desires into a raging blaze of urgency.

One kiss blended into another until there was no beginning or ending to any of them. His hands roved her bare shoulders and sleek back, admiring the silky feel of her unmarred skin. His fingers were ravenous in their search for more treats; they wandered to her soft curves to caress her firm b.u.t.tocks and upward to rove her tempting b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Jana shifted sideways to allow him easy freedom to explore her aching body. He cradled her in the curve of his right arm as his mouth feasted at hers and his left one closed over a firm mound. When her peaks responded without haste and became taut with need, his mouth drifted over her chin and down her throat to ensnare one with his teeth in a gentle and stirring grasp. His lips had left a trail of kisses behind that still tingled. The rosy-brown buds bloomed beneath his questing mouth and tongue. She was always astonished by how his actions affected her from head to foot. Even her tummy quivered in suspense and delight. And the core of her womanhood, it ached with pleading. Her entire body was alive and burning, as was his.

Varian returned his mouth to hers for a short while and kissed her with almost feverish intensity. He wanted her now, fast and fully. Yet he knew this moment must not be rushed, even if his self-control was hard to maintain. She had come to him of her own free will. She was showing him she wanted him, loved him, needed him. He must do all within his power and skills to give her exquisite pleasure and supreme satisfaction.

Jana felt afloat on dreamy clouds as his hand moved past her abdomen and stroked enticingly along its predetermined path. She quivered when his deft fingers stroked the sensitive flesh between her parted thighs. They labored with a skill, eagerness, and gentleness that left her breathless. She felt as if her legs would give way at any moment as a languid weakness washed over her. He caressed her until she was trembling and limp, until she murmured, "Take me, Varian; please take me."

He was thrilled to hear his name escape her lips. In grat.i.tude and joy, his mouth seared over hers, parted her lips, entered her beckoning recess, and allowed their tongues to mate first. His grasp on her was snug and possessive. "Stars above, Jana, I cannot resist you. I knew that the first moment I saw you. Kahala, how I do love you." Varian guided her to the bed and they collapsed to it because neither would release the other to brace their fall. They laughed in amus.e.m.e.nt and began their play anew.

Jana inhaled his manly scent which mingled with an arousing cologne that was perfect for him. His mouth tasted like spearmint; it was delicious and provocative. Her tongue danced with his in an erotic and stimulating manner to a seductive beat they heard only inside their heads and hearts.

Once more Varian's mouth trailed down her neck, kissing and sampling every inch of it along the way. His tongue played with both succulent b.r.e.a.s.t.s with an intent to conquer and delight them. Her nipples hardened even more under his loving siege. Again, his fingers journeyed to the dark triangle between her thighs. They stroked the downy soft hair surrounding her portal to love. The heat of her arousal warmed his hand, the mist of it dampened his fingers.

Ecstasy, sweet and tormenting, enthralled Jana. It began deep within the core of her being, mounted and teased, searched and found, then sent charges like tiny lightning bolts over her flesh in all directions. She writhed and moaned. She clung to him. Every part of her was sensitive and susceptible. She yearned for more of him. She locked her softened gaze with his fake green one and smiled. Yet, not once did she think of him or see him as Ryker Triloni. Her rosy-eyed vision saw her sapphire-eyed, ebony-haired lover who had won her heart long ago.

Both knew they had plenty of time to love as long as they desired tonight, but pa.s.sions soared and urged to be sated. It was as if they were exploring emotions as well as pa.s.sions, allowing spirits to mingle as well as bodies, allowing hearts to reach out and speak without intrusive words.

Varian was thrilled and encouranged by her fiery need. He obtained extra pleasure from the rapture he was giving her. He eased atop her, parted her thighs, and obeyed her mute summons to possess her to the limits of love. The contact between their private regions almost staggered his senses and stole his mastery. He wanted and craved to drive within her over and over.

Jana's legs curled around his thighs as she matched his rhythms Her mouth clung to his and her flesh melded with his. She rode the stormy waves beneath him as the marvelous forces mounted in power. She felt like a glowing star shooting across the heavens.

Both realized this wasn't just raw s.e.x taking place. Both knew they were speaking from their hearts and souls, with their whole beings. It was more than a fusion of starving bodies; it was a union of spirits, a forging of their cores, a flight toward their entwined destinies. Their desires, pace, and patterns matched. Their ardor inspired them to hold nothing back. Pa.s.sion's flames engulfed them in a blaze that only fulfillment could extinguish.

Jana arched to meet each thrust, then relaxed a moment before returning for the next one. She wanted the tantalization to continue, but she also wanted release from the achingly sweet torment. The bud and core of her womanhood began to spasm wildly. "I love you," she murmured in the throes of ecstasy without realizing she had spoken those revealing words.

Varian heard and his heart drummed with happiness and relief. He knew she wasn't conscious of uttering them, but they had come from her heart, the very place she was guarding against being hurt again. He kissed the tip of her nose, her cheeks, her eyes, her ears. He cast aside his control and chased after her to join her in a serene paradise. His release spilled forth within her in rapid, joyous, and uncontrollable splashes.

Afterward, they nestled together in the golden afterglow of their loving. They cuddled and caressed, stroked and kissed, until, at last, they slept.

Following days of a fragile truce, the moment Varian dreaded arrived. "We're orbiting Darkar, my love, so there's one last promise you have to make before we shuttle to the surface for your reunion with Andrea."

Jana was filled with excitement. In the past few days they had made love many times and in many ways. She realized he was weakening her resistance and was winning her heart and trust again: perhaps, she decided, that wasn't bad. "What promise do I need to make?"

"When you see Andrea, you can't tell her the truth. She'll meet me as Ryker, your husband. She won't meet Varian until this mission is over and my brother officially dead. You can't ever tell Andrea about my ruse." As he related his order, Varian witnessed an array of emotions in her reaction: she was stunned, hurt, disappointed, and suspicious.

Every time he nodded after each of her ensuing questions, her heart sank more and more. "You mean downright lie to my dearest friend? Let her believe Varian Saar coldly and cruelly betrayed me? Believe I'm Ryker Triloni's wife of my own free will and I've been living with him all this time? Dupe her like the others? Forever?"

"It has to be that way, Jana. I'm sorry, but too much is at stake. If anyone ever extracted the Birth from her, it would tear down all the good we've built. This risk is too great. She must never know the truth. Never."

She had looked forward to a soul-cleansing and comforting talk with Andrea. She couldn't ever imagine deceiving her. "I can't lie to her. I won't lie to her. d.a.m.n you! Always your duty!"

"Think, Jana: she could drop a clue and ruin everything."

"How? She'll be secluded with me on Darkar."

"Not permanently if Nigel marries her and she leaves with him. In the near future, she could make a slip to a visitor, a client, a friend. Even if you swore her to secrecy, accidents happen. If she doesn't know anything, she can't expose anything. It has to be this way."

"I trust Andrea completely. She wouldn't betray me as you have. I will not lie to her or deceive her. She won't endanger our secrets; I swear."

"Your blind faith isn't good enough in this crucial matter."

"If you asked me to keep something from her for a while, I would. But you're demanding I lie to her for the rest of our lives. Besides, she knows me; she would know I'm being dishonest. That would hurt her deeply. How could she ever trust me again? Our relationship would be damaged. What if I were demanding you lie to Nigel or Tirol?"

"That's different. They know everything and are trustworthy."

"So is Andrea! And me, too!"

"I chose my word badly, Jana. Calm down. I meant, they're trained and experienced in guarding secrets. Because of those traits and Rendelar, they can't be tricked or forced into exposing vital secrets. That isn't true of Andrea. She's susceptible to potentially perilous slips and coercion."

"You're asking me to risk destroying the closest friendship I have. Once trust and loyalty are gone, Varian, it's never the same. I can't tell her such horrible lies about my entire life here. I can't imagine you wanting her-my best friend and Nigel's fiancee-to think you so terrible. She'll be prejudiced against you before you even supposedly meet. How can she ever change her mind if she's fed those malicious tales?"

"You refuse to protect all we've worked for by misleading her?"

"I refuse to lie to my best friend forever; it isn't necessary."

Varian took a deep breath and released it. "You leave me no choice; you won't be allowed off the ship until the mission is over. Afterward, you'll get a mind block so you can't remember the truth. If you won't give me your word of honor and keep it, I'll have to make sure you believe the ruse, too."

Jana gaped at him. "You wouldn't dare, not if you love me and want me."

"I do love you and want you, Jana. Please don't force me to challenge you. Think about what's at stake, love. What will it be?"

"You're serious, aren't you?"

"Yes, Jana, I am," he said, but knew it was a desperate and offensive bluff to safeguard their priceless secret. He knew he could trust Jana to hold silent to others, but Andrea McKay might not have his love's wits and courage; Andrea could destroy everything they had accomplished.

"d.a.m.n you, Varian Saar. You've had me for the last time, so I hope you enjoyed yourself. I was just about convinced you had changed, but you haven't and you never will. Do your blasted duty and let it keep you warm at night. Let it give you love and pleasure because I never will again." She saw him wince and grimace but remain unyielding in the stance he had taken.

"I need your answer, Jana. Do we shuttle down or not?"

"Yes, you sorry snake, you have my word. I want to see Andrea."