As promised, Tristan did not communicate the unexpected news to Varian, but he did confide it to Martella, who was stunned and dismayed.

"What sorry timing, Tris. A baby should be a happy occasion," the sixty-year-old sterile woman murmured. "Poor Jana. She's had to deal with so much. There's something you have to do for her."

Tristan guessed from his love's expression and tone that she had something particular in mind. "What is that?"

"Varian is planning to use the Rendelar procedure on Andrea very soon so she and Jana can share the truth. I think you should do it now. Jana needs Andrea's understanding ear and comforting shoulder. I'll take full responsibility for ordering it done. Please, do this for me and for them."

"I will, my sweet, because I believe you're right. Send Andrea to me."

Jana sat on the sofa in Ryker's bedroom to enlighten her best friend to the stunning truth. She was grateful to Martella and Tristan for making this much-needed purging and comforting possible. When the long and gut-wrenching story was finished, Jana said, "When Varian told me I couldn't tell you the truth, I was angry. I agreed with reluctance after he explained his motives and promised to give us both Rendelar soon so we could talk. I suppose it's normal for a powerful man to have dangerous enemies and he has to do seemingly cruel things to defeat them and protect others, as with his reason for that fake auction which ripped out my heart for weeks. Canissia's kidnapping, Ryker's plots, Shara's attempt to kill me, and Taemin's capture prove Varian has a right to worry and to take drastic precautions. I even understand that he abducted me so his race could survive and our world could be saved, They've abolished the charl law and practice, but not because of my bargain with Varian."

She looked at Andrea. "I'm sure those medical cures and scientific facts would have been implanted even if I had refused, " she said. "You would have been brought here anyway because you wanted to stay in Maffei with Nigel. And they planned all along to send our people home if Earth was spared. I only let Varian think my demands and our bargain were the reasons why I agreed to help complete the charade. I agreed to be near him so I could test my feelings and decide if we could have a future together. I understand why he wanted Trilabs and peace so badly. I know I was kidnapped from him by that jealous and malicious b.i.t.c.h, and he did search heaven and h.e.l.l to find me. He even saved my life after Taemin's trap and again after the crash. I realize the risks he took during the Earth mission and I know all he's done to protect me from Maal, Taemin, Canissia, and others. I'm truly grateful for all those things."

Andrea was surprised that Jana was being so fair toward Varian.

"The problems start after those things I understand, accept, and forgive. He knew I was coerced into marrying Ryker and he realized what he and Maffei could gain with me as his widow, so he let the marriage stand without challenging it. He let Canissia go her merry way because it would interfere with his mission if he arrested her. He tricked me into believing his rescue was a delusion. He convinced me he didn't love me. He enticed me to fall in love with a phony Ryker. Now I find myself pregnant at a time in his mission when marriage between us is impossible. He's tricked me so many times, Andrea, that I don't know if the baby is just another trick to bind me to him. I don't know if Varian truly loves and wants me, or if it's who he sees as his creation, his property by right of conquest. He can't want me for Trilabs because they're taking everything from the complex they desire. Perhaps he wants to prove he can win back the woman who allegedly dumped him for Ryker, prove to the public he's so irresistible that I had to have him back."

When Jana paused, a dismayed Andrea did not interrupt.

"I admit there were plenty of happy and tranquil times: outings we took, dancing on his ship, days and nights in his arms, those glorious hours on Eire before Canissia's kidnapping, that night on his ship after my rescue from Shara's evil, and many other moments. When Varian is relaxed and his real world recedes, he's like a different person-a kind, wonderful, caring, gentle, and loving man. Maybe we met at the wrong time in his life, when he was confronted by too many problems and perils, duties too demanding for him. I don't know if that's it or if it's Varian himself." Jana met Andrea's sad gaze. "I hate to dump this misery on you, but I needed to talk to someone who knows me and loves me, someone I can trust, someone who can help me decide the right thing to do. I hate to spoil our reunion this way, but I need you. We've always been so close and I'm so glad you're here. Please don't blame Nigel for any of this trouble; he was caught in the middle, too."

Andrea had listened to Jana's astonishing tale with eyes wide and mouth agape. When the long story was finished, she didn't know what to say to her friend who was in such torment. She could hardly believe all that had happened to Jana. She realized how much Nigel had omitted from the tragic and incredulous tale, and understood why now: it was Jana's right to reveal or not to reveal certain parts of it. "I'm so sorry, Jana," she finally managed.

The Earthling scientist wiped away the annoying tears evoked by her emotional state. It was the first time she had been able to pour out her feelings to anyone since she had been taken from Earth. "So am I, Andrea, sorry I ever met him."

The redhead wasn't convinced that was true. "Yesterday I was going on and on about silly stuff when you were in such pain. I was carrying on about Nigel and our romance like a girl with her first crush when you were in a terrible bind with your man. I was thinking how terrible it was that you and Varian had lost each other when all along you were still together. When I thought you were talking about Ryker, it was really about Varian. That's why you knew he wouldn't mind if Nigel stayed with me last night, because they're best friends. You've told me what he's done, but what is he like, really like? He's my love's best friend and commanding officer, and everyone I've met speaks so highly of him. It's as if you're talking about a different person. I've been looking forward to meeting him, but now, I don't know if I really do or how I'll behave toward ...." Andrea halted, then shrieked, "Heavens, Jana, I've already met him. Am I ditsy or what? n.o.body dropped a clue to me. Heavens, Jana, how do you keep them straight? What's Varian Saar like as himself?"

As his image filled her mind, Jana murmured, "Imagine the most expensive and loveliest shade of a sapphire sparkling under a soft light, and you have his eyes. Think of Russian sable or a raven's wing in sunlight, and you have his hair. Picture Kirk Douglas's cleft chin. Teeth so snowy and perfect that his smile could be nothing less than breath-stealing. He's tanned and tall: six feet four inches to be exact. He's thirty-one years old, with a physique every male star in Hollywood would envy and every woman on Earth would kill to caress. I could say he's handsome and virile but those words are so far below what Varian Saar is. He's Apollo, Adonis, Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, Ron Moss, and Kurt Russell all rolled into one magnificent package. Take away Ryker's blond hair and green eyes and give him a dent in his chin, and you have his near-twin half brother."

"You mean that they look that much alike, but you suspected nothing?"

"Remember when Cindy dyed her black hair blond and switched her brown eyes to blue with contacts and had that complete makeup and wardrobe change? Not even her best friends recognized her. She even behaved differently and altered her voice with lessons. That's how it was when I met Ryker, the real Ryker. Something nibbled at me, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Why would I have thought those two were brothers? One's an Androasian prince and the other's a Maffei starship commander. One is the Androasian kadim's grandson and Varian is Kadim Tirol's. But the minute I was told the truth, it all made sense. I realized that was why I wasn't totally terrified of Ryker, because some part of me saw my Varian."

Andrea caught the last two words and stored them away. She couldn't believe that Varian Saar was as wicked and cruel as Jana's story implied. If he were, Nigel would not be his longtime and best friend. There seemed to be extenuating circ.u.mstances for the incidents Jana had endured, some which her friend grasped and some which she didn't. Maybe Jana was too hurt and confused to comprehend the truth, and needed awakening. "You've covered his appearance. But what about his personality? His character? Be open with me."

Jana thought for a few minutes, then complied. "Every superior and wonderful adjective that comes to mind fits him to perfection. Every word you used to describe Nigel is the same, if not more, where Varian is concerned. He's selfa.s.sured, cool-headed, with nerves of steel, sharp wits, and rigid self-control. His skills, reflexes, wits, and instincts are at the highest level. He's complex, contradictory, mercurial, unpredictable. He possesses and commands enormous strength and power. He attracts the attention and influences the emotions of both men and women. He controls the fates of countless people: friends, foes, and strangers. He's fun and exciting. He can be gentle as a lamb or as fierce as a lion. He's magical and mysterious. Seductive. Raw and tamed sensuality. A highly skilled and generous lover. He knows how to touch a woman's heart, body, and soul."

Jana leaned her weary head against the sofa back. "He's accomplished great things and is, without a doubt, destined to do even more. He embodies power and pa.s.sion. He's widely respected and admired. He's fiercely loyal to his rank, family, friends, and Maffei. He will slay his enemies if he can't defeat them with his wits and brute strength. He isn't afraid to die in the line of duty, and even sometimes seems contemptuous of its threat." Jana frowned in worry, then her features softened again.

Her voice became almost dreamy as she continued. "He has a way of making one feel safe and brave. It's as if he radiates part of his courage and confidence to you, and you can't help but absorb them. He's coveted and envied, loved and hated. He makes women melt with charms and looks that inspire jealousy in the G.o.ds. The sheer force of his will, or just his voice, could make the heavens tremble and obey. He knows he's invincible and irresistible and overwhelming, and he savors and uses that power over others. He's as satisfying as a dream come true. Now do you see why I was utterly bewitched and dazzled by him, why I didn't have the strength or wits to resist him?"

Andrea saw her friend blush when she realized how she was talking about the topic of their conversation. "Do you still love him and desire him?"

Jana's now somber gaze met Andrea's empathetic one. "This wouldn't be so hard if I didn't. G.o.d help me, I do with all my heart and soul. The problem is that I think I hate him as much as I love him. Or maybe I don't love him at all. Maybe that's the real delusion. Maybe I just formed some kind of crazy bond with him when my life was in his hands; psychiatrists say that can happen between captive and captor under certain conditions. Of all days for this ton of bricks to be dropped on me! In a few hours, I have to deal with Ryker's 'death' and whatever new troubles that announcement brings. Then, I have to go with Varian to Maal's to take his body home. I promised; it was part of our deal. Unlike Varian Saar, I keep my word."

"Can you forgive him and make a fresh beginning?"

"I don't think so. Too much has happened between us. I don't think I could ever trust him again. I should have known from the start we were star-crossed lovers. It isn't as if he didn't warn me enough times that was true. I didn't listen. I loved him and I wanted him and everything else be d.a.m.ned. Now, all I want is to be rid of him."

Andrea knew she should keep Jana talking out her real feelings. "Do you really, deep down inside?"

"I don't know. Dammit, I don't know anything anymore. My heart says one thing and my head says another. I've followed my heart's advice so far and look where it's gotten me. It's about time, past time, I listen to my head. I've never been this confused in my life. Look at all the trouble and danger I've gotten into and am still in because of him and his lies. With more complications arising every day, I see no end to them."

"There's nothing I can do to help, Jana, but Nigel will know what to do when he returns."

"It isn't your problem-or Nigel's; it's mine. Besides, Nigel is biased in Varian's favor, and that's only natural so I don't blame him. But you have helped; you've helped just by being here with me when I need you most. I'll have to thank Tris and Martella again for making it possible for us to talk. I didn't want to deceive you, Andrea, but I was trapped."

"I understand, Jana, and I agree with what you and Varian had to do."

"You think he's right?"

Andrea looked uncomfortable as she replied, "I think he did what he believed was right. A lot is at stake, Jana. You said so yourself."

"So you think I'm being silly and selfish to feel as I do?"

"No, of course not. After what you've been through, if I were in your place, I would probably feel the same way. I haven't suffered the things you have and I don't know Varian Saar, so I'm giving an unbiased opinion. I can see both of your sides, or at least what you and Nigel have explained as his side. I don't like what he's done to you, but I can understand why he did it. It sounds as if he was trapped, too, Jana. It sounds as if he really loves you, so I'm sure it hurt him to trick you."

Jana jumped up from the sofa to pace off her nervous tension. "It's the kind of trick he used, Andrea. He convinced me Varian didn't love me or want me. He forced me to believe I had suffered from hallucinations and amnesia about one of the most beautiful and special moments of my life. He persuaded me to fall in love with Ryker. He even let me sleep with him as Ryker. What kind of man would do that to the woman he claims he loves?"

"Did you fall in love with Ryker? Was he the one you made love to?"

"No, but it wasn't because Varian didn't give it his best shot. For a while, I almost convinced myself it was true. He broke my heart and betrayed me, Andrea, several times. How can I get past that?"

The redhead continued to ask questions instead of giving answers or advice with the hopes Jana would discover the truth on her own. "Do you want to lose him forever?"

"Should I be like a battered wife who keeps a man she loves because he's good sometimes, and ignore or forgive the times he isn't? Where does one draw the line between accepting good and fighting evil at any cost, between duty to his country and loyalty to loved ones? What about compa.s.sion, honor, conscience, simple human kindness? Does one toss them aside when duty calls? When do sacrifices become too great to pay?"

"I don't know how to answer those questions. I've never had to. I'm sure there'll be times when Nigel will have to keep secrets or perhaps even fib to me. He has already, in a way. I love him and forgive him and understand. But my situation doesn't compare with yours. Only you can decide how you feel and what you must do. Whatever it is, I'll stand beside you. I'll stay with you as long as you need me."

"Thanks, Andrea. Your arrival was perfect timing. If only things weren't so complicated and painful and so d.a.m.n confusing. My life with him has been like some Shakespearean tragedy. Only cruel and mischievous fate cast the leading roles and wrote the grim and destructive script."

"It's in your control alone to write the ending you want, Jana. If he's genuinely sorry and he truly loves you, a rejection because of your injured pride and hurt feelings can do as much harm to him and your relationship as he's done to you and your love. You have the baby to think about, Jana, his baby. Do you want to raise a child alone in an alien world? Do you want to raise one without its father? Raise it as Ryker's child?"

"No, but do I just tuck my tail between my legs and run back to him as if nothing terrible happened between us, and act grateful he still wants me? Does he only have to say 'I'm sorry' and that's supposed to make everything all right? Being contrite and apologetic isn't enough to repay me for all he's done. It's like a judge slapping a criminal's wrist and telling him his debt to his victims and society are paid in full because he's sorry and he's promised never to do it again. Prisons are overflowing with repeat offenders."

"Don't you see, Jana, you're too confused and you're hurting too much to make decisions right now? You're also pregnant, so all kinds of changes are taking place in your body. You know: hormones and chemicals running amuck. Give it time and you'll make the right choice."

"You've always believed in me and thought I knew everything. You used to tease me about being so confident and decisive. You said I knew exactly what I wanted and how to get it and let nothing stop me. If that were true long ago, it isn't now. I just want to love him and trust him. I just want to marry him and be happy. I just want things to go back to where they were that day on his ship after my rescue from Shara. It isn't possible."

"Part of it is, Jana; the rest you can build anew. Aren't you the girl who used to tell me when things got tough in school: 'Andrea McKay, nothing is impossible if you want it badly enough and work hard to get it?' "

"I said such nonsense because I was blind and stupid and naive. I know better now. And Varian's the one who opened my eyes and educated me."

"As you always told me. Look on the bright side. You've made good friends here: Nigel, Tristan, Martella, and others. I saw the rapport all of you share. You have admiration, respect, and affection. You're in the research that you love so much. You've helped carry out a great mission, Jana, one that saved our world and will bring about peace in three galaxies. You're helping to defeat several terrible enemies and making allies of others. That should make you very proud of yourself; I am. You have wealth, prestige, a royal t.i.tle, a beautiful home, and your own small planet. You hobn.o.b with this society's elite. You're expecting a baby by the man you love, by a man more than half of the women here crave."

Andrea finished with her best arguments, "You were freed before the other charls were, freed by Varian-not Ryker- so you could marry him, not marry his brother so Varian could get Trilabs. You were freed, Jana Greyson, before this charade began, before it was even a thought in his mind. If that b.i.t.c.h hadn't kidnapped you from Varian, you two would have been happily married a long time by now. Even with your kidnapping involved, if those journals and tapes and threats hadn't existed, Varian wouldn't have been provoked to begin the charade."

Andrea grasped Jana's hands and pulled her down to the sofa. "But they did exist, Jana. He did read and view them while you were asleep in recovery. He grasped the awesome extent of their peril. He reacted immediately in the only way that came to mind. It might have been impulsive and rash and even cruel, but do you honestly believe he set out to intentionally hurt you? Don't you think he would have taken another road if one had been open?"

Andrea hoped she wasn't pressing too far, and G.o.d help her if she was wrong about Nigel's friend. "All I can go by is what you've told me, and it sounds as if the ball got rolling too fast and too soon and couldn't be stopped. I know I might be making this sound simple, but feelings and situations are never simple. I only want you to make certain you know what yours are and you know what you're doing."

"I don't know at this moment, but I will within the next few days. I need time to settle down and think clearly."

"Just remember that all these recent events wouldn't have happened if you hadn't been stolen from him, which wasn't his fault, Jana. From what you said, he did everything in his power to protect you. He always seems to be there or to get there when you need him. Despite the fact he was playing Ryker, he's even been with you this whole time, making sure nothing happened to you while he performed his crucial mission."

"You don't even know him and you're already impressed with and charmed by him. See what tremendous power and influence he has!"

"I'm basing my opinion on what you and Nigel and others have told me. The fact you love him and want him is as clear as a Texas morning in summer. You explained everything with honesty and frankness so I could give you an unbiased opinion; I know that's what you wanted from me. You don't want me to berate him and belabor the bad episodes just because I might think it will make a breakup easier for you. You know I will stand by you, right or wrong, but I do have to be honest with you. It's always been that way between us."

"You're right, and I wouldn't want it to be any other way, ever. You're also right about me dwelling too much on the dark sides of our troubles and intentionally ignoring the bright ones. I just don't want to be hurt and used again, Andrea. I don't want the good times to influence me too much in his favor. But it isn't fair to either of us or the baby to let the bad ones cause me to make a terrible mistake. Thank you for listening and caring and for helping me see things clearer."

Hours pa.s.sed and Jana became worried. She should have heard something by now. Her imagination began to run wild. What if Varian hadn't escaped the mine explosion? What if the death ruse had been discovered and exposed? What if it had been postponed? What if there was trouble with Jurad or Maal? What if Taemin or Canissia had ensnared Varian again?

She couldn't stand this waiting. She headed for the shuttle complex to speak with the Elite Squad member, Kagan, to ask him to obtain news for her. She met the man coming to see her.

"Varian contacted me. He said to tell you that it's done and he's on his way here after a brief stop at Caguas. He should arrive tomorrow afternoon. He talked with Jurad and Maal, and he'll tell you about it when he returns."

"Is that all?" she asked the officer.

"Prince Taemin was in orbit around Caguas and has fallen under suspicion, which is good. Varian told me to make certain he doesn't visit here. Varian said Maal agreed to let him come here and give you the news in person, so Maal won't be contacting you before your visit to him."

Jana was glad she could speak openly with this officer who was knowledgeable on the matter. "That's a relief. I wouldn't want to make a mistake dealing with him. Varian's too close to victory for me to mess things up for him. Thank you, Kagan, for the news. I was getting worried by this silence."

The agent smiled and said, "You've done an excellent job for the Alliance, Jana. Few people would be so totally unselfish with their time and energies or would take on such a dangerous mission. I'm impressed by your courage and intelligence. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with you. It's a shame so few people will know what a great thing you've done for us. Fate, Jana, is what brought you to us, and I'm grateful to it. Without a doubt, if not for you and Varian, we would be at war this very moment. He's a lucky man to have found a woman like you. I hope I will be as fortunate one day."

Jana was surprised by his unexpected and flattering statements. From his seawater gaze, she knew he was being honest and sincere, and it moved her deeply. "Thank you, Kagan. It's good to know this mission was worth its price to us. I'm glad you're here to handle security. Whatever comes up, be a.s.sured I will obey your orders and follow your suggestions. Helping your world obtain peace is my way of thanking yours for saving mine."

Kagan was indeed impressed by the remarkable woman. He had spoken the truth and was glad he did. Maybe it would help bridge the span the task had created between his friend and the woman Varian loved and had been forced to hurt. "One last message from Varian: He loves you and misses you, and he said not to worry, that everything will be fine soon. And it will, Jana, I'm sure of it."

She was astonished that Varian would pa.s.s along such a personal message. Perhaps she would get to know Captain Kagan better now that the formality between them was broken. She smiled and thanked him again, and they parted.

Kagan came to see Jana again within the hour. "Avatar Faeroe is on approach. He's requested a visit with you. I believe he's come in person to deliver the bad news. Pretend this is the first you've heard of Ryker's death. I'll have Tris, Martella, and your friend hide in the complex until after his departure. I'll come inside with him if you prefer."

Jana experienced a moment of panic at her first involvement with this aspect of the ruse. Very soon Ryker's death would be a known fact around the Tri-Galaxy and surely its effect would be heard and felt from one end to the other. "Why don't you be in here going over papers with me so it won't look suspicious for you to remain in the room? Let him join us and I won't ask you to leave and hope he doesn't. I may need your support."

"That's an excellent idea. I'll handle it immediately. We have about twenty minutes to get prepared for his landing."

Ine answered the call at the door and showed the planetary * ruler of Caguas inside. Jana rose from the table where she and Kagan were sitting and pretending to go over shipping orders. She smiled and greeted the member of the Alliance a.s.sembly. "Avatar Faeroe,, what a pleasant surprise. Welcome to Darkar. I'm afraid Ryker isn't home; he's at the mine. Perhaps he'll return before you depart, though he isn't scheduled to do so. What refreshment can I have Ine serve you?"

"None, thank you."

Jana dismissed the yellow-eyed android. "Please be seated, sir."

Faeroe didn't move from near the entrance where she had met him. "I came to discuss an urgent matter with you."

She sent him a look of curiosity and asked, "With me?"

"I come with bad news, Princess Jana. I ..."

When Faeroe halted and glanced at the man at the table, Jana said, "This is Captain Kagan, head of Darkar security. Ryker and I trust him implicitly, so please feel free to talk in front of him; we do. What bad news? Should I contact my husband and let you speak with him?"

Faeroe clasped Jana's hands in his and said, "I'm afraid that won't be possible. There was an accident at the mine earlier today involving him."

Jana forced a look of worry. "Is my husband all right? Was he injured? Has he been hospitalized? Did he send you to get me?"

"I'm afraid Prince Ryker was killed. There was an explo-" He ceased speaking when she paled, swayed, and gaped at him. He grasped her by the forearms as if fearing she would faint. He felt her tremble. "I'm sorry if that came out too bluntly. You must sit down," he advised. He guided the shaky woman to a sofa. "I know this comes as a terrible shock and perhaps I'm not doing this well."

Jana looked at him as he took a seat beside her and placed a comforting hand on her arm. "He's dead? What happened? How? When? I saw him just this morning when he departed. This can't be true."

"I'm afraid it is true. There was an explosion in the control room. Prince Ryker was present. He did not suffer. He was taken away instantly. I was enroute there with some friends to meet with him. We arrived just as it happened. When it was safe for a rescue team to enter the area, they recovered his body. I had it placed in a casket and brought it home myself. I didn't want to tell you such shocking news over the communicator, so I came straight here as soon as I could get away. I left his security team in control. Star Base has been notified. They're sending Commander Varian Saar to investigate and take his body to Kadim Maal. Varian said he would come here to speak with you and to escort you there. Is that permissible?"

Jana's eyes darted about on the floor and she took deep breaths as if to steady herself and clear her head. "I don't know what to say. This is so unexpected. We've been married for such a short time. Dead ..."

Kagan came forward and placed a hand on her shoulder as if offering support. "Don't worry, Princess Jana, I'll handle everything for you."

"Thank you, Kagan," she murmured. She looked at Faeroe and asked, "You said Commander Saar is coming to investigate. Why? It was an accident, wasn't it? Or were you implying something else?"

"From appearances, it was a tragic accident. However, with a man of Prince Ryker's status and importance, an investigation is normal procedure. We can't be too cautious. I'm sure you can imagine the ramifications if it turned out to be a deliberate attack on him here in our star system. As you may be aware, the Supreme Council and Alliance a.s.sembly are in delicate negotiations on a new peace treaty with his grandfather. Sabotage could be detrimental to those talks. But, as I said, we have found no signs of foul play."

"And I hope you don't, sir. I'm certain Ryker would not want his tragic death to be responsible for a needless and reckless war. On our last visit with Maal, my husband spoke favorably of peace, and recently he was reunited with his half brother after many years of conflict. I'm sure Maal will acccept the truth. I will do all in my power to convince him to do so."

"You are a wise and good woman, Jana Triloni," he said as he patted her hand in a fatherly gesture. "Prince Ryker was a friend and a valuable a.s.set; his genius shall be missed terribly. If there is anything I can do to help you through this sad situation, please call on me."

"You are most kind, sir, and I deeply appreciate your offer. Ryker was a unique man. He took his work and responsibilities very seriously. It will seem strange with him gone. I'll need time to think and adjust before making any decision." She looked at him again. "You said an explosion in the control room ... Was there a fire in the mine? Was anyone else injured or slain?"

"Two androids were destroyed, but the fire was contained before it could spread. Prince Ryker took excellent precautions for safety."

"That's good. When we visited there, he told me Tremolite could burn forever if it caught fire. I wouldn't want your planet to face that peril or the pollution it would cause. You and the Alliance won't have to worry about problems with shipments. Like my husband, I'm a friend, citizen, and ally of Maffei. There will not be any changes in his policies or contracts. He taught me a great deal about his work and products and about the importance of safeguarding them. I have access to his formulas, labs, and holdings. You might recall, I'm a chemist and research scientist myself and I've worked closely with Ryker since coming here to live and marrying him."

"I well recall Dr. Zarcoff's high praise of your intelligence and skills. We're fortunate Prince Ryker married you and prepared you to face this challenge. That means you plan to remain on Darkar and run Trilabs?"

"Yes, Ryker would want that. Besides, it's my home. I... I'm sorry, sir, but my thinking isn't totally clear at this time, so I suppose I'm rambling from subject to subject. I can hardly believe this has happened; I saw him only this morning," she repeated for effect on the elite witness, as she knew this a.s.sembly member wasn't aware of the secret mission as he had been with the one involving her capture and the threat to Earth.

"You should be alone and rest now. Captain Kagan can handle the remainder of my business. I'll check on you again this week."

"You're leaving so soon?"

"Yes, I must get back and keep matters under control on Caguas. So far, this news has been told to only a select few. When it breaks, it will create a great commotion. Ripples will be felt across the Tri-Galaxy. Many people and forces were dependent upon Ryker for certain supplies. I'm happy you count us among your friends and close a.s.sociates, Princess Jana."

'You needn't worry, sir, that will not change. I hold no grudge against Maffei for the way I was brought here I understand the importance of race survival, but I am pleased the charl law has been struck down. I want the friends I made on Commander Saar's ship and the women brought here before us to be as free and happy as I am. As happy as I was for a short time." Jana was surprised when tears formed in her eyes and eased down her cheeks. She thanked Kagan for the handkerchief he pa.s.sed to her, and she removed the moisture on her cheeks. She accepted the gla.s.s of green water he fetched for her and sipped it. "I'm sorry, gentlemen; it's just such a difficult and painful moment for me. I don't think the full reality of his loss has. .h.i.t me yet. I keep thinking this must be a terrible dream."

"I should leave now," Faeroe said, rising. "I leave you with my prayers and condolences, Princess Jana. If you need anything, anything, please do not hesitate to call on me. Captain Kagan can show me out, so don't get up."

She clasped wrists with him. "Goodbye, sir, and thank you for coming in person. I shall never forget your kindness and compa.s.sion."

Jana watched the two men leave the house. She sank against the sofa back and closed her eyes, lashes still dampened by tears provoked by the stress of the situation and the hormonal changes taking place in her body. Yet, in a strange way, she was saddened over Ryker's tragic life and death. He was Varian's half brother. Ryker, even if only it was a ruse, had been good to her at the end. With Varian playing him so accurately, she had gotten to know the misguided man a little. She could not help but wonder what Ryker and his life would have been like if the insane Shara hadn't been in control of it, if Galen had reared him, had reared his two boys together.

At least the impersonation part of the mission was over and she would complete the rest with Varian-as himself-at her side. She wondered if that would be easier or harder on her. As soon as the grim news was exposed, people would consider her Ryker Triloni's widow. In less than a year in this alien world, she had gone from captive charl who had no control over her life to a wealthy, powerful, free woman who owned the most feared and envied weapons and chemical labs in three galaxies. What did it matter that the public didn't know Varian and his team had confiscated those powerful and dangerous formulas when they believed they were in her control?