Moonbeams and magic by Janelle Taylor Page B

from rising to depart, noting how soft and warm her skin was. He was intrigued by her distress and hints, as he hadn't heard anything about a political upheaval in that location. No bi-jonis had been summoned, and its ruler had no daughters. That left him with the conclusion that the matter was a personal dilemma. "Don't panic, Yana; I'm not here because of you. I guessed from your colorings."
    Her gaze seemingly searched his as she asked, "Is that the truth?"
    He nodded and smiled. "You're still safe, so relax. Is it something you want to talk about with me? Can I help in some way? I'll guard your secret."
    "Perhaps you would, but I'll keep it for now." As she finished her drink, she realized either he would be dead tomorrow or he would become one of her targets as Tochar's hireling. Both thoughts were unsettling, and it was more strenuous than she had imagined to spend time with the appealing and disturbing man while on constant alert against slips. She had made the initial contact and seized his interest; that was sufficient for now.
    "Would you like to have another drink to calm you?" he offered.
    "Thank you, but no. It's late and I need to leave."
    "Will I see you again?" he asked, suspecting he would.
    "If you're alone when I return next time, I'll join you and stay longer, or you can join me if I arrive first."
    "Can I walk you to your dwelling?"
    "It isn't necessary. Perhaps next time, after I know you better."
    Dagan was unsure how to interpret her meaning. "If you need me for anything, anything, Yana, Radu knows where to find me."
    She nodded acceptance of his offer, whatever it entailed.

    She stood and said, "Thank you for the rescue and I look forward to seeing you again."
    "Any time, Yana." He watched her enter the women's private chamber. Radu approached and blocked his view as he was deciding whether or not to follow her to see where she lived and check if she met with anyone.
    The owner of the Skull's Den interrupted his thoughts. "Your abode is cleaned and ready to habitate," Radu said. "Drose will guide you there at your signal."
    "Thank you. Tochar will be pleased by the good service I've received. I needed the bath, food, and fresh garment." He looked the owner deep in the eyes. "Tell me, Radu, do you know who Yana is and why she is in Tochara?"
    The stocky man knew, but felt it was Yana's right and place to reveal those facts if she chose to do so. "My mouth does not travel across other's space. She visits here on occasion, but keeps to herself. You're a lucky man to have shared a drink with her; that's a rare event for Yana. I can tell you no more. Summon Drose when you're ready to leave."
    Dagan realized the man knew more than he had revealed, but was glad Radu wasn't a loose talker. He watched for Yana to reappear, and finally decided she had left while his view was obstructed. A woman that beautiftil and alluring, he reasoned, couldn't be hard to locate if he decided to do so another time. Too restless for sleep, and the hour too early, he purchased another drink and settled back in his chair to observe some more. It remained to be seen if signing on with Tochar would be profitable, but it surely would be challenging, and he had no choice under the circumstances in any case.
    Only an hora passed before Starla Vedris arrived, glanced around, and locked gazes with him. He lifted his hand and motioned for her to join him. From her expression and stroll to the bar, it appeared as if this wasn't his night to succeed with any woman. He realized he was wrong again as he

    watched her purchase a drink, then walk toward him. His lagging energy was renewed and thoughts of Yana vanished just by looking at the beautiful and mysterious spaceki. His keen wits went on alert and he prepared to see what he could learn about the lovely space pirate and his other teammates.

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    Dagan watched Starla approach in a green jumpsuit that matched her eyes. Long brown tresses tumbled over her shoulders. Her movements