Moonbeams and magic by Janelle Taylor Read Free Book Online Page A

that were possible, he would know I can overpower Thorin and dupe him. But it would require one of the most intelligent and skilled scientists alive, secret formulas, and highly specialized equipment to do such a complicated test: things that fiendal doesn't have, thank the stars. It's also good that Raz Yakir wanted a female for this task; I believe, as he and my Elite Squad superior do, that a woman is less

    suspicious. This is a critical assignment, Cypher; we are lucky to be chosen to carry it out for them. I hope we succeed, and soon. I miss my parents, my brother and sister, and their families. This is the longest time and distance I've been away from them."
    Cypher placed his hand on her shoulder, knowing that action was used to supply comfort and encouragement. "It will be over soon. I will cloak the Liska and follow the Adika on its next trek. I will search for clues to solve this mystery. I will guard you from harm."
    Starla smiled, reached for his hand, and clasped it between hers. "Thank you for being here with me. Now," she added as she released her grip and stood, "it's time for Yana to go to work for us."
    Starla went to her quarters and stripped off her green jumpsuit. She opened the hidden compartment, retrieved a phial of unknown chemicals, and drank its contents. She stiffened as strange sensations assailed her body, flesh quivered and altered, colorings changed, and the shapeshifting transformation took place. It was an uncomfortable and weird feeling, but not painfiil. Raz Yakir had given her the supply to use as needed, a secret and powerful discovery a Sedan scientist had developed. While the chemicals completed their task, she selected her garment and accessories.
    She entered the bathing unit and remained for a short time, then exited clean and refreshed. A familiar and yet totally different image greeted her gaze in the mirror as she completed her grooming and dressed. She placed a heady fragrance—Yana's scent—on her neck, wrists, and between her breasts, a bosom larger than her own. She strapped a lazette to her right thigh, a small weapon in a holder, to ward off trouble. The only time she was disarmed was when she entered Tochar's chamber and when she was aboard her ship. She made certain she had the chemical—contained in what appeared to be a belt decoration—to return her normal

    image if needed before the transmutation's time span— twelve horas —elapsed.
    After finishing her tasks, she joined Cypher at the transporter unit. "Is the women's private chamber at the Skull's Den unoccupied?" she asked the android.
    "The coordinates are entered. Scanners register no presence there. It is safe to travel. Step onto the pad when you are ready to leave."
    As Starla Vedris, she had gathered those coordinates earlier so she could beam in and out without being seen or followed. Since many ships came and went and orbited Noy, Yana's comings and goings could be explained without suspicion. To help protect her other identity, she had rented an abode from Radu where Yana supposedly lived, one which Cypher kept in order and stocked in case Yana had a visitor who needed to be duped. But she had given Radu a false story as to why privacy about her whereabouts was needed. Since others often came to Tochara to conceal themselves for a while, her story and behavior were not suspicious. "How do I look?" she asked, turning for inspection.
    "As Yana, you are perfect. The human saying is: you are a woman to evoke uncontrollable desire in most men and envy in other females."
    Starla smiled and laughed. "Good, that's Yana's purpose. Raz Yakir certainly chose an alluring facade for me to assume. Bree-Kayah could not dress and behave as she does. I even sound different with the changes in my nose, mouth, and throat. No one could see through this cunning disguise, not even Tochar with his wicked gaze." She closed her eyes and repeated, "I'm Yana, I'm Yana, I'm Yana" to get herself into that identity's character.