Moonbeams and magic Read Free

boundary. Besides, nobody can invade Tochara, not with our defense system."
    Starla knew that the Thracian—of which Icaria was a planet—and the Ceyxan galaxies had tolerated the villite strongholds on Noy and several other small planets in the Free-Zone because the pirates provided them with things they wanted and because the villites wisely did not operate in their sectors. Yet, if those empires changed their minds, the stronghold of Tochara was impregnable, even by star-ships. But I-GAF teams from the United Federation of Gal-

    axies—made up of Maffei, Seri, Kalfa, Androas, and Py-ropea—could decide to challenge the nefariants who preyed on their solar systems. A bold course of action could not be undertaken, however, until matching weapons were built, which could not happen until white crystals of the same size and power were found either in Seri or Kalfa. "For now, we seem to be safe, but who can say what the future holds?"
    "Tochar's too smart to endanger himself, his stronghold, and men." Moig's strong tone reflected his confidence in the leader.
    Not his hirelings, you brain-lacking yema; he sends us into great peril on every raid! "That's why I hired on with him: he's the most powerful leader beyond the UFG boundary."
    Four days later as Starla and Moig sat chatting while eating, she received a message from her android on the bridge. "What is it, Cypher-T?"
    "We are approaching the stargate portal. We will enter the Free-Zone in twenty preons. No interceptor is registering on our rear sensors. There are no instrument malfunctions. There are no obstacles in forward view."
    "That's good news, Cypher-T; continue on course. We'll join you soon." Starla looked at her repulsive companion. "Well, Moig, we'll reach Noy in three deegas and complete another successful trek."
    Starla remained quiet and alert as she listened to Moig's report to their leader, an attractive male with nape-length blond hair and piercing black eyes. Tochar was four hapaxs taller than Starla's own height of sixty-nine hapaxs. His lean, sleek body and commanding aura implied virility and power, but an evil and avaricious air exuded the alien male.

    She knew it was dangerous to cross or challenge him, as some men had learned the hard way before their painfiil deaths, but she was willing to take that risk in order to defeat him. With his band of thirty Enforcers, he ruled and controlled this settlement. It was one of several on the planet, but none other had his impenetrable defense system. He existed in luxury in a large and magnificent abode on the side of a low mountain; yet, despite his power and wealth, he could not live or travel where he willed because of his past criminal activities. He was forced to habitate in the Free-Zone, a man who sat atop the worst pile of villite debris in the universe. Starla had a healthy fear of him, but she would work for him until she achieved her goal for coming to Tochara and hiring on to his nefarious band.
    Tochar smiled and said, "A superior job as usual, Starla. You continue to impress and please me. I was smart to take a chance on you."
    Starla forced a smile in return. "Thank you, Tochar, but I would like to settle one matter now: no more killing unless our lives are in jeopardy."
    "Leaving a witness behind does place us in jeopardy, Starla. You and Moig acted wisely to eliminate any possible threat to us. As a reward for your extra task, please select any four weapons you desire from those you delivered to me. This," he said, as he handed her payment for her job, "should be an ample cut for your services this time."
    Starla accepted the bag of crozes and thanked him again. It wasn't necessary to count or examine the gems, as they were spendable anywhere she traveled. "You are most generous, Tochar, and I appreciate your faith in me. If that's all for now, I'll take my leave and get needed rest."
    "I will summon you when your services are required again. It will be soon, Starla, and at that time your