Regan's Reach 2: Orbital Envy (20 page)

She felt cold and shivered uncontrollably, her mind imagining the outcome. There followed a long contemplative silence.

"How would you do it?"

"Look on the table Regan."

She hadn't noticed, but on the table she now saw another waistcoat, another mobile.

"I need to show you something else." The image changed, it was another young girl, on a bench in a dusty room praying. "This is the adjoining room to the one we just viewed, she is the next martyr."

Regan's thoughts were buzzing.
Justice, judgment, juries, morals, ethics, prisons . . . children.

She stood up. "Ham, when we get back . . . kill him!"

Ham waited a long moment. "Regan . . . he was number eleven."

She pursed her lips and nodded very slowly, clearly thinking.

"I'm going back to the shower . . . I won't bother you about this again."

* * *

It had taken some subterfuge; Rod faked his piloting ability to pick up The President in an Interceptor while Dahlia controlled the craft. Regardless of her best efforts so far she had been unable to find any backup of Ham on station, this despite his assurances that he would be there to greet her. For now, to Kevin's increasing worry, they simply had to wait and hope that The STEIN Traveler would return.

The Presidents minders were apoplectic at the limitations on security. In the end Minjee had remained on the pipe leaving room for The President, two bodyguards, and Rod. With a small military contingent from Hillary Step it was felt security concerns would be adequately covered. Certainly Cliff Johnston felt so and he was not going to be dissuaded from the trip.

Even the presence of a large craft entering Earths arena did not hold quite the surprise or concern value of Marin's arrival four years earlier, especially as it appeared the vessel was from the same system. President Johnston expected to attend the Hillary Station funeral service and return to the White House long before the giant ship made orbit, no risk. He was excited and his presence being broadcast worldwide was great PR.

"Are they friendly Kevin? The president asked.

Crowded into the Stein compound lounge, Kevin, Cliff Johnston, Rod, Hayden, two security personnel, two military and more outside the door Kevin found himself distracted reflecting on how uniforms could seem to fill a room.

"Friendly? Sir, truthfully we don't know for sure but we expect their intentions aren't exactly selfless. In all honesty, I'm worried about what this will mean. I would feel happier if Regan and Marin were here but unfortunately they're not, both off on . . . research trips of their own. We can only wait for their arrival and hope."

"Are you people secure here on Hillary?"

"Sir, we're more secure here than Earth, of that I'm certain. We don't trust the Corans' based on what we know from Marin, and this does seem to be a Coran vessel. Having said that the Gleise 667 system Marin left was not strongly militaristic. While their intentions may be for more than just a friendly visit, we don't see them necessarily as a threat. We do intend to be alert and ready."

"What does that mean Kevin, are you telling me that you have weapons here?"

"No sir. I can tell you that you would find no missiles or weapons as such on Hillary, but I'm assured we can look after ourselves." He sounded confident.

"Assured by whom?" Johnston kept digging.

"By Regan and Ham, Mr. President."

"But they're not here Kevin." He stood and extended his hand. "Shouldn't we be going, I'd like to walk to wherever we're having the ceremony, where is it by the way?"

"Down on the USD flight decks sir, it's the largest open space available. Your people are already there." Everyone was now standing.

"Well, let's get going. While we walk perhaps you and Mr. Joyce could tell me a bit about these ADF's I hear so much about."

Hayden caught Kevin's eye and winked.

* * *

An hour later as the ceremony was still drawing to a close; mood in the Kremlin office of Vasily Popov was dire. Andrei Sokolov's eyes had been locked on the huge screen for the entire service; he had remained silent and brooding.

Popov watched him out of the corner of one eye. The huge screen left no doubt as to the focus of Sokolov's attention, his eyes never strayed from The American President and his scowl at the cheers of flight crew following Johnston's speech was particularly telling.

"Vasily . . ." Sokolov barked, "they are in bed together, this is self evident. We cannot fall away. Get on to that Roscosmos Administrator. Tell Perminov I want a shuttle in Orbit urgently, a Warrior, and General Lebedev
must
be aboard." He turned to an assistant. "Get me Lebedev, now, in my office." He stood and strutted for the door. "Come Vasily, we must talk,
we
must be first to greet this alien vessel. It must be us there first. It must be!"

* * *

Cruising through the Kuiper belt had been uneventful. Now in the outer edges of the Solar System Ham commenced scanning for information, still not sending, but curiously exploring. His warning bells were soon ringing. Unfelt by any on The STEIN he began harnessing the enormous energies at his disposal to accelerate earthward. He needed to know more.

On deck five Regan, Leah and an enthusiastic Jared jogged through the Rotorua Redwoods. They had maintained the same quiet pace for an hour, time flying by as they chatted about family, life in general, and weapons systems whenever Jared entered the conversation. Regan felt delighted with her fitness. Extremely fit prior to the attack she felt strong, still very much in shape. Having said that she would hurt in the morning she knew.

As The STEIN accelerated, that part of her mind now in tune with the system picked up Ham's urgent response with alarm. [Ham . . . what's happened?]

[I don't know Regan, but we need to find out. Come to control]

It was enough. Leah noticed her steps falter and placed one hand on Regan's arm, drawing her to a stop while Jared continued to jog on ahead.

"What's up Regan, are you feeling ok?"

"We need to get up to control, Ham's worried about something and that's enough for me . . . Jared!" She called across the deck. The boy padded over, hardly any change in his breathing. For the first time she noticed the sling shot hanging out of his pocket.

Entering Control they took seats and made themselves comfortable.

"I'll leave it to you Ham, what's up?" Regan resisted the temptation to go searching herself.

"What's up . . . well, nothing and something, both disturb me. We're too far away to communicate in real time but I'm not picking up any signal from me on Hillary. There should be an ongoing encrypted update signal, something that I would latch on to in range."

"So what does that mean?" Leah asked.

"It means something back there has happened. There is no reason why I would stop broadcasting that signal." Ham's concern was obvious.

"We need to get back then, now, and what was the other thing?"

"Regan, there is another ship in the system, not Marin, something big."

She hesitated, but only for a moment. "Ham, you said we could be there in hours, just do it. Take us back."

Leah rather comically put up her hand. "Ah, and since we're going back, quickly, could we put in that order Ham?" And she gestured pointedly at her left eye.

"Ahem . . . It might not be there when we get in but yes, it might be an idea."

Embarrassed, Leah looked at Regan and shrugged. "Well you do like to look your best."

"What are your thoughts Ham?"

"About the visitor . . . from the energy signature I'd say it's Coran."

Regan, we can surf in but I'll have to do the equivalent of a power slide to stop. A bit embarrassing but it can be done."

"No . . . we need to assess the situation. Jump us to somewhere around Jupiter's orbit, we'll cruise in from there. If we need to move quickly again we can."

"On the way boss."

Leah listened to the interchange with fascination. The roles had somehow switched, and so quickly! For two weeks Ham had led every step decisively. He had handled a difficult situation with poise and genuine concern. Now, Regan was back. She was in control.

"Call me if you hear anything, I'm going to get cleaned up." Regan could hear Jared in the Galley with Jean and once again gave thanks for her mother's care.
What would I have done without you?

Leah joined her in the lift and as the doors closed Regan staggered, just for a moment. Leah had to prop her up until they opened again on their floor. "Are you ok?"

"Just a little dizzy, I'll be fine." She didn't look it, still using the wall for support.

Leah insisted and helped her through into the bathroom. "Are you sure you're going to be ok?"

"I'll be fine, you go clean up." Regan padded for the water and again had to lean on the wall as she did so.

It was enough; Leah quickly stripped off her own suit then helped Regan with hers. She joined her in the shower.

He couldn't stay silent, [You are incorrigible!]

[Shut up Ham]

Regan leant forward on the wall, her arms stretched out before her, legs slightly parted. Leah had full access and commenced a long soapy comprehensive wash. It was better than a massage.

Twenty minutes later, Leah turned off the water and stood there, inches from Regan, so close she could still feel heat coming off her skin. Neither spoke for a moment. "I . . . I'll just go and get some clean gear. You'll be all right now?"

"Yes . . . yes of course, I'll be fine." Regan gestured for her to go and Leah slipped out of the room quickly, trailing water and not even bothering to dry. Regan leant back against the wall then slid down until she was sitting, legs splayed, fanning her face with her hand. "Phew . . . Blimey!"

"How long before we have contact Ham?"

"Should be a few hours . . . and yes, you have time."

She pushed herself up and padded through to the bunk, falling back still damp on to her back, one hand searching down the side of the bed, it had been a while . . .

* * *

The Warrior shuttle nudged forward. From any viewpoint the approach seemed ridiculously nervous, like a small dog trying to sniff a much larger animal. In this case the size disparity made even such apt comparisons seem ridiculous, the shuttle being tiny compared to the huge Coran vessel. Even though the Russian Warrior was the much smaller and presumably more maneuverable craft in reality without the Coran's assistance liaison would have been impossible. The behemoth appeared able to maneuver with far greater freedom than the Warrior and it positioned in such a way that the Russian craft could nudge in toward the huge opening in its surface with a minimum of thrust adjustments.
Thank God
thought Zelin. It was impossible for Cosmonaut Pilot Major Peter Zelin to tell from this perspective whether the door they were approaching was on the top, bottom or sides of the vessel and he quietly hoped the visitors would have some way of righting their position. They continued to creep forward, tiny thrusts occasionally adjusting their aspect until they were swallowed whole by the whale.

Peter Zelin could not help being impressed with Major General Lebedev, his esteemed passenger. First time in a shuttle, first time in space and about to meet a vastly superior alien race yet he seemed completely calm.
He must have ice in his veins.

Once inside the huge flight deck to his delight he found they were right side up. Whether that was by chance or some act of the alien vessel he had no idea. He made no comment to the Major General, happy to take the credit and the shuttle soon settled to a stationary position. Zelin could sense that they were still floating but nevertheless the presence of gravity was a welcome surprise. They unbuckled and stretched.
What now?

Through the thick front screen they could see a small party gathering outside the shuttle. They were tall and lean with apparently emotionless faces but thankfully there were no signs of weapons. Lebedev took the lead.

"No sense in waiting Zelin, open up, let us meet our guests."

A strange choice of words
Zelin thought as he nervously activated the air lock. Assurances that the atmosphere would be earth friendly were reassuring but he was yet to be convinced. Only his memory of meeting the Dahlian Marin gave him any confidence that all should be well.

The internal door opened and he stepped through to open the outer door. He paused, saying a silent prayer, and then punched for the lock to release. The door hissed outward and Zelin stepped back allowing the General to make the first greeting.

Major General Alexander Lebedev proudly stepped down from the shuttle. Only at that point did the size disparity truly become apparent. Only five foot seven inches tall the group before him towered at least eighteen inches above him. As a first encounter it was comical.

Zelin stepped down followed by the five crew members. He immediately noticed the extra spring in his step. Lower gravity he guessed and hoped the general had also noticed.

The General boldly stepped forward and extended his hand to the central figure.

The tall emotionless man spoke. "Greetings and welcome to our vessel. Be assured we come in peace and friendship." His smile was a grimace, but more startling, even than his appearance, was that his Russian was perfect.

Zelin reflected on their happy group,
the seven dwarves!
They followed the two senior officers with a small group trailing behind them. Their towering height was unsettling but then looking forward at the general, once again it struck him the man had an undeniable presence. He walked confidently and with purpose.
If they are at all observant they'll have no doubt who is in charge in our group
. They entered a lift with room for only four and Lebedev insisted that Zelin come with him. So the four, the two Coran leaders, Lebedev and he split from the main group. As the doors closed behind them he wondered if they would see each other again.