Regan's Reach 4: Avarice (17 page)

She could feel her head bumping
rhythmically on the railing as she surrendered and then Hilary, with a sigh in
her voice asked tentatively, "Is this even the same male?"

Charlotte tensed briefly and thought before
answering. "Oh shit . . . I have no idea."

* * *

Charlotte was one of the last to descend
from the gantry as Regan and Marin waited. She appeared disheveled and for the
first time Regan considered how frightening it might have been crammed up there
with the hundreds with nowhere to go. Walking forward to help her down the last
rungs Regan steadied her as she dropped to the ground and they could see she
seemed flushed and wobbly on her legs.

"Are you okay Charlie, it must have
been so hot and cramped up there?"

Charlotte gathered herself quickly, turning
to face them with a hard to read smile. "It was fine thanks Regan, good to
be among the crew for such a great match and very entertaining I must say."

Marin looked doubtful. "Do you know much
about football?"

"Oh, I know a bit, but women's rugby
and roller hockey were my games." She carried on quickly before they could
probe further. "Might I suggest we retire to my cabin, there are some
things I'd like to discuss with you in private if that's okay?"

Regan nodded and they began the walk toward
the elevators.

"What rugby position did you
play?" Marin asked.

"Oh it was in the forwards mainly, the
front row, I was in the middle of the action all the time, that's the way I
liked it." And she laughed.

Marin smiled, always eager to show his
knowledge of Earth affairs. "Oh, so you were the hooker."

She didn't reply and the doors swished
closed behind them.

As Regan and Marin settled in to the
sumptuous chairs Charlotte could tell what was going through their minds. Their
eyes were roving the room taking in the luxury and no doubt comparing the
surroundings with what she knew to be their much more modest accommodation.

"I didn't choose this room you know,
it came with the job." She smiled an apology.

Regan laughed. "Don't even think about
it Charlie, I was only admiring the room, and Marin? Well, let's just say if
you ever see the inside of his bedroom you will know that given a couple of
weeks in here no one would even notice it had been luxurious."

Marin reached across to thump her leg, a
half hearted act which Regan easily dodged.

"You wanted to talk with us?"
Regan continued.

"Yes . . ." and Charlotte tapped
her collar, then her nose. It was a simple gesture but enough to indicate that
the request was at least in part from Hilary. Regan nodded,
message sent and
received.

"It occurred to me," Charlotte
continued, "that Jared might like a break as I understand he's coming with
you to Rigel. On the Fair Passage there will be quite a few young people and there's
entertainment here probably not available on the Behemoth or the Ascendant. Perhaps
he might like to journey with us? He may even like to work alongside me a bit,
like a holiday job, and perhaps we might work on some puzzles together?" Charlotte
hesitated, just looking at Regan, and waiting.

Regan remained neutral, very hard to read.
"Hmm, it's an idea, and I'd have to run it past him but I think he'd jump
at the chance. Charlie, he's just had a simple operation, it's nothing serious
but I'd like him to have a few more days to recover. If he's interested, how
about we transfer him after we go through the first portal, he can be working
with you from then. Then it's a week before we reach our second jump point and
another day after that before we make the last. How does that sound?"

"Take it."
Hilary's voice came firm and fast in Charlotte's earpiece.

"That sounds perfect Regan, and I'm
sure he'll have fun. Now, when do we get underway? I'm eager to see the other
side of this galaxy."

"We leave tomorrow babe, all the
preparations seem to be complete. Ham is liaising with Lucas as we speak and
all the colonists and crew are onboard. And by the way, congratulate them for
their fine win today will you, they were magnificent."

"Oh - did we win? I was just -
enjoying the experience." She smiled guiltily. "And I guess it was
more about relations with crew than winning or losing." At the words Charlotte
shifted uncomfortably, she meant to say crew relations.

"It certainly was that!" Hilary
laughed in her ear.

Regan stood. "Well, we have a lot to
get on with Charlie, and you seem to have everything in hand here. I know it's
too early for you to report anything at this stage so we'll leave you to come
to grips with the task. Not long now and we will be underway. Other than in the
portal space which is only a brief jump we will always be close by should you
need us." Regan looked sideways at Marin [We're off babe.] He reluctantly
peeled himself from the soft chair and straightened his suit.

Charlotte was still blushing at the
Freudian slip but quickly recovered. "I'll have one of the crew take you back
to the flight deck."

"Oh there's no need," Marin
chipped in, "we didn't come by shuttle." He winked, took Regan's arm
. . . and they disappeared.

* * *

Chapter Five

The call for silence needed no amplification
as it boomed throughout the Senate amphitheatre on Regis. Representatives from
all the major families were gathered and the chatter of conversation was
deafening, the atmosphere being nothing like the usual respectful decorum of
these meetings. Only those descended from the founding fathers would normally
speak while the meeting was in session, but not today it seemed. The smell of
fear filled the room while murmurings and anxious glances replaced the usual
serenity of worship. Unusually, none of the seats were empty as all those who
qualified had taken up their right of attendance. Many were qualifying newcomers,
those who would normally do anything to avoid being sullied by association with
politics or religion. But they had made sure to be here today and all seemed
eager to exercise their rights to be heard, or at least be recognized. Why?
Because the unthinkable had happened; the evil reach of technology had come to
Regis, and the buzz of speculation was that it could only mean one thing; that
the tipping point had been reached. The aging population of Rexis had lost
control of their computer helpers and the feared takeover by artificial
intelligence had clearly begun. And, given the exploding androids in the palace
it seemed their reach now even extended to Regis itself.

"Silence!" Again the voice boomed
out, and reluctantly the murmurings dwindled in deference to the aged leader at
the rostrum. He stood quietly, with priestly disposition and dress in marked
contrast to the almost warlike attitude of most gathered in the auditorium. The
man waited until there had been a pointed time of silence before beginning to
speak.

"Delegates, esteemed representatives
of the people, children of the founding fathers; we have called this meeting to
reestablish calm, to reassure the people, to be examples of patience and
restraint. This is not a time for rash action; this is a time for us to
demonstrate our wisdom and restraint while we ponder . . ."

"With respect Darius . . ." A
much younger man stood and waited for the leader’s attention. Seated several rows
from the front, heads turned quickly to see who had interrupted the premier,
behavior unheard of in the senate. The young man seemed undaunted by the
attention although his companions on either side appeared to slink away, doing
their best to create distance from the presumptuous one.

He continued confidently, "The time
for restraint has passed; this is no time to sit back and wait for our policy
of dominion by attrition to continue its course. This attack by the AI of Rexis
is an act of war. Brethren, suicide bombers in the palace, a place where
innocent civilians are visiting - this atrocity cannot be allowed to go
unpunished! And what does it signal that for the first time in generations
these monsters have come to our planet and insinuated themselves amongst us. No
one is safe now; we must take action!" He remained standing, buoyed up by
resounding calls of support from around the room; mostly newcomers it must be
noted.

Darius remained calm. He paused, allowing
the room to quiet before lifting his head slowly to the young man and engaging
eye contact; it was the look of a steely assassin. The young man did not flinch
under the elder’s gaze.

"Young Perin, welcome to this honored
assembly. That these events have prompted you to finally take up your father's
long vacant seat, and drawn others . . ." he paused to look slowly around
the room, taking in the gathered hundreds, "in fact many others, drawn
here to join us today, that is something to be grateful for. Nevertheless, the
very event that prompted your sudden interest in politics is also the event
that reveals the wisdom of our approach. Our policy of wait and regain is
finally bearing fruit. Clearly these monsters, robots, androids . . . call them
what you will, were here on some spying mission. It can only mean that that the
time of our ascension is drawing near and they are seeking to establish the
degree of our threat. That these machines destroyed themselves on discovery
means nothing of value has been lost. Yes, this is a time for action, but it
must be carefully considered action and clearly we have time."

Perin sneered. "Don't you see Darius?
The very fact these machines self destructed tells you the threat is serious.
There may be no time to lose; our very existence may be at stake. Are you prepared
to gamble with the lives of our people, our children? The enemy has come to our
door; we sit and wait now at our peril."

Again, a loud murmuring broke out around
the room, and it had the sound of agreement, of anger.

"Brothers and sisters." Darius called
for attention. "You know it has always been our concern, and the concern
of our founding fathers, that there should be no loss of life by any aggressive
act of ours on Rexis. Even the destruction of their accursed technology would
lead to loss of life there since they are so dependent on their machines. These
are our kin, and they have not acted against us in any way, they have respected
our beliefs and left us in peace . . ."

"Until now!" Perin interrupted.

"These were robots Perin!" Darius
countered. "Not the people of Rexis. We cannot act in aggression based on
the actions of mere machines acting without morals or emotion as we would
expect them to. This does give us hope. Clearly the time of attrition is
drawing to an end." He again scanned the room, looking for support.
"Be patient my brethren, our time is near, and when only the machines are
left we will release our plague and reclaim the planet peacefully as long
planned."

"But Darius . . ."

"Enough!" Darius snapped.
"Let the voting delegates stand, the representatives of our founding
fathers will decide."

A rumble from around the auditorium
signaled movement and the mostly older group rose to their feet. More males than
females were qualified to vote and the young Perin stood with them.

"Darius." a voice rang out.
"What is the proposal that we vote on?"

Darius thought for a moment. "That we
refer the matter of any action on the incursion to the defense committee.
Further that we reaffirm the policy established by the founding fathers, that
is 'wait and regain'. Time will then see us ascend into our role and return to
our homelands."

"If we are to vote then I would like
to propose an amendment, Darius."

Darius was scanning the room for the voice,
the sound difficult to follow in the large amphitheatre. His eyes were finally
drawn to a tall figure toward the rear, not sitting in his usual chair but
immediately recognizable; it was Perin’s uncle. "Yes brother Maynard, I
did not recognize you so far back there; and your amendment is?" 

The old man hesitated before answering.
"That we appoint new blood to the defense committee. I propose my nephew
Perin and his companions Papal and Croye as they are the cream of our defense
academy and they represent the future. We are growing old Darius - it is they
and their ilk that must carry our people on."

Darius appeared to shrink at the proposal
before drawing himself up to full height. "All those in favor of the
proposal and the amendment say aye."

A resounding aye echoed around the chamber
and Darius did not bother to call for nays to speak. He looked up to where
Perin was sitting. "May you live up to the honor of your father's name
Perin - we will be in touch." And with that he stalked from the chamber.

Leaving the chamber Perin and his friends
made quickly for the office of his uncle, ignoring the attempts by a few
malcontents to engage him in the corridors. The old man was already seated and
working as they burst in and he didn't look up for a moment, theatrically
tapping the table top with the point of his pen before raising his head.

"Perin my boy, welcome - and you too Papal,
and Croye, however could you please leave us for a moment, I need a private
word with my nephew."

They looked disappointed but their pride
saw them recover quickly.

"Of course master." Papal
answered for them both, then turned to his friend. "Perin, we will be
outside if you need us." They reluctantly slipped from the room.

Maynard stood and walked around the desk to
his side while gesturing for Perin to take a seat. He did so and then laughed inwardly
as he noted his uncle chose not to sit, instead standing over him. Then to his
surprise Maynard knelt, placing a hand on each on each of Perin’s knees and
squeezing hard. Nothing was said for a moment and the tension in the room seemed
to rise.

It was Maynard who spoke first.

"Perin, this is the moment, your
moment. The meeting changes nothing and you were right, the visit from Rexis is
unprecedented and clearly indicates there is movement on their side. I doubt
strongly that they are thinking of invading, that is not in their programming.
But we should note this visit clearly telegraphs their deep concerns; the
tipping point has been reached, Perin. Our kin have been unable to sustain
their population and the machines are concerned. We must move now, take the
initiative and claim our families and your father's birthright as regents of
the homeland. Young Perin, there is no family more worthy or able than ours;
now you must take the steps as we planned and do it soon. The proposed committee
will procrastinate as always, nothing will be done."

"Then why did you propose me to be on
the committee?"

"As cover my boy - nothing has changed
from what we have discussed. By being on the committee and supportive of the
process, no one will be watching you closely. However with our plan you will prove
to be the deliverer of our people and later will be in a unique position to
justify your actions with inside knowledge of the committee's ineptitude. The
only power that matters then will be the people. With your success they will
recognize you and our clan as the rightful leadership as we make the move back
to the Rexis homelands."

"The ship is ready?" Perin asked.

"Soon - very soon, and in the meantime
use this opportunity to build your profile, present yourself as the future
leader you will be."

"Uncle, we don't have the weapons or
the virus yet, how can we succeed?"

"Perin . . . I do have the virus, we
need only to feed it to their system, anywhere on the planet. It is virulent
and tenacious; it will quickly infect the whole system on Rexis during its
dormant stage, and then everything will shut down. You must carry it down and
deliver the death blow."

"Uncle, what if it doesn't work?"

"My boy, it was developed as the failsafe
by our very founders, the same ancestors who gave birth to those accursed AI's
and then became complacent as they evolved. Complacent and naive they may have
been but the virus will work, it attacks the very source code of their system
and anything connected will not escape. Our forefathers carried it with them
when they left and it is time to deliver it back before we return."

Perin just nodded with his thoughts in
turmoil. The old man struggled back to his feet and unsteadily walked back
behind his desk.

"For now Perin, celebrate with your
friends but do so with decorum. In less than seven nightfalls you will be
underway and you are our soon to be deliverer. In the meantime be in the news
for all the right, not the wrong reasons. Now, be gone, I have everything in
hand and will be in touch with you soon."

The younger man rose and made for the door,
hesitating there before turning back. "I won't let our people down, Uncle."

"I have complete confidence in you
Perin and your father would be proud of you."

As Maynard watched the door close behind
Perin another opened to the side of the office. A woman entered and walked toward
his desk, one eye still warily on the other entrance. She looked concerned.

"Maynard my love, can it really be so
simple? You are sending Perin with no arms, no real means of attack or
defense."

"My dear, he needs only to access
their systems in a strategic place and the battle is won for us, do not worry.
We have the place, and the time and the people."

"But how will they defend themselves,
and get back?"

"Darling, it is not important that
they return, only that they carry and upload the virus."

"But if Perin is captured, or killed,
who will lead?"

He smiled. "Our family of course, this
isn't about one individual. There are others capable of leadership." He
turned his attention back to his work.

* * *

Reubus Orbital, Gliese star system.

Reubus chatted with himself happily,
several versions of himself in fact, he being the only worthy company he could
bother with in the business world of the Gliese system. He quite enjoyed this
actually, having copied himself into a small coterie of androids, one of which
was perched on the table. There were five in total, four male and one female,
with the female being a Regan model kept most often in a naked state. It was this
Regan model that was currently splayed across the table and the one with whom
he was conversing.