Regan's Reach 2: Orbital Envy (37 page)

She looked across at the large screen, the looming pipe looking impossibly close in the expanded view. Not much time. She thought about Merryl's secret orders, the bitch pilot, her own lost hopes, and touched the icon. The message had changed. REBOOT NOW!

She looked around at Merryl, eyes locked on the pipe. Slap . . . slap . . . slap.
We're on manual, will he notice?
Turning back to her screen, irrationally calm now, she quickly tapped in her security codes. Her private home screen dashboard opened up. Selecting the system settings she step by step worked through the stages of approving a system reboot, only hesitating at the final hurdle, Commander Merryl's personal code. This would sign her death warrant. Beginning to cry quietly she tapped in the code, a number she had given to him herself . . .

He
would
notice how could he not? Lights all over the ship dimmed, and flickered, screens dwindled to pinpricks before powering up again, lights flashed in warning. Everyone heard the unusual sound 'OOooouummuuooOO', of machinery winding down then powering up. Alarms rang erratically in the background.

Merryl turned slowly toward Terrin. Her lack of reaction told him everything. Striding across he screamed at her, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" She didn't cower, or turn; simply dropped hands to her sides and pushed herself up, sitting tall in the seat. In a rage he swung back the pipe, teed up and in one considered killing sweep cracked her skull like an egg, scalping off a flap from the top of her head and spraying more gore around the room. Her chin slammed down onto the desk just as the system began to power back up. The room suddenly darkened, black as the blackest night and air systems momentarily shut down. Silence reigned. The ship hurtled on.

* * *

Bomber secured and now in transit to Base Camp, Regan rocketed skyward. The two awestruck Coran's, well strapped in and secured by Leah, now sat either side of them in the outside seats. Eyes wide, glued to the Interceptor screen the two were in shock. It displayed a small screen in screen view of their forward passage while most of the picture was dominated by the live feed from Rod's ADF. It revealed their mother ship, merely a dot on the screen now; it was clearly aiming for the pipe. The knowledge was too much for the navigator, she burst into tears and from the other side of the cabin the pilot hissed at her. Leah cuffed the woman sharply across the nose. "Shut up, we're working."

At her side Regan, eyes closed, was in conference.

The handsome, beautiful Ham and the tall, gracious woman known as Hilary sat across the table from her in The STEIN Traveler war room. This war room had an unusual ambience, calm and peaceful with plants and pictures on the walls. They chatted as they regarded the widescreen view of the behemoth approaching.

[Is it just me or does it appear to be turning?] Regan mused as she sipped her coffee experimentally. Very good!

[I think your right, it does look like it's turning, but at that speed it makes little difference. It's going to be close] Ham too lifted the brew to his lips and sipped genteelly.

Regan smiled. Putting on a good impression it seems.

[Nothing to worry about] Hilary reached across and patted the beautiful man's hand. [I've got it covered]

[Did I say I was worried?]

They continued to watch in silence as the ship grew in size, clearly trying to turn, the effort minute in impact but definitely there.

[What are you going to do with the Coran's Regan?]

[Hmm, it depends, whether we have a lot . . . or just a few] her eyes were wide, fixed on the screen.

Hilary hardly seemed to notice.

[Ham] Regan subbed him privately [Are we good here?]

[She's got it, don't worry] he seemed confident.

The warship filled the screen, growing at an alarming rate until only the ship was visible impact imminent . . . and . . . then . . . it was gone.

They could see nothing but Earth

[Wow!] [Wow!!] Regan blurted, most impressed [You
moved
that monster?]

[Actually] Hilary was casually dismissive [we just stepped aside; A tricky displacement. I'm going to call it, 'The Lucy']

[I'm sorry, the what?]

[The Lucy . . . Ham was so right. There is
so
much to learn from your data . . . The Lucy, it's from one of your cartoons] The gracious woman shook her head and brought one hand to her mouth trying to contain her laughter [Lucy . . . she pulls the oval ball thingy away when the Charlie boy tries to kick it, it's
very
funny. A bit nasty too I know but you understand, orbital to protect, lives to save, that kind of thing]

Regan shook her head and smiled to herself. This is going to work out juuust fine.

[Incoming message from the ship] Hilary announced.

It was a familiar voice, unexpected and wonderful to hear, just two words.

"STRIIIIIIKE ONE!"

* * *

Chapter Eight

Slowing rapidly and still turning the huge ship carved though thin moon atmosphere sucking dust behind it in a massive swirling storm. It then continued on its path, scything out into space. Even at the speeds this ship could manage it would be a day at least before return.

Lights came on throughout the vessel, as if someone were turning a dimmer switch with slow deliberate intention. Air systems hummed into life, temperature rapidly adjusting to normal and heart rates, of their own accord, beginning to settle. But not, the heart rate of Commander Merryl. Leaning on Terrin's chair for support his heart was racing. Looking down at her battered body he first seemed shocked, and then threw the metal pipe across the room to clatter against the wall.

"Helm . . . do we still have manual?" He looked up at the forward screen, seeing only starscape and scowled.

"Sir, I have nothing. The ship is out of my control."

Merryl's eyes were still fixed on the screen, the Starscape subtly changing. They were turning. "Not out of control, someone's controlling it." It came as a whisper, to himself.

Suddenly he barked. "SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN!"

"Too late, was the cry?" A new voice emanated from the system . . .

Merryl crouched, as if ducking from the ceiling. The crew turned to him with questioning looks. He returned only a blank stare, thinking desperately.

"You have only a short time to secure Commander Merryl," The voice came again, "before all air on the ship will be withdrawn from free use." The voice commenced counting down. "Ten . . . nine . . . eight . . ." Merryl stumbled to the centre of control. "Seven . . . six . . ." Behind him a man picked up the pipe. "Five . . . Four . . ."

A short sharp thud punched around the room and Merryl dropped to his knees before falling forward, no arms, onto his face. The man stood there, pipe hanging from his hand, the few remaining crew aghast.

"Yes, well . . ." The voice spoke again, "That will do instead. Please take Mr. Merryl to his quarters. I will secure him there. Everyone please return to your stations, you are perfectly safe, provided you cause no trouble. I highly recommend you cooperate. You are a long way from home and if you desire to return there you will consult me before any operational action. We are returning to Earth orbit where you will have the opportunity to clarify your position. Until then the ship is in my control, you need do nothing. You may call me anytime, my name is Ham."

Merryl woke achingly. His neck felt stiff, his head wet with blood, arms wrenched and sore. He rolled off the bunk and quickly made for the door. It didn't open. Banging on the surface produced no response. Padding his communicator similarly produced nothing. He stepped to his desk, three long strides and slumped down into the chair. Reaching into the small alcove in the wall he extracted a long thin blade. Dragging it across the fabric of his suit it produced a clean cut. He rested there a moment, eyes closed, drawing in long steady breaths, calming himself. Despite this, to his embarrassment his eyes watered and he dragged a sleeve across his cheek. He rested one forearm on the desk, wrist up and brought the other hand over, blade poised . . .

"DON'T DO IT!" The voice boomed, ridiculously loud in the room, such a shock to Merryl that he dropped the blade to the floor.

"It's too good for you," the voice whispered, and immediately gas hissed through the system. Merryl looked up startled to the vent but already the effects were hitting him, he slid off the seat with a thud.

* * *

"Is it insider trading if you're sure of yourself?"

"You're asking me?" Kevin handed him a stubby beer and sat opposite on the couch. "You're the lawyer here my friend. I take it she's cleaned up again?"

"Cleaned up isn't the half of it. She had me buying the moment the markets crashed. Mostly strategic positions at a bargain but a few were just speculative. Honestly it is worrying. It's not like she acts on any knowledge other than that she is supremely confident she will win but her strategy is so successful someone is going to question it one day."

"If they had any sense, they'd follow her lead." Kevin replied.

"I do . . ." Marcus laughed, delighted.

Kevin took on a more serious look, a cloud seeming to come over him. "On a more sombre note, are you going to speak at the memorial service?"

Marcus paused, suddenly reflective. "Sorry for sounding so flippant, God isn't it amazing how quickly we move on? Yes, I'd like to pay my respects, just a few words . . . you?"

"Probably," Kevin drank from the bottle, "Although I have no idea what I'll say. What a way to go."

"Ham did say it was quick. He also said Marin broke the shooters neck." Marcus grimaced.

"Good on him, he saved Regan the job, she might have done worse." Kevin looked over his shoulder, pointedly, "She's talking to Steph's brother now, through there." He gestured with his thumb.

In the office Regan looked with real grief at the image on the wall. Steph's brother, Philip, a man she had never met but someone who could tweak all kinds of emotions so similar was his resemblance to Steph.

He seemed flat. A relationship that had been close but seldom near was gone forever and any chance of spending more time with his sister had now been lost. His obvious regret about past wasted opportunities was profound.

"I wanted her to follow her dreams," he continued sadly, "as she did for me, but, and please don't take this the wrong way; ever since her involvement with STEIN I had this feeling it wouldn't end happily. She was like a moth to the flame."

Regan smiled. "We did get up to a lot; she was a real risk taker, a thrill seeker."

"No," he replied sadly, "That's not what I meant . . . you, you're the flame Regan."

She froze for a second, shocked. "Phil, I don't know what to say to that. Steph was my closest friend; she pushed me to my limits. I hope we both grew stronger through it."

"I'm sorry Regan, I put that badly. If you risk nothing you've got nothing to lose, she certainly believed that. I just meant that of all the people she's ever talked about, you seemed to be the one who inspired her to risk the most. If you're living on the edge I guess there's always a chance of losing your balance."

"Steph didn't lose her balance Phil; she was blown off the edge. She lived her life the way she wanted, be confident of that."

"Please," he spoke anxiously, "Don't feel responsible, I spoke out of turn there. She loved you like a sister, if anything I was jealous. I'm glad she had you there."

She sat silently for a moment.

"Phil, Steph made me her executor for her will, with Marcus Jackson our Lawyer. I want you to know that she left everything to you. We'll make sure you get all her entitlements and if you'd ever like to work with us there'll always be a job for you . . . What do you do by the way?"

"Just a struggling artist, I'm doing ok."

"Well, you're a billionaire artist now. I'll look forward to meeting you at the memorial. My partner Ham will pick you up as arranged tomorrow."

As she disconnected the feed her feelings were mixed. He looked astonished, speechless.

[Are you all right?]

[I'm ok Ham, he's hurting and there's no going back. I can understand how he feels]

[You're not responsible]

[I know, thank you for caring] She quickly changed the subject. [We're going to be busy my friend]

[Leave all the organization to Hilary. She's got everything under control and it'll save you worrying about whether you've forgotten something]

[When does the ship arrive?]

[I'll be bringing it in early tomorrow; the crew will be prepped and ready for your meeting]

[How are they taking it?]

[They're in shock, but I'm sure some will take up your offer. Regan, stop it. You're still working. Take a break, have a drink with Kevin and Marcus, go to the gym with Leah. Anything but work today]

She just nodded.
Recover now, meetings tomorrow. That works
. She walked through to the lounge to join the guys.

She didn't stay long. Drinking wouldn't cut it, not in the afternoon. Better to work off any negative feelings in the Gym. A quick scan of the pipe and she could see Leah was already on her way up there, ready to run.
Good, that's just what I need.

[Leah] As with Jared, she subbed, Leah heard,
what a system!
Just the thought brought a welcome smile to her.

"What's up babe?" Leah talked as she walked, drawing the usual strange looks.

[Wait for me will you, a run is just what I need]

"Hey, that's great, thought I'd be pounding round on my own. I'll wait in Antigrav."