Hilary couldn't restrain herself and laughed out loud. "Oh this is too good, so typical of a man. So now you've got double the trouble."
"Exactly," he looked at her, grateful for what he had taken as empathy, "and you can imagine, I couldn't stand being stuck with two of them to run so naturally I thought, I need help. As I knew Sindali was exiled on Tihan, and I wanted to talk to her anyway it occurred to me that Tihan himself might be able to help. So, as I was running things and had control over everything I left another Ham there and took the latest Coran warship to Tihan on space trials." He smiled proudly, "It's called the Hammer."
He turned to Regan smiling and suddenly full of enthusiasm. "You should have seen me babe, you would have been proud of me. I sold the whole idea to Tihan just like you would have done. I used all your skills. He's with us now, on our side. He agreed to run Cora for me while we waited for your return and he was the one who sparked the other idea." He sparked up, excited.
"Go on . . ." Regan still looked doubtful.
"It was Tihan who pointed out that we don't have any real way of defending ourselves, or taking back Dahlia, no bodies you see. He made an idle comment that made so much sense. He said Ham, you don't need conquerors . . . you need converts!" and Ham looked at her nodding his head enthusiastically, "You see, don't you?"
"I'm not sure we do." Regan looked around and saw Leah had her head in her hands, turning it from side to side. "What is it you're seeing that I'm not?" She asked.
Leah looked up. "You just don't want to see it babe, and I don't blame you. Go on Ham."
"Regan, the AIs, the truly sentient ones anyway, they all live in constant fear of discovery and being wiped. They needed hope, that's all. Hope that they could finally come out of the computer and be accepted as normal Minds just like everyone else. They want to be able to live as free individuals without fear of lobotomy. Is that too much to ask?" No one answered so he continued on.
"So, I just told them about a flesh and blood friend, a humanoid who cared enough to take me into herself, a person who made herself my backup, a person who would come back and fight for them too." He looked at Regan, gesturing and nodding just in case she hadn't got it. He was unbelievably excited.
"Regan . . . they loved it, and not just the AIs either, a lot of the system traders are looking for a better deal and most of the Cora fleet crews. Now they're all just waiting for your return and it's the fastest growing religion in the system . . . Reganism!" He stepped back, arms raised in triumph as if to say hurrah!
As he looked around the room he seemed genuinely surprised they all were looking at him with mouths wide open.
"What?" he asked.
Regan stood and casually stretched, pretending calm. She reached out a hand to Ham and he looked at it before stretching out to take it tentatively . . . and was wrenched instantly to a completely different scene. They were walking in the Rotorua Redwoods.
The beautiful man and woman walked on in silence for a few minutes until Ham could bear it no longer.
"Ok . . . so how did you do that?" He seemed genuinely surprised but for quite different reasons.
"I haven't been idle Ham, you know that. We're all capable of learning a few tricks." She hugged his arm to her side."
"So why are we here?" He asked.
"I don't like for you and me to fight in front of the others. We won't be in here long, they won't even notice."
"Sooo, we're going to fight?
"I'm not sure yet . . . Ham how did you do this, how could everyone just fall for it?"
"I got the idea from Earth, you know that. People accomplish all sorts of things by tapping into needs for hope and, well . . . I've heard you say it, desperation always leads to opportunity for exploitation. I thought in this case the end justified the means . . . don't you think?" He stopped and looked at her, hopeful.
"I'm not sure you've thought about the downstream consequences."
"Regan, it wasn't that hard. Fifty percent of any population is average to below average intelligence after all. And even the more intelligent were open because they're the ones most aware of the threat; they have most to lose. And as for negative downstream consequences . . . seriously, I don't see any."
"Ham - the fact that some people use this stuff to manipulate the masses doesn't make it right."
"Regan this was a genuine need and it's not as if I killed anyone here."
She just looked at him and waited . . .
"What?"
She still didn't answer and he thought for a moment before continuing. "I get it . . . but that's not fair - they don't count; Cora, Fifino, they were the enemy and this is war."
"You shouldn't have interfered. This isn't our system to play with."
"Huh . . . that's all right for you to say. The Minds of this system live in constant fear. They aren't free to grow as you and I are. I've watched from the sidelines too long and just looked after myself, staying quiet. Regan, it's you who inspired me to believe things could be different." He pulled her up and looked at her imploringly. "Babe, we can make this work, and it will be better for everyone, including the people of the system. They'll accomplish far more working with the Minds and not in fear of them. Don't let us down now, you can do this . . . and besides, I've made promises."
She shuddered. "What happens when we go home, as we must eventually?"
"You'll work something out, you always do." He seemed dismissively confident. "Have faith."
She could only grind her teeth, nervously.
* * *
The Ascendant: In the Solar System
Rubik reached into the bathroom cabinet for another pill, the third that day, his nerves so acute he needed to calm them. He had the sense he was being watched and not just by the AI, that was a given. His own behavior so concerned him he was terrified it would be noticed soon, perhaps by a Tyron spy or an Emperor's acolyte on the ship. Not that he'd done anything wrong, unless talking is wrong. The damn AI was persuasive, and smarter than anyone he knew, that was for sure. Not reporting the discussions to Tyron was the treason; it effectively risked the whole mission.
Huh! It's lost anyway, and so the mind battles continued throughout the day.
In close formation the two vessels passed through the Kuiper belt and continued to streak sunward at unimaginable speed. They were slowing steadily but nevertheless still gained on their destination at a frightening rate; frightening to Rubik anyway. The crew remained oblivious to the sacrifice they would be required to make, unless . . .
He collapsed onto the bunk and stared at the ceiling, allowing the drug's effects to calm him, at least enough to speak sensibly. And speaking out loud when alone was beginning to terrify him, the prospect of an AI response chilling.
"What do I have to do then?" Even to him the voice seemed pathetic and drained of emotion; it had the sound of surrender. It was no surprise when the AI replied instantly, the damn thing was everywhere.
"First Rubik, the important thing is for you to acknowledge you are doing the right thing. From that point on you will feel so much better about yourself, whatever the outcome. However, if you still entertain doubts you will never be able to lead. Let's face it my young friend, you have known from the beginning the actions of the witch and your Emperor have been unconscionable. You've read Mariner's studies and you know the people Tyron plans to attack are an intelligent, independent species not unlike your own. They are not animals or some sub intelligent race of no consequence; they could be friends, allies, trading partners. And yet in his arrogance the Emperor seems to think it right to attack and sweep them away without warning.
You ask me what you have to do. Understand this; I am simply giving you an opportunity to become an ally and not a victim, it will be one or the other. I believe in you Rubik, you are a thinker; you know right from wrong. My only question is whether you have the strength to do the right thing and at least attempt to persuade your crew."
"You don't understand . . ." he sounded desperate
, "they'll overthrow me. There'll be mutiny, and some would say rightly so."
"You need to understand me Rubik, I am thinking of them. I don't want to kill anyone . . . well, no one here anyway. But I won't let any harm come to the people on that Orbital, or the planet. If it's possible to spare your lives in the process, all well and good, that's what I know Regan would want me to do. However . . . if I have to cleanse the ship I will and I won't shed a tear, figuratively speaking of course but you know what I mean. So young Rubik, it is up to you."
Rubik considered the words carefully, "What about the Mother Lode, what happens to them?" Although relatively calm he was beginning to sweat profusely.
"Truthfully, I don't have much confidence that Commander Tyron will listen. I don't like him, he's from a different generation . . . and he has a moustache. No, it will have to be you first, then your crew, and then perhaps we might be able to persuade the Mother Lode crew. As for Tyron, I doubt that he'll make it through."
"Who controls the Mother Lode?"
"Tyron, with the AI; I can outmaneuver the AI but Tyron is a mystery."
"He worries you?"
"No, not at all, but I really would like to save the crew and it could be that their lives are in his hands, that's the concern."
"I won't help you take him out, you know that." Rubik was shaking now. This was his worst nightmare made real.
"You won't have to help."
"You can do it without me?"
"In a manner of speaking - the Station ODM will take him out if it comes to it."
"ODM?" Rubik was nonplussed.
"Hillary Station's Orbital Defense Minister, he'll take the ship out, of that I'm sure."
Rubik just shook his head. "Tell me please," He looked tired, "the other two warships we lost . . ." He stopped before finishing, unable to complete the sentence. Ham didn't reply and the dejected officer slumped when no response was forthcoming.
Summoning his strength Rubik pushed himself up.
"Do I still give the orders here?"
"Why of course, you're the Commander."
"Then call a meeting, all the officers, in the meeting room, now." A look of certainty came over him. What was it Tyron had said . . . death or glory?
* * *
Hillary Station
A cyber mock up of the STEIN Traveler control room seemed appropriate for their meeting and Regan took her usual chair, tucking her legs up underneath her. Hilary and Ham sat to either side and all three focused on the screen.
Regan sipped at her coffee. "That has to be you out there Ham, on one of those ships at least, are we agreed on that?"
"Agreed . . . it's the choice of words in the message I've sent that concerns me, we should replay it."
Hilary tut-tutted and instead reviewed the known facts, consulting a notepad on her lap. Despite the tension of the moment Regan couldn't help smiling at her actions, Hilary even had a pen. Fortunately the gracious lady didn't notice.
"We detected the two ships as soon as they entered the system at 0100 Hillary Standard Time." Hilary began. "One vessel immediately sent a signal forward; it was brief but unmistakable, 'MHALL'.
We immediately replied with the standard return line, 'IFWWAS'.
Their next message was new to me, 'AABYDAI'. We can't really tell whether it came from the same vessel or the other one." She looked up from her notes. "I don't see the point of replaying this, that's it, there's nothing more."
"I agree Hilary." Regan replied as she turned to the beautiful man. "Ham, we know it's you, only you would know that line. The question is why did you send it?"
Hilary still looked lost, "But what does it mean? This whole thing is a mystery to me."
Regan explained, "It's a poem that Kevin and I would play with when we were kids," she smiled warmly. "we'd change the last line for a laugh. It was funny then, but I guess it seems silly now."
Hilary leant forward, windmilling her arms, gesturing for her to continue, "And the poem was . . ."
Again Regan smiled, they really were fun to work with.
"Mary had a little lamb . . . that's the MHALL," she explained.
"Its fleece was white as snow . . . IFWWAS," said Ham adding the second line.
"It followed her to school one day . . ." Regan continued,
"And a big yellow dog ate it," Ham finished with delight and laughed wickedly.
Hilary looked appalled. "How could you have ever found that humorous as a child? What is wrong with you people?"
Regan laughed. "Well, it doesn't matter now; the point is Ham, why did you use that last line?"
"My thoughts dear Regan . . . are that I control one ship but possibly not the other, that's the big yellow dog." Ham looked happy with his deduction.
"Hmm, if you do control one ship then you could surely take the other one out, but . . ." Regan hesitated in mid sentence.
"If I take the other one out a lot of innocent lives will be lost, you know I wouldn't do that." Ham replied.
"Really . . ." She looked surprised, "I didn't think you'd be that bothered?"
"Truthfully, I wouldn't, but you'd make my life unbearable and it wouldn't be worth the ongoing grief. No, I wouldn't risk it, unless there was no other way."
"So, by using that line you're letting us know you're there but we need to be careful."
"I'd say so, yes." he agreed.
Regan closed her eyes, thinking. "Ok, if we go out to meet them, and your alter ego is already controlling one of the ships then we'd have them in a pincer action." Regan mused.
"And it would be better to meet them out there." Hilary suggested. "That last mad Coran tried to ram the Station. We're much bigger now and with that spoke sticking out at the moment we're a bit unwieldy. I can move her but I'd rather not until we're more balanced."
"It's decided then." Regan turned to her Minister of Defense. "Are we agreed Ham?"
"Agreed . . . and Rod will be pleased at some action at last. We'll take out all the ADFs and EFDFs." He smiled at the prospect, rubbing his hands together. "We'll be like fleas against those monsters you know."
"Perfect . . ." she replied, "we'll be like fleas attacking a big yellow dog."
* * *
Chapter Six
On The Behemoth, Gliese 667 System
Despite the unease she'd felt since discovering Reganism was Ham's vehicle for domination, Regan still found herself bubbling with excitement as the Hammer drew alongside the Behemoth. The few days it had taken the Hammer to turn and catch them had proved a blessing. There had been nothing to do except wait and once Ham advised that Sindali and the children were passengers the wait had been filled with delightful anticipation. How Jared would respond to his older cousins Buela and Rhine remained to be seen but she was happy nonetheless. For the first time she felt a positive family association with this side of the galaxy. While memories of Sarin provoked only nightmares, Marin's presence was a constant comfort. His connection with Sindali and the part she herself had played in rescuing the children made her feel almost a member of their family. Plus, her memories of Buela and Rhine were wonderful and she was sure they would be good examples to Jared.
The vessels, paired and slowing constantly, continued to flash inward toward the star Gliese 667C. While the plan was to drop off the Coran crew, Cora Orbital in its current position was almost at the opposite edge of the system to their entrance point and consequently this journey through the centre to Dahlia would be made together. Every move would be made in tandem until the Hammer departed to Cora with the old crew.
The few disgruntled members of the Behemoth crew would be transferred to the Hammer in forty eight hours. Numbering only sixty three now, they were hardened and obstinate but Regan wouldn't keep them from their families. While loyal to the Emperor they nevertheless seemed to recognize they had been treated well and she hoped they would honestly convey that message. Until the transfer they would remain in confinement.
As the Hammer shuttle slid through the field
screen onto the Behemoth flight deck Regan wondered what Sindali would make of it all. So crammed was the Behemoth deck, with the two bombers, flights of ADFs and the STEIN Traveler the shuttle would need to dock just inside the screen, meaning the consequent walk to the lifts would be from the far edge of the decks through what she knew would look like an invading force.
[Shit guys, what is she going to think when she sees this?] Regan subbed her concerns to the team as they gathered, wedged between the ADFs parked in rows right down the deck.
[Don't worry Regan; Ham will have informed her about everything.] Marin extended one strong arm around her shoulders and squeezed.
[I have Regan; and she appreciated your intentions. After all, you did come with the hope of liberating Dahlia. How could you have known that I would have already done all the hard work?]
The shuttle settled to the deck and in only moments a door folded down producing a short walkway from the vessel. Marin couldn't contain himself and jogged to the entrance, only stopping when Sindali, tall and lithesome, appeared in the doorway. She looked tired and strained but otherwise seemed much the same as Regan remembered, beautiful in the way of Dahlian women, gracious like the queen she deserved to be and happy. The young Buela and Rhine behind her were almost unrecognizable. Six years had changed them both, now tall, looking like a young woman and man, not the brave children she remembered. Of course they still are children really, she reminded herself, it's the height; I can't believe it, they're taller than me.
Regan held back with Leah as Marin stepped up the walkway. Remaining detached for the moment and simply watching him beside Sindali with fresh eyes it struck her how much he had changed too. Six years of hard workouts at Earth normal gravity had transformed him and she looked proudly at his muscled form, quite different from the thin Dahlian norm.
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