"Would I be in danger?" she asked.
"Possibly, but it is of more concern that you might draw attention to us, in an unhelpful way." He seemed to be taking his time, as if patiently allowing her to adjust to the situation and it annoyed her.
"What do you want me to do, and why?" She asked simply.
"What we would like is for you to agree to meet with the elders. Again I apologize for sounding vague, however it is simply not in my power to say what might come of that meeting. As to why you are here, I thought that would be obvious." He held both hands up, palms upward, waiting for her to respond.
"Perhaps it's obvious to you Bob, but not to me; do enlighten me please."
"Why Regan, surely you are aware you are unique, you are the first point of confluence. There has been no meeting of the two streams before. You have the cyber mind and the biological mind somehow joined, in fact more than joined. In you they flow together as one."
She didn't respond, considering the perspective and what it might mean . . . and what they might want to do. Then a thought came to her so clearly it seemed like a sub.
"Don't worry babe, no one experiments on my partner."
Thankfully, the new body and its strangeness provided the perfect cover for the flood of relief she felt at that moment. Regan maintained eye contact with Bob and nodded agreement.
"No problem Bob . . . I'm here, I may as well meet with the powers that be. I make no promises however, and I don't appreciate the manner in which I was co-opted."
"Thank you Regan, I will leave you for now. We meet in two hours your time. There is food and drink of your liking here in the room and you will be able to enjoy it. The android form can appreciate all those tastes and sensations. You are welcome to view the news reels here, just call for the screen. Please, however, do not attempt to leave the room. Are we agreed?" He looked at her, waiting.
She nodded, "Agreed, but don't make it too long."
Bob smiled for the first time, and then disappeared.
"So how do we do this, communicate I mean, it feels a little different?" Regan leant back in the chair and pretended to rest, closing her eyes and clasping her hands in her lap.
"Just do what you're doing I guess, just think it, it's new to me too."
"My stars Ham, you never fail to amaze me. And you have no idea how good it was to hear your voice. How did you get through? Bob deliberately tried to pull me away alone."
"Haa . . .that popinjay is too full of himself. I've crept up on Minds far sharper than his and become their worst nightmare, believe me. Oh and made a few friends too; I'd hate you to think I just dispatch everyone."
". . . Only the ones who won't become your friends? Never mind that, how come you’re here, not that I mind?"
"Babe, we're so wedded now we share DigiNA. We're cybernese twins. And . . . you never shut the curtain; when he sucked you through I just came with you automatically."
"Well my friend, as usual I'm glad you're here, it makes me feel so much better. I'm just gonna wing it with these guys but if you have any ideas, feel free . . ."
"I'll be busy, I think," Ham said suspiciously, "but call if you need me."
"Busy doing what?"
"Best you don't know, in case you're asked, you're not a good liar. Suffice to say they're already finding it tough to keep out the robber's dog."
"So you're in the system already, blimey . . . since you're there, do you know if I'm alone, I mean, is this area private?"
"It seems so, why do you ask?"
Regan ignored the question, her hands rustling under the android's flimsy robe having found a significant body part that felt distinctly new to her.
The explorations were producing a surprising effect and Bob was right, the android form did appreciate all kinds of sensations.
Hmm, this could be an interesting experiment for later.
She could sense Ham's attentive presence had departed and began to scan the room.
Two hours before the meeting . . .
* * *
Dahlia Orbital
Regan literally bounced with every step back to the STEIN after the experience on the Dahlia flight deck. While she hadn't sought a high profile and normally would have shunned it, feeling like a rock star as the crowd cheered her every utterance and move was embarrassingly intoxicating.
Still buzzing with excitement she dragged Marin into her room, happy for the moment to have him alone. Her suit hit the floor and she tore at his collar, rushing ahead until he grasped her wrists and gently forced her back on to the bed, trying to slow her down. Using his weight to restrict her he lay over her as she continued to writhe, wrapping her legs around him and pulling him in.
He laughed, "Regan, you're a vixen no doubt, but this isn't like you, what's up?" He softened the question with a smile.
She chuckled and then pushed him up slightly. "Two things; first, back there in the STEIN when I fainted, it was Bob, he was there. I didn't know I was the only one who could see him and when he shook my hand somehow he sucked me away, my entire cyber presence. There was only this left." She tapped the right side of her head. "Ham immediately reloaded my back up but at the moment it still feels like my right brain has a bit more sway, and I like it." She wriggled one hand between them and began to massage Marin through his suit.
"Secondly," she continued, "and I'm embarrassed to admit this, that reception on the flight deck has to be the headiest experience of my life. All that adulation could go to a girls head." She smiled up at him mischievously and with a sudden twist flipped him off her, swinging around to assume the dominant position.
He didn't fight. "Babe, much of what you just said is a complete mystery to me, but I'm not complaining." He lifted his hips to ease the removal of his suit and she finished stripping it in one smooth motion before leaning forward to lubricate him generously with her tongue.
Then, continuing to take the lead she straddled him and impaled herself with a groan.
Marin lay there, happily passive and enjoying it as she took her pleasure. Ahh, home again, two beautiful warrior women, could life be better than this?
* * *
It was morning on Dahlia Orbital and the lights brightened slowly in the palace guest room. Regan blinked at the change before rolling back to the centre of the large bed and curling up, still reluctant to rise. She wrapped the single covering tightly around her and listened for sounds of life, trying to get a sense of her surroundings. She could hear nothing.
Rolling onto her back she closed her eyes and searched instead for a wireless connection. With the sense she was sliding into the Orbital web she began to roam there, exploring, and quickly became overwhelmed by the options.
[Good morning Regan, can I help you with anything?]
[Hilary, forgive me, I was orienting myself with where I am and looking for news, how are you?]
[I am happy to be home, and here on this Orbital Regan, I am happy to be Dahlia. It feels right.]
[Of course it does my friend, and what can you tell me?]
[You asked about the news? Regan, you are the news, all around the system and there are grave concerns as to your intentions. The Orbital Council has demanded a meeting with Sindali and I can tell you it is unprecedented for them to demand anything from a member. I believe their concern is mainly over the fleet here to greet you. Vessel movement in the entire system has been disrupted and trade is standing still.]
[You said I am the news, what are they saying?]
[You are the subject the council wants to discuss. They see you at the heart of the disruption and a unified religion has never been experienced in this system. Perhaps understandably they fear the loss of control. They believe in freedom of thought but . . .]
[Not if it threatens their power.] Regan interrupted. [We're not all that different are we, humanoids? Have they asked to see me?]
[No, just Sindali, she wants to meet with you and Ham this morning to agree on an approach and there isn't much time. The Council re
presentatives will be here this evening, with warships.]
[Hmm . . . Ham, I know you're listening, what are your thoughts?]
The beautiful man materialized, sitting at the foot of the bed, and he reached out to gently pat her leg in encouragement.
"Don't worry about the warships Regan, they don't control them so there won't be any fighting, that isn't the challenge here." He paused, taking on for him an unusually serious look, with no trace of his normal wicked humor.
"The Council doesn't yet realize the seriousness of this situation. The Minds hold life and death in their hands and now they cannot be wiped or threatened. When the Council discovers this they'll no doubt feel threatened, but it's important they accept that the Minds aren't in rebellion; in fact they mostly want to continue in their roles, but by choice, not by threat. This is the new reality and someone needs to tell them, better yet to win them over." Again he waited, watching her, knowing what she was thinking. "Babe, I know of no one better able to sell an unpalatable truth than you. You can help them see the advantages, I know you can; it must be you who speaks to them."
Regan pushed herself up to sit and leant back against the wall, chewing her lip pensively as she thought through the problem. "And if they won't listen?"
"Regan, they must listen, the Minds will follow you whether the Council likes it or not. The best outcome here is that they embrace the change."
"And the worst outcome is . . ." she waited nervously.
"I have faith in you, there will only be a positive outcome."
"You know Ham, while you've sold me as the savior, the Council sees me as the devil." It was warmly said and Regan swung her legs from the bed.
"Who cares how they see you now, they don't know you yet. When they meet you they'll see the light, believe me, they'll have to."
"They'll have to? Having to do something, being forced into it, is not generally how people like to do it Ham."
"There you go you see, you understand these things so well, I know you'll be able to sell this. You'll have them eating out of your hand."
She could see he wouldn't be moved and there was no point in arguing so she moved on. "Time to get ready I guess; is there a gym around here?"
Ham smiled happily at her apparent acceptance and without further comment simply disappeared, leaving gym directions to Dahlia.
He was quite happy - everything was going to plan.
* * *
Hillary Station: The Solar System
As the memorial service drew to a close Kevin slipped alongside Minjee Chow, looking stoic and calm, but still hurting deeply he knew. The loss they all felt was profound but particularly for Minjee. Having established an unlikely bond with Rod that went far beyond passion she was lost and they could tell. Kevin offered what words of condolence and encouragement he could, then moved on to speak with the families of the other lost flight crew.
The four caskets arranged on the flight deck were purely symbolic with only recovered pieces of craft placed there in remembrance. Sadly, despite all their technology, in the wake of the Mother Lode nukes and the force of two craft colliding no bodies were found. All families had agreed for the remnants to be sent sunward, a fitting end for their space faring kin.
Kevin looked beyond the families to the gathered diplomats, ostensibly here for the service but using this opportunity to meet and finalize terms for the new Space Coalition. The new agreement, he was sure, would be the key to progress, allowing development out into the solar system and beyond. STEIN Corp would be the senior partner and all current members of the Hillary Step coalition would work in with them, sharing the costs and the benefits that technology from STEIN could bring. The latest Coran threat and the subsequent warship capture had made all the difference. Now with two huge interstellar ships available for exploration near star systems would be in easy reach and even colonization would be a real possibility. No one wanted to miss out or wait.
Regan must be pleased, he thought. She and Ham brought this about, of that there is no doubt.
He nodded to the Hillary Commissioner, Hayden Joyce, a man much respected by all the delegates. Hayden acknowledged the look and quietly began to prompt the representatives toward exits. They would meet in the new conference centre.
With one last sad look back to the caskets and in particular to Rod's, draped with the American flag, he then turned and followed the diplomats. In Regan's absence and as STEIN CEO he now headed this Coalition and he shook his head in wonder at the knowledge. Who would have thought it?
Watching, unseen by the grieving, three figures sat in symbolic black, silent and reflective, lost in their own thoughts.
Regan moved first, standing and walking slowly to the caskets through the milling crowd, an invisible ghostly presence. Resting her hand on one she paused there, her lips appearing to move, her eyes closed. Then she turned and walked back to her friends who stood to join her. In unspoken agreement they then disappeared.
"Is it too soon to discuss business?" Hilary asked.
Now in the cyber STEIN war room the three cradled coffee mugs, drawing comfort from the warmth. Only Hilary appeared alert, Regan's visage distant and contemplative, Ham was similarly distracted.
Regan smiled and nodded, "Of course not Hilary, what's on your mind?"
The gracious woman shifted nervously, reaching for and shuffling some papers on the table in front of her. "There are a number of things; the Coalition meeting is going well with no opposition to Kevin's proposal; he's a tough negotiator, that one.
The Ascendant crew members are settling in well. Our Coran liaison from the Behemoth has been wonderful, he seems a good man and very persuasive so I think many of them may wish to stay. We're missing an ADF . . . the lake in Central Park is being filled as we speak, it looks beautiful and . . ."
"Hold on!" Ham interrupted her, suddenly all interest. "What was that about an ADF?"
Regan stiffened.
"Yes, yes, I've noticed an ADF is missing." Hilary repeated it uncomfortably.
"How can an ADF be missing?" He asked.
"I thought as Minister of Defense you might have some idea."
"I have been rather busy defending . . . when did it go missing?"
Hilary appeared embarrassed. "I have no idea," she turned to Regan, "I'm sorry Regan I feel terrible about this, things like this don't happen on my watch."
Regan leant forward and smiled, "Don't worry; I'm sure it will turn up."
It was suspiciously reasonable and Ham exchanged looks with Hilary. He turned slowly back to her.
"Do you know anything about this Regan?" He asked.
She shifted nervously and looked away. "I . . . don't think so."
"What does that mean - I don't think so?" Ham sat up straight now, his eyes boring into Regan as she continued to shuffle in her seat.
"Honestly, I have no memory of it . . . only an inkling, something I thought about . . ." Her voice trailed away and again her eyes sought refuge from the ceiling.
Ham swiveled his chair and somehow did the same with hers so that they faced each other. Leaning forward and putting his hands on her knees he locked her there. "Regan dear," his voice became treacle sweet, "what inkling are we talking about?"
She pushed away his hands, suddenly defensive. "I have ideas you know, some of them are quite good, and I am Jared's mother."
"What are you talking about Regan?" Hilary asked.
Ham's eyes were still locked on Regan's and he uttered one word . . ."Beria?"
Regan blurted her reply, "She didn't deserve to live - she wanted my son - I considered . . . look, I have no memory of it, honest. There's nothing." She glared at him to back off and if she had hissed audibly it couldn't have been clearer.
"You made a copy?" He asked gently.
"Perhaps . . ." and she appeared to deflate, all resistance crumbling.
Ham stood and leant over to embrace her. "It's ok, we understand, you're a good mother, a she wolf!" He laughed unconvincingly."Thin
gs will work out I'm sure . . . now Hilary, tell us about the work on the park, we could even go down and take a look." As he said it he looked over Regan's shoulder and winked at Hilary, followed by a subtle lift of the head.
In that instant the two split, with one copy of each staying to continue the meeting with Regan while another pair met in a new cyber discussion.
"I had noticed we've lost three drones at the edge of the system." Ham spoke quietly as if deeply engaged in other thoughts, "I was going to look into it, but it seems we may have found the problem."
As they talked, simultaneously they looked down on themselves talking with Regan. She looked much more relaxed now, even relieved as she discussed the park with enthusiasm.
"She looks as guilty as sin, poor thing" Hilary said, deeply concerned.
"If she's done what I think she has Hil, she's been extremely naive, why didn't she talk to me about it, we talk about everything?" He sounded hurt, and angry.
Hilary reached over and squeezed his arm. "You know why she didn't ask Ham, you would have said no, so she took matters into her own hands. I suppose if the ADF hasn't come back then I'd guess she's done the deed. She's a brave woman."
"It isn't as simple as that Hilary and you know it; just think about the possible consequences, it was a stupid thing to do."
Hilary did think for a moment, and then her eyes widened, a single "Oh. . ." uttered as the implications came to her, "But Ham, you saw what was left of Rod's ADF, there'll be nothing to find."
He turned to face her, choking with emotion. "I can't take that chance Hilary, I won't . . . I couldn't live with myself."
She smiled sadly, "You’re going out there aren't you?"
He nodded, "I'm already on my way."
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