Regan's Reach 4: Avarice

by Mark G Brewer

  Life . . . the object was some kind of life raft, an escape pod, and it held a passenger.

  They approached cautiously, all the time watching on screen the slow tumble of the largely unmarked pod as they considered the wisest course of action. Left to its own devices the pod would continue on until being swallowed in the heat of Rigel, a final outcome that wouldn't bother the passenger as he or she would be long dead before then. In any case that was not an option; there was no way they would desert the passenger. Nevertheless the matter of bringing them on board required some discussion.

  Regan sat curled up in her chair, rubbing her chin and thinking. "Ham, can you tell from the pod's position whether it ejected through the explosion?"

  "I'd say it launched just before detonation, so the person on board either triggered the blast or they knew it was about to happen."

  "But that still doesn't make sense, what would be the point of them ejecting, they would still die out here unless they planned on being rescued; could it be a spy from Rexis?"

  "Regan, In my time here I have thoroughly searched every bit of data that Bob has on Regis and no, I don't believe Rexis have spies there."

  "Then I can't see why an individual would do this. After all, if they planned on sacrificing their life wouldn't they stay on the vessel and die there, why go slowly like this?"

  "Perhaps they didn't intend that the pod would be heading in this particular direction."

  "What do you mean?" She asked.

  "Well, the area where the ship exploded is reasonably close to Rexis. Perhaps the hope was the escape pod would travel there . . . or, your other suggestion might be the answer, they hoped to be picked up."

  "Hmm, either way we can only assume their intentions were less than friendly. Anyone willing to wipe out their entire leadership team, or at best participate, is decidedly dodgy don't you think?"

  "Agreed, so what are we going to do?" They continued to stare at the tumbling pod until Regan replied.

  "Let's stabilize the pod first and let the occupant rest for a while, I don't want them throwing up in my Interceptor."

  In a carefully judged maneuver Ham nudged the interceptor forward and gently matched the spin of the escape pod, eventually touching the surface and then beginning to slow the tumble to a standstill. Then they waited while Regan grabbed a coffee.

  An hour later Regan and Ham exchanged a look. [Now?] She subbed.

  Ham nodded and activated displacement. They spun to face the open area behind their seats just in time to see a shimmer to the air, something like a bubble appearing and then a man in a reclined position simply materialized and collapsed on to the floor. Their first impression was the overpowering smell as apparently the man had soiled himself and his hair and clothing were wet with sweat. He still looked groggy and appeared to be going into shock.

  "He looks harmless enough." She said, and rose to stand over him, reaching down a hand to help him up. He ignored it and rolled to vomit on the floor. "Oh geez - I wanted to avoid that. Come on, whoever you are, you're safe now."

  He seemed not to understand. "Regan," Ham said quickly, "I'm sending you a language file, on the planet Regis they don't speak the same language as Bob's mob."

  She nodded and waited, feeling the left brain rush and then looked down to smile at the man welcomingly. Repeating the earlier statement she again extended her hand and he took it, allowing her to pull him up while Ham watched quietly from behind.

  "We can talk soon," she said, "but first you need to get cleaned up. There is a small bathroom over there." She pointed. "Shower first and refresh your clothes. Just throw them in the side drawer while you wash. It's not a perfect wash but they will freshen nicely. Then you can explain what went on back there with your ship."

  The young man still looked shocked but relief was also beginning to flood his features. "Thank you, thank you so much for saving me, are you from Rexis?"

  She hesitated before answering. "We'll talk later, clean up first." And again she gestured toward the bathroom. He didn't question further and slipped through the door which closed behind him.

  Ham and Regan again exchanged questioning looks.

  [Age?] Regan subbed.

  [I'd say mid twenties.]

  [I agree - I don't know anything about their dress, what does it tell you?]

  [Well you could just check your own files as I do - but then why have an android and bark yourself?] He scowled playfully. [His dress is typical senate and I'd say he was a delegate, not an assistant, although he does seem quite young.]

  [Is he carrying a weapon?]

  [Again Regan, you can do all this yourself, why do you keep asking me?]

  She smiled. [Because I like it Ham my man, I like working with you, and winding you up.]

  [Hmm - okay, no weapon but he is carrying a few things, nothing that looks like a threat though.]

  [Okay, so I guess we wait then, I'm going to grab another coffee, now do you think you could arrange for a servitor to . . .]

  [Already done M'lady.] He answered in mock servant English.

  She looked down and saw the vomit had indeed been cleaned away. She mock curtsied to the beautiful man, smiled broadly and headed for the galley.

  Muffled calls from the bathroom indicated their visitor was ready but seemed to have some problem. Could he not get out? Regan walked over and padded for the door which immediately opened to a naked man, covering himself and blushing with embarrassment.

  "My clothes, I'm so sorry, I can't get them back."

  Regan noticed the man's attempts to cover himself weren't helped by him clutching two or three items that he must have been carrying. She thought better of commenting or joking and simply opened the freshener drawer with a thought. The drawer slid open, much to the man's frustration and he blushed again.

  "I'll leave you to dress, and then maybe we can get introductions out of the way." Regan smiled while padding the wall and the door slid closed hiding the man's priceless expression.

  "He's well built Ham, shorter than I would have expected. Is he typical of the people?"

  "Pretty much, there are many around his age. The build is typical with gravity there a little higher than earth normal. They have good nutrition and a generally healthy lifestyle, although they have pressure on resources. Population growth is outstripping ability to produce."

  Behind them the door to the bathroom slid open and Regan turned to a much more assured and confident young man. She didn't hesitate, stepping forward quickly and extending a hand. "Welcome, you must be shocked at your experience and frankly, it's a miracle you're alive at all. I'm Regan Stein; you must be part of the Regis delegation?"

  He gathered himself quickly. "Thank you for rescuing me . . . my ship . . . what happened?"

  Ham stepped forward and also extended a hand. "We hoped you might be able to enlighten us on that." The man seemed to sense something was amiss and almost unconsciously cringed back. "Yes," Ham acknowledged the obvious, "this is an android and I, the ghost in this machine am Ham; do you have a problem with that?"

  He cringed back further in fear, clutching at his midriff Regan noted, then seemed to pull himself together, standing straight and fashioning a tight smile. "I apologize, you would be aware we have no such technology on my planet. It is - something of a shock to be confronted with the very object of our fears."

  "And am I so terrifying?" Ham asked.

  "Truthfully, I have no idea at this point." he answered. "I am simply grateful for my rescue, and nervous for my future."

  Regan took her command seat, pointedly, "Sir, you now know my name, and you have met my partner Ham, what is your name?"

  "I am Perin, and I come from a direct line to the founders."

  "And how was it, Perin, that you came to be inside that escape pod, which by our calculation launched just before the explosion which decimated your ship. An explosion which, given the total loss of your friends, appears to have come as a surprise to everyone - except you."

&
nbsp; Perin seemed to wilt at the question, staggering and grasping a chair for support. Ham guided him to it and he sank down sobbing. They waited.

  "I was warned." He finally got out. "An intern found out about the plan, a plan made by dark forces back on Regis. They aimed to wipe out the leadership, take over at home and blame it on Rexis. The intern led me to the pods and insisted I get in. I argued with him, initially refusing but he was desperately insistent, and I thought he would follow but I must have wasted too much time. The next thing I knew as I buckled in was that the door slammed shut; he must have slammed it and then I felt the force of the launch, followed almost immediately by another thrust that sent the pod tumbling. I don't know anymore, only that which you have just told me . . ." His voice trailed away and he broke down again.

  [Do you think he's telling the truth Ham?] Regan asked.

  [It's hard to tell, he's so shaken up by the experience, and he's still in shock . . . I can't rely on his vital signs for any indication of truthfulness. I guess it's possible.]

  [Let's take him back, there's no point in hanging around here; we can question him more once he's calmed down.]

  [Back where Regan?]

  [Back to the Fair Passage, that's the ship that will be held up anyway with quarantine, if we take him there and keep him under cabin arrest it means the Behemoth and Ascendant can commence disembarking as soon as we arrive at Rexis. Ham, what's the situation with Brian's crew, they could be headed into problems? Regis . . .] She looked down with growing disappointment at the still crying man, [Regis could be on a war footing.]

  [They are all aboard the STEIN Traveler and underway as we speak, it's too late for me to update but we can always jump there soon after Brian and his team arrive. In any case Regan, we did discuss this before they left; they will be expecting that Regis might feel under attack, especially after the earlier incident.]

  [How will they get into the palace if they are on the alert?]

  [If I know myself, which I think I do well, all pretence of stealth will be gone. I'd bring the STEIN in over the palace and displace the troops straight in there, four by four until they have the full complement. Regan, regardless of the welcome, we will get the job done. If we have to destroy the palace to do it we will, we will eliminate the virus threat.]

  She didn't seem convinced but there was nothing more to be said and she returned her attention to their guest. "Perin." She called and waited. "Perin! Pull yourself together man; your ship has gone down and there are questions to be answered."

  "I don't know anything, I told you, I was warned and I got out like a coward, it would be better if I had died there with them, I can't return home now."

  Ham snorted loudly. "Well in that case you'd better get used to living with the likes of me then."

  "Enough Ham, just get us back to the Fair Passage. We'll deal with this there. Perin, you're going to have to move, you're sitting in my chair." She stood waiting until he grudgingly rose and to her disgust wiped his snotty hand on the arm as he did so.

  Incredulous she watched as he meekly shifted to the furthest chair. "Men!" she muttered loudly as she walked to the galley for a cloth.

  Ham said nothing, preparing for the warp jump that would take them back to the Fair Passage. He wanted to be close enough to impress Lucas, but not so close that he earned Hilary's wrath - easy.

  * * *

  Palace of the Founders, Rexis

  The senate amphitheatre looked sadly empty with two thirds of the seats vacant. Still, there were one hundred and thirty seven aged senators present and all wanted to have a say. The widespread panic over the implications of the explosion and the deaths of the Regis delegation had reached a crescendo in the chambers with many demanding answers and action; of both there was precious little in evidence.

  "ENOUGH!" The voice reverberated around the amphitheatre with a volume that commanded attention from all. Silence settled as people scanned for the owner of the voice that so silenced the masses and then, once identified, muttering sprang up quickly at the impertinence of it . . . it was Bob.

  With a frustration that radiated from his android Bob strode to the centre rostrum and calmly, somewhat coolly panned the scattered members with eyes that brooked no argument. He began softly.

  "Enough brethren; we have pressed on in denial for far too long. The events of today have been coming for a long time, and we have asked, nay, fair begged for it. We are all at fault here. Your reliance on my kind, your enjoyment of us, even your growing need for our support has left you flabby and unprepared for change. Equally our help has not served you well, we have enabled your decline, not intentionally, but we are equally to blame nonetheless. Our enabling has led to the situation we now face, the possible invasion by your distant brethren and the possible annihilation of my kind. Your vision of freedom for all could soon be replaced by rigid fundamentalism of a kind that will see within one generation the advances many of your fathers worked so hard for completely lost." Bob paused, letting the pressure build. He stepped away from the rostrum and down one level to draw nearer to the people. Holding a small gavel in his hand he spoke to it as if it were alive, a technique he had observed Regan use with effect.

  "Brethren - events have overtaken us - our plans to repopulate with peaceful colonists from Earth, to continue family lines via artificial insemination, to begin to trade with other branches of the galaxy and continue the development your fathers valued so highly; all these plans are at risk now." He looked up briefly to scan the silent crowd before resuming his downward look. "Our future depends now on Regan Stein, not just as a partner, but as a deliverer. She and her team offer our only hope to subdue the Regis people, or at least contain them, and to deliver the Minds from destruction. We were working with her, but now brethren; if we are to survive we must recognize that without her deliverance of us we are nothing. We do not work with her now Brethren, we must recognize we work for her. It is time . . ." he paused before looking up quickly, ". . . time for change. She is our only hope."

  No one challenged Bob's words and inexplicably the chamber simply began to clear with all leaving for homes and offices, to be with loved ones in case of war . . . and to wait.

  * * *

  The STEIN Traveler, in Regis orbit

  In Regis orbit the STEIN traveler had an unfinished look, missing as it was the Transport off on mission with Marin and Leah, and with the Interceptor picking up the sole survivor of the Regis delegation. The clean slice off the bottom of the STEIN and the gap on the top where the Interceptor would normally rest meant the sphere looked unfinished, weakened even. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every surface of the STEIN Traveler with or without the various transport options in place was impregnated with billions of the effectors that were the key to displacement and its defense. Ham had no worries about attacks from Regis and everyone within the vessel would be safe. It was their safety once outside the STEIN that worried him greatly as he settled them in their orbit and considered the next moves of their occupation.

  On the larger level six storage deck Brian's troops milled around all going through their own routines of preparing body armor, weapons, emergency supplies and miscellaneous equipment, much of it intensely personal. One thing they wore in common was the headset which incorporated glasses provided by Regan. Using it Ham could provide instant heads up displays and communication between soldiers. With the ability to relay signals via individual soldiers it was unlikely they would be caught out as he and Bob had been on their last visit.

  One aspect of the mission had changed. Signals from the surface indicated the planet was in a state of emergency and team safety concerns had escalated considerably. Instead of traveling down by Pod and Interceptor Ham decided they would now take the direct route. He would simply position the STEIN over the palace and sit there displacing anything the Regis forces might fire at her, either back toward the attackers or allowing the projectiles to fly on and do damage elsewhere. Then four by four he would displace t
he soldiers directly into the palace, varying the placement to ensure perfect spread for a takeover.

  Only Brian, of this group, had experienced displacement before and he had them practicing now as it would be essential that they emerged, not laughing but ready for action. Brian knew how heady the realization of displacement could be, it was a true 'beam me up Scotty' experience for someone who had never done it before and one they would never forget. But the men might never get a second chance if they were met with resistance from some trigger happy guard. Over and over he had groups jogging to the elevator, up to level four and then Ham would displace them back to the level six deck. Everyone had now experienced seven such jumps and the thrill was already starting to wear off.

  Brian watched quietly as the last groups displaced in and then left them to it; it was time for discussion with Ham in the control room. Slipping away from the group he took the elevator to level two and wandered through to the galley for coffee. Suitably prepared he joined Ham in front of the big screen, noting his friend had chosen an android that looked more powerful than anything he remembered.

  "You're not thinking of going down there with us are you?"

  "Don't worry; I won't get in your way. It occurred to me that the best way to make sure the way is clear without loss of life would be for me to flash displace first, then if it's all clear the next four can displace after me. If we do that really fast and group by group it won't cause any real delay."

  Brian listened quietly then asked the obvious. "What happens if they take you out, I mean, we need you for the mission."

  "It will be a copy of me; I'll still be here with the STEIN in central control."

  "Shit Ham, it will still be a 'you' getting blasted, bugger me, does it hurt?"